Is Forest, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.4/100
waterverge.com Forest, LA — Water Quality Report
Forest's drinking water received a grade of A (90.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,560 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 5 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Forest's water
Forest ranks #18 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Forest 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, Forest may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Forest, LA water safe to drink?
Forest's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,560 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Forest
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Forest's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Forest's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Forest's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Forest's water come from?
Forest's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,560 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Colewa Bayou At Prince Rd Nr Pioneer (river).
What Forest 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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Forest
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Forest, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MUELLER SUPPLY CO INC. OAK GROVE, LA71263 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWest Carroll 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Forest compares by contaminant
Explore where Forest ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Forest's water comes from
Forest'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 1,560 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Forest
Forest is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Forest
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VILLAGE OF FOREST WATER SYSTEM | LA1123003 | 1,560 | GW |
How Forest compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Forest's score of 90.4/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Forest, LA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Forest's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across West Carroll Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Forest, LA tap water safe to drink?
Forest's water quality earned a grade of A (90.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #18 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Forest's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Forest'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 Forest?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Forest's water come from?
Forest's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,560 residents.
What health violations has Forest's water system had?
Forest has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Forest's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Forest 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 5 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 Forest's water compare to other cities?
Forest ranks #18 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 94% of state cities) and #2240 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Forest's small water system affect quality?
Forest's system serves approximately 1,560 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 5 violations on record.