Is Echo, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.8/100
waterverge.com Echo, LA — Water Quality Report
Echo's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,044 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 14 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Echo's water
Echo ranks #95 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Echo purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Echo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Echo, LA water safe to drink?
Echo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,044 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Echo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Echo's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.8/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Echo's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Echo's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Echo's water come from?
Echo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,044 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bayou Cocodrie Near Clearwater (river).
What Echo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Echo's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtRapides Parish is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Echo's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 8.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Echo compares by contaminant
Explore where Echo ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Echo's water comes from
Echo purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Echo's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,044 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Echo
Echo is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Echo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POLAND WATER ASSOCIATION | LA1079025 | 1,044 | GWP |
How Echo compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Echo's score of 81.8/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Echo, LA
Wikipedia →Echo is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, United States. It was first listed as a CDP in the 2020 census with a population of 352.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Echo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rapides Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Echo, LA tap water safe to drink?
Echo's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #95 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Echo's water?
Lead was measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Echo's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Echo?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Echo's water come from?
Echo's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,044 residents.
What health violations has Echo's water system had?
Echo has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Echo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Echo uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 14 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Echo's water compare to other cities?
Echo ranks #95 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 69% of state cities) and #7316 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Echo's small water system affect quality?
Echo's system serves approximately 1,044 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 14 violations on record.