Is Elmer, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.8/100
waterverge.com Elmer, LA — Water Quality Report
Elmer's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,135 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 7 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elmer's water
Elmer ranks #51 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Elmer 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, Elmer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elmer, LA water safe to drink?
Elmer's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,135 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elmer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elmer's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elmer's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elmer's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Elmer's water come from?
Elmer's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,135 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 Lafourche At Thibodaux (river).
What Elmer residents can do
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.
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.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Elmer compares by contaminant
Explore where Elmer ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elmer's water comes from
Elmer'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 3,135 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Elmer
Elmer is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Elmer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMC WATER SYSTEM INC | LA1079006 | 3,135 | GW |
How Elmer compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Elmer's score of 86.8/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Elmer, LA
Wikipedia →Elmer is an unincorporated community in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, United States. The community is located on Louisiana Highway 112, 18.6 miles (29.9 km) southwest of Alexandria. Elmer has a post office with ZIP code 71424, which opened on May 15, 1888.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elmer's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rapides Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Elmer, LA tap water safe to drink?
Elmer's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #51 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Elmer's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Elmer'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 Elmer?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elmer's water come from?
Elmer's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,135 residents.
What health violations has Elmer's water system had?
Elmer has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Elmer's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elmer 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 7 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 Elmer's water compare to other cities?
Elmer ranks #51 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 83% of state cities) and #4445 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Elmer's small water system affect quality?
Elmer's system serves approximately 3,135 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 7 violations on record.