WaterVerge

Is Gueydan, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: LA1113006
Overall Score
38 / 100
Violations
18 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#299 of 309 in Louisiana Top 98% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
38/100
waterverge.com
F 38/100

Gueydan, LA — Water Quality Report

Gueydan's drinking water received a grade of F (38 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,016 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 24 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Gueydan's water

Gueydan ranks #299 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

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

The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
38 out of 100 Grade F
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
16/20
B
Lead at 3.0 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 Gueydan, LA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Gueydan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (38/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,016 residents using groundwater (wells).

18
Active Violations
3.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Gueydan

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gueydan's water quality assessment. Grade: F (38/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

3 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 3.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.50 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Gueydan's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 18 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherTTMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Public Notice Open
Aug 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Aug 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Aug 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open

Where does Gueydan's water come from?

Gueydan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,016 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Byu Queue De Tortue @ Riceville (river).

What Gueydan residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gueydan'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
3.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 20% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.50 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +15% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

24
Total violations
12
Health-based
18
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

24 Total
18 Active
12 Health-based
6 Resolved
Violations by category
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
7
Ground Water Rule
5
Lead and Copper Rule
5
Total Coliform Rule
4
Lead and Copper Rule Revisions
1
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Aug 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Aug 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Aug 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Nov 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Nov 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jun 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
May 2023 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Dec 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jan 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Sep 2021 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2022 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2021 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2021
Showing 20 of 24 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Vermilion 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)
20.5%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
4
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Gueydan's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 3.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.50 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.0 ppb from 2004 (2.0 ppb) to 2025 (3.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 0.500 mg/L from 2004 (2.000 mg/L) to 2022 (1.500 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,016
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Gueydan's water comes from

Groundwater

Gueydan'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 2,016 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Gueydan

Gueydan is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Byu Queue De Tortue @ Riceville
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Gueydan

System Name PWSID Population Source
TOWN OF GUEYDAN WATER SYSTEM LA1113006 2,016 GW
Regional Comparison

How Gueydan compares

Full Louisiana rankings →

Gueydan's score of 38/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Gueydan (this city)
38
Jefferson
85.8
Lafayette
35.1
Shreveport
36.5
Louisiana avg
53
City Profile

About Gueydan, LA

Economic Profile
$24,375
Median Income
$64,603
Median Home Value
$661/mo
Median Rent
19.8%
Unemployment
Community
49.6
Median Age
517
People / sq mi
14.5%
College Educated
70.1%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Gueydan, LA tap water safe to drink?

Gueydan's water quality earned a grade of F (38/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #299 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.

What contaminants are in Gueydan's water?

Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.

How is Gueydan'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 Gueydan?

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

Where does Gueydan's water come from?

Gueydan's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,016 residents.

What health violations has Gueydan's water system had?

Gueydan has 12 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. 18 violations remain unresolved.

Is Gueydan's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Gueydan 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 24 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 Gueydan's water compare to other cities?

Gueydan ranks #299 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 3% of state cities) and #15379 out of 15744 cities nationally (2th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Gueydan's small water system affect quality?

Gueydan's system serves approximately 2,016 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 24 violations on record.