WaterVerge

Is Estherwood, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

891 residents served 1 water system PWSID: LA1001003
Overall Score
77.5 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#118 of 309 in Louisiana Top 57% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
77.5/100
waterverge.com
B 77.5/100

Estherwood, LA — Water Quality Report

Estherwood's drinking water received a grade of B (77.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 891 residents using groundwater.

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 13 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Estherwood's water

Estherwood ranks #118 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Estherwood 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, Estherwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
77.5 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
35.5/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Estherwood, LA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Estherwood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 891 residents using groundwater (wells).

8
Active Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Estherwood

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Estherwood's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

3 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Estherwood's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherTTMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2022 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2022 Groundwater Rule Open
Jan 2022 Groundwater Rule Open
Jan 2022 Groundwater Rule Open
Oct 2017 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Where does Estherwood's water come from?

Estherwood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 891 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 Des Cannes West Of Iota (river), Byu Plaquemine Brule Nr Crowley (river), Bayou Plaquemine Brule @ Esterwood, La. (river), Mermentau River (river), Byu Queue De Tortue @ Riceville (river).

What Estherwood residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Estherwood'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
2.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

13
Total violations
5
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Jul 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

13 Total
8 Active
5 Health-based
5 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
5
Ground Water Rule
3
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
2
Jul 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2022 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jan 2022 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jan 2022 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2008 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2013 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2013
Jan 2013 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2013
Jun 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2002
Oct 1999 Resolved
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation Resolved Jul 2000
Jun 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 1994
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Estherwood

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Estherwood, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
JENNINGS BULK PLANT
Petroleum Bulk Terminals · MARTIN MIDSTREAM PTNRS LP
JENNINGS, LA70546
9.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Estherwood

Superfund sites nearby

Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Acadia 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.

4
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
16.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
4
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) 2.0 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 1.0 ppb from 2007 (3.0 ppb) to 2023 (2.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
891
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Estherwood's water comes from

Groundwater

Estherwood'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 891 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Estherwood

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

Bayou Des Cannes West Of Iota
river
Byu Plaquemine Brule Nr Crowley
river
Bayou Plaquemine Brule @ Esterwood, La.
river
Mermentau River
river
Byu Queue De Tortue @ Riceville
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Estherwood

System Name PWSID Population Source
VILLAGE OF ESTHERWOOD WATER SYSTEM LA1001003 891 GW
Regional Comparison

How Estherwood compares

Full Louisiana rankings →

Estherwood's score of 77.5/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Estherwood (this city)
77.5
Jefferson
85.8
Lafayette
35.1
Shreveport
36.5
Louisiana avg
53
City Profile

About Estherwood, LA

Wikipedia →

Estherwood is a village in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Estherwood had a population of 694. It is part of the Crowley Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Economic Profile
$46,000
Median Income
$90,251
Median Home Value
$634/mo
Median Rent
19.9%
Unemployment
Community
31.5
Median Age
153
People / sq mi
11.2%
College Educated
69.4%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Estherwood, LA tap water safe to drink?

Estherwood's water quality earned a grade of B (77.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #118 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.

What contaminants are in Estherwood's water?

Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.

How is Estherwood'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 Estherwood?

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

Where does Estherwood's water come from?

Estherwood's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 891 residents.

What health violations has Estherwood's water system had?

Estherwood has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.

Is Estherwood's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Estherwood 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 13 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 Estherwood's water compare to other cities?

Estherwood ranks #118 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 62% of state cities) and #8989 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Estherwood's small water system affect quality?

Estherwood's system serves approximately 891 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 13 violations on record.