Is Joyce, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 24 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Joyce, LA — Water Quality Report
Joyce's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 840 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 154 violations on record, including 106 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Joyce's water
Joyce ranks #202 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Joyce 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, Joyce may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 29 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Joyce, LA water safe to drink?
Joyce's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 840 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Joyce
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Joyce's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Joyce's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Joyce's water system has 154 total violations on record, including 106 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 29 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Joyce's water come from?
Joyce's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 840 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Dugdemona River Near Joyce (river).
What Joyce residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Joyce'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 Joyce
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Joyce, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
JELD-WEN DODSON, LA71422 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
WEST FRASER INC JOYCE MILL JOYCE, LA71440 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
ARCLIN USA LLC DODSON, LA71422 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
HIXSON LUMBER CO LLC WINNFIELD, LA71483 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Joyce
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- AMERICAN CREOSOTE WORKS INC WINNFIELD PLANT3.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWinn 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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Joyce compares by contaminant
Explore where Joyce ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Joyce's water comes from
Joyce'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 840 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Joyce
Joyce is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Joyce
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLEASANT HILLS-CROSSROADS WATER SYSTEMS | LA1127023 | 840 | GW |
How Joyce compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Joyce's score of 50/100 is on par with the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Joyce, LA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Joyce's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Winn Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Joyce, LA tap water safe to drink?
Joyce's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #202 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Joyce's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 154 violations are on record.
How is Joyce'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 Joyce?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Joyce's water come from?
Joyce's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 840 residents.
What health violations has Joyce's water system had?
Joyce has 106 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. 24 violations remain unresolved.
Is Joyce's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Joyce 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 154 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 Joyce's water compare to other cities?
Joyce ranks #202 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 35% of state cities) and #13168 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Joyce's small water system affect quality?
Joyce's system serves approximately 840 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 154 violations on record.