Is Mer Rouge, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.3/100
waterverge.com Mer Rouge, LA — Water Quality Report
Mer Rouge's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,754 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 19 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mer Rouge's water
Mer Rouge ranks #57 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Mer Rouge 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, Mer Rouge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mer Rouge, LA water safe to drink?
Mer Rouge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,754 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mer Rouge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mer Rouge's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mer Rouge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mer Rouge's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Mer Rouge's water come from?
Mer Rouge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,754 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bayou Bartholomew At Hwy 425 Nr Beekman (river), Bayou Bonne Idee East Of Oak Ridge (river).
What Mer Rouge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mer Rouge'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 Mer Rouge
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mer Rouge, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DG FOODS BASTROP PLANT BASTROP, LA71220 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMorehouse 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mer Rouge compares by contaminant
Explore where Mer Rouge ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mer Rouge's water comes from
Mer Rouge'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 2,754 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mer Rouge
Mer Rouge is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mer Rouge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAYOU BONNE IDEE WS | LA1067002 | 1,656 | GW |
| MER ROUGE WATER SYSTEM | LA1067009 | 1,098 | GW |
How Mer Rouge compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Mer Rouge's score of 86.3/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Mer Rouge, LA
Wikipedia →Mer Rouge is a village in Morehouse Parish, Louisiana, United States. The name is French for "Red Sea". The population was 491 at the 2020 census, down from 628 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mer Rouge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Morehouse Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Mer Rouge, LA tap water safe to drink?
Mer Rouge's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #57 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Mer Rouge's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Mer Rouge'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 Mer Rouge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mer Rouge's water come from?
Mer Rouge's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,754 residents.
What health violations has Mer Rouge's water system had?
Mer Rouge has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mer Rouge's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mer Rouge 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 19 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 Mer Rouge's water compare to other cities?
Mer Rouge ranks #57 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 82% of state cities) and #4768 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.