Is Melville, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 87 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
41/100
waterverge.com Melville, LA — Water Quality Report
Melville's drinking water received a grade of F (41 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,506 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 106 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 87 remain unresolved.
What to know about Melville's water
Melville ranks #283 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Melville 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, Melville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 41 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Melville, LA water safe to drink?
Melville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (41/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,506 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Melville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Melville's water quality assessment. Grade: F (41/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Melville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Melville's water system has 106 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 87 remain unresolved. 41 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Melville's water come from?
Melville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,506 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Atchafalaya R @ Krotz Springs (river), State Canal Near Krotz Springs (river).
What Melville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Melville'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 Melville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Melville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 263,965 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALON REFINING KROTZ SPRINGS INC KROTZ SPRINGS, LA70750 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 263,965 | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSaint Landry 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Melville compares by contaminant
Explore where Melville ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Melville's water comes from
Melville'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 1,506 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Melville
Melville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Melville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF MELVILLE WATER SYSTEM | LA1097007 | 1,314 | GW |
| MIDWAY WATER SYSTEM INC | LA1097008 | 192 | GW |
How Melville compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Melville's score of 41/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Melville, LA
Wikipedia →Melville is a town in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Melville had a population of 759. It is part of the Opelousas−Eunice Micropolitan Statistical Area. It was founded in 1889 and is known as the Atchafalaya River Catfish Capital of Louisiana. It is directly across the river from the ghost town Red Cross, Louisiana.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Melville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Landry Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Melville, LA tap water safe to drink?
Melville's water quality earned a grade of F (41/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #283 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Melville's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 106 violations are on record.
How is Melville'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 Melville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Melville's water come from?
Melville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,506 residents.
What health violations has Melville's water system had?
Melville has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 87 violations remain unresolved.
Is Melville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Melville 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 106 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 Melville's water compare to other cities?
Melville ranks #283 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 8% of state cities) and #15074 out of 15744 cities nationally (4th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.