WaterVerge

Is Morse, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B-, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

806 residents served 1 water system PWSID: LA1001006
Overall Score
70.3 / 100
Violations
14 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#150 of 309 in Louisiana Top 69% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
70.3/100
waterverge.com
B- 70.3/100

Morse, LA — Water Quality Report

Morse's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 806 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 8 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Morse's water

Morse ranks #150 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Morse 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, Morse may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
70.3 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
28.3/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Morse, LA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Morse's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 806 residents using groundwater (wells).

14
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Morse

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Morse's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.3/100).

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

3 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Groundwater Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

2 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Morse's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Morse's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

TTOtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Oct 2024 Groundwater Rule Open
Oct 2024 Groundwater Rule Open
Mar 2020 Public Notice Open
Jan 2020 Groundwater Rule Open

Where does Morse's water come from?

Morse's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 806 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Byu Plaquemine Brule Nr Crowley (river), Bayou Plaquemine Brule @ Esterwood, La. (river), Mermentau River (river), Byu Queue De Tortue @ Riceville (river).

What Morse residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Morse's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

19
Total violations
8
Health-based
14
Active / unresolved
Oct 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

19 Total
14 Active
8 Health-based
5 Resolved
Violations by category
Ground Water Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
5
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
2
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
2
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Mar 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jan 2020 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2013 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jun 2012 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2013 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2013
Jan 2013 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2013
Jun 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 1994
Jan 1994 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1995
Sep 1991 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 1991
Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Morse

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Acadia 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.

4
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
16.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
4
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.0 ppb from 2004 (1.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
806
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Morse's water comes from

Groundwater

Morse'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 806 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Morse

Morse is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Byu Plaquemine Brule Nr Crowley
river
Bayou Plaquemine Brule @ Esterwood, La.
river
Mermentau River
river
Byu Queue De Tortue @ Riceville
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Morse

System Name PWSID Population Source
VILLAGE OF MORSE WATER SYSTEM LA1001006 806 GW
Regional Comparison

How Morse compares

Full Louisiana rankings →

Morse's score of 70.3/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Morse (this city)
70.3
Jefferson
85.8
Lafayette
35.1
Shreveport
36.5
Louisiana avg
53
City Profile

About Morse, LA

Wikipedia →

Morse is a village in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Morse had a population of 599. It is part of the Crowley Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Economic Profile
$53,393
Median Income
$78,378
Median Home Value
$489/mo
Median Rent
1.4%
Unemployment
Community
28.6
Median Age
306
People / sq mi
3.8%
College Educated
55.4%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Morse, LA tap water safe to drink?

Morse's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #150 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.

What contaminants are in Morse's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.

How is Morse'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 Morse?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Morse's water come from?

Morse's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 806 residents.

What health violations has Morse's water system had?

Morse has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.

Is Morse's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Morse 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 Morse's water compare to other cities?

Morse ranks #150 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 51% of state cities) and #10766 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Morse's small water system affect quality?

Morse's system serves approximately 806 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 19 violations on record.