WaterVerge

Is Elm Grove, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D, with 24 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: LA1015029
Overall Score
45 / 100
Violations
24 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#243 of 309 in Louisiana Top 91% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
DGRADE
Water Quality Grade
45/100
waterverge.com
D 45/100

Elm Grove, LA — Water Quality Report

Elm Grove's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,755 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 45 violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Elm Grove's water

Elm Grove ranks #243 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Elm Grove relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

As a small community water system, Elm Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
45 out of 100 Grade D
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Elm Grove, LA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Elm Grove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,755 residents using groundwater (wells).

24
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Elm Grove

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elm Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).

Violation
10 drinking water violations recorded

10 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elm Grove's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Elm Grove's water system has 45 total violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

TTOtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Oct 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Oct 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Oct 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Oct 2025 Groundwater Rule Open

Where does Elm Grove's water come from?

Elm Grove's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,755 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Red River At Bossier City (river), Lake Bistineau Near Ringgold (lake), Flat River Near Curtis (river), Flat River East Of Caplis (river), Red Chute Bayou At Sligo (river).

What Elm Grove residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elm Grove's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

45
Total violations
25
Health-based
24
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

45 Total
24 Active
25 Health-based
21 Resolved
5 SNC
Violations by category
Ground Water Rule
11
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
10
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
6
Total Coliform Rule
6
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
4
Oct 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Aug 2024 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Nov 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
May 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Sep 2020 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Aug 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Apr 2016 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
May 2014 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 45 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Bossier 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.

13
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
13.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
13
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 3.0 ppb from 2004 (3.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
1,755
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Elm Grove's water comes from

Groundwater

Elm Grove's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,755 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Elm Grove

Elm Grove is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Red River At Bossier City
river
Lake Bistineau Near Ringgold
lake
Flat River Near Curtis
river
Flat River East Of Caplis
river
Red Chute Bayou At Sligo
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Elm Grove

System Name PWSID Population Source
SOUTH BOSSIER WATER SYSTEM LA1015029 1,755 GW
Regional Comparison

How Elm Grove compares

Full Louisiana rankings →

Elm Grove's score of 45/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.

Elm Grove (this city)
45
Jefferson
85.8
Lafayette
35.1
Shreveport
36.5
Louisiana avg
53
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Frequently asked questions

Is Elm Grove, LA tap water safe to drink?

Elm Grove's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #243 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.

What contaminants are in Elm Grove's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 45 violations are on record.

How is Elm Grove'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 Elm Grove?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Elm Grove's water come from?

Elm Grove's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,755 residents.

What health violations has Elm Grove's water system had?

Elm Grove has 25 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.

Is Elm Grove's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Elm Grove 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 45 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 Elm Grove's water compare to other cities?

Elm Grove ranks #243 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 21% of state cities) and #14284 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Elm Grove's small water system affect quality?

Elm Grove's system serves approximately 1,755 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 45 violations on record.