Is Jackson, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.4/100
waterverge.com Jackson, LA — Water Quality Report
Jackson's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 7,107 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 78 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jackson's water
Jackson ranks #102 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Jackson 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jackson, LA water safe to drink?
Jackson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 7,107 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Jackson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jackson's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jackson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Jackson's water system has 78 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Jackson's water come from?
Jackson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 7,107 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Thompson Ck Nr Starhill (river).
What Jackson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jackson'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
D1 — moderate droughtEast Feliciana Parish is currently in D1 (moderate 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Jackson compares by contaminant
Explore where Jackson ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jackson's water comes from
Jackson'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 7,107 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Jackson
Jackson is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Jackson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF JACKSON WATER SYSTEM | LA1037006 | 2,736 | GW |
| DIXON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE | LA1037002 | 1,700 | GW |
| EASTERN LOUISIANA MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEMS | LA1037005 | 1,600 | GW |
| VILLA FELICIANA MEDICAL COMPLEX | LA1037009 | 726 | GW |
| LOUISIANA WAR VETERANS | LA1037012 | 345 | GW |
How Jackson compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Jackson's score of 80.4/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Jackson, LA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jackson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across East Feliciana Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Jackson, LA tap water safe to drink?
Jackson's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #102 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Jackson's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 78 violations are on record.
How is Jackson'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 Jackson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jackson's water come from?
Jackson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 7,107 residents.
What health violations has Jackson's water system had?
Jackson has 20 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. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Jackson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Jackson 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 78 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 Jackson's water compare to other cities?
Jackson ranks #102 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 67% of state cities) and #7874 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.