Is Madisonville, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 33 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
66.3/100
Madisonville, LA — Water Quality Report
Madisonville's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,325 residents using purchased ground water.
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 54 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved.
What to know about Madisonville's water
Madisonville ranks #158 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Madisonville purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Madisonville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Madisonville, LA water safe to drink?
Madisonville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,325 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Madisonville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Madisonville's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Madisonville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Madisonville's water system has 54 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Madisonville's water come from?
Madisonville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,325 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tchefuncte River Near Covington (river), Bogue Falaya At Covington (river), Bogue Falaya River At Boston St. At Covington (river), Abita River North Of Abita Springs (river), Tchefuncte River At Madisonville (river).
What Madisonville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Madisonville'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Madisonville
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.
- MADISONVILLE CREOSOTE WORKS2.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSaint Tammany 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.
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 Madisonville compares by contaminant
Explore where Madisonville ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Madisonville's water comes from
Madisonville purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Madisonville's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,325 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Madisonville
Madisonville is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Madisonville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VILLAGES OF BOCAGE- MADISONVILLE | LA1103195 | 894 | GWP |
| MADISONVILLE WATER SUPPLY | LA1103022 | 871 | GW |
| MARINA DEL RAY WATER SYSTEM | LA1103123 | 500 | GW |
| LEWISBURG ESTATES | LA1103156 | 60 | GW |
How Madisonville compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Madisonville's score of 66.3/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Madisonville, LA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Madisonville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Tammany Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Madisonville, LA tap water safe to drink?
Madisonville's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #158 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Madisonville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 54 violations are on record.
How is Madisonville'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 Madisonville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Madisonville's water come from?
Madisonville's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,325 residents.
What health violations has Madisonville's water system had?
Madisonville has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 33 violations remain unresolved.
Is Madisonville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Madisonville 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 54 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 Madisonville's water compare to other cities?
Madisonville ranks #158 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 49% of state cities) and #11387 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.