Is Hessmer, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.5/100
waterverge.com Hessmer, LA — Water Quality Report
Hessmer's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,246 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 8 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hessmer's water
Hessmer ranks #133 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Hessmer 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, Hessmer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hessmer, LA water safe to drink?
Hessmer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,246 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hessmer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hessmer's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
3 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hessmer's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hessmer's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Hessmer's water come from?
Hessmer's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,246 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little River At Boggy Bayou Rd E Of Marksville (river), Bayou Des Glaises Diversion Ch. At Moreauville (river).
What Hessmer residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hessmer'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Hessmer
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hessmer, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GREAT SOUTHERN WOOD - LA INC. MANSURA, LA71350 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
SUN COAST RESOURCES LLC MANSURA, LA71350 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtAvoyelles 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. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hessmer compares by contaminant
Explore where Hessmer ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hessmer's water comes from
Hessmer'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 3,246 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hessmer
Hessmer is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hessmer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VILLAGE OF HESSMER WATER SYSTEM | LA1009008 | 3,246 | GW |
How Hessmer compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Hessmer's score of 73.5/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Hessmer, LA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hessmer's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Avoyelles Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Hessmer, LA tap water safe to drink?
Hessmer's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #133 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Hessmer's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Hessmer'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 Hessmer?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hessmer's water come from?
Hessmer's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,246 residents.
What health violations has Hessmer's water system had?
Hessmer has 5 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hessmer's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hessmer 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 8 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 Hessmer's water compare to other cities?
Hessmer ranks #133 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 57% of state cities) and #10068 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hessmer's small water system affect quality?
Hessmer's system serves approximately 3,246 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 8 violations on record.