Is Harrisonburg, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 58 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Harrisonburg, LA — Water Quality Report
Harrisonburg's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 9,435 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.7 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 181 violations on record, including 117 health-based violations. 58 remain unresolved.
What to know about Harrisonburg's water
Harrisonburg ranks #215 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Harrisonburg 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.
The system has seen 50 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Harrisonburg, LA water safe to drink?
Harrisonburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 9,435 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Harrisonburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Harrisonburg's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Harrisonburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Harrisonburg's water system has 181 total violations on record, including 117 health-based violations. 58 remain unresolved. 50 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Harrisonburg's water come from?
Harrisonburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 9,435 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ouachita River At Hwy 8 At Harrisonburg (river), Bushley Bayou Nr Harrisonburg (river), Black R @ Jonesville (river).
What Harrisonburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Harrisonburg'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
D3 — extreme droughtCatahoula 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. | 2.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Harrisonburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Harrisonburg ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Harrisonburg's water comes from
Harrisonburg'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 9,435 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Harrisonburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEBO WATER SYSTEM INC | LA1059005 | 2,460 | GW |
| BLACK RIVER WATER SYSTEM | LA1025002 | 2,256 | GW |
| RED HILL WATERWORKS INC. | LA1043018 | 1,914 | GW |
| VILLAGE OF HARRISONBURG WATER SYSTEM | LA1025004 | 1,530 | GW |
| LAKE BRUIN WATER DISTRICT #1 | LA1107001 | 1,275 | SWP |
How Harrisonburg compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Harrisonburg's score of 47/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Harrisonburg, LA
Wikipedia →Harrisonburg is a village in and the parish seat of Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Harrisonburg had a population of 277.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Harrisonburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across La Salle Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Harrisonburg, LA tap water safe to drink?
Harrisonburg's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #215 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Harrisonburg's water?
Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 181 violations are on record.
How is Harrisonburg'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 Harrisonburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Harrisonburg's water come from?
Harrisonburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 9,435 residents.
What health violations has Harrisonburg's water system had?
Harrisonburg has 117 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 58 violations remain unresolved.
Is Harrisonburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Harrisonburg 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 181 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 Harrisonburg's water compare to other cities?
Harrisonburg ranks #215 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 30% of state cities) and #13684 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.