Is Elton, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.3/100
waterverge.com Elton, LA — Water Quality Report
Elton's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,512 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 30 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elton's water
Elton ranks #68 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Elton purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.03 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Elton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elton, LA water safe to drink?
Elton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,512 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elton's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Elton's water come from?
Elton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,512 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 Nezpique Near Basile (river).
What Elton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elton'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtJefferson Davis Parish is currently in D2 (severe 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Elton compares by contaminant
Explore where Elton ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elton's water comes from
Elton 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 Elton'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,512 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Elton
Elton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Elton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF ELTON WATER SYSTEM | LA1053001 | 1,512 | GWP |
How Elton compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Elton's score of 85.3/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Elton, LA
Wikipedia →Elton is a town in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 992 at the 2020 census, down from 1,128 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson Davis Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Elton, LA tap water safe to drink?
Elton's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #68 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Elton's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Elton'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 Elton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elton's water come from?
Elton's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,512 residents.
What health violations has Elton's water system had?
Elton has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Elton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elton 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 30 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 Elton's water compare to other cities?
Elton ranks #68 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 78% of state cities) and #5398 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Elton's small water system affect quality?
Elton's system serves approximately 1,512 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 30 violations on record.