Is Newellton, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 61 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Newellton, LA — Water Quality Report
Newellton's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using surface water.
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 170 violations on record, including 60 health-based violations. 61 remain unresolved.
What to know about Newellton's water
Newellton ranks #232 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Newellton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 149 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newellton, LA water safe to drink?
Newellton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Newellton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newellton's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Lead and Copper Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Surface Water Treatment Rule, CARBON, TOTAL.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, CARBON, TOTAL, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Newellton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Newellton's water system has 170 total violations on record, including 60 health-based violations. 61 remain unresolved. 149 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Newellton's water come from?
Newellton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Newellton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Newellton'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtTensas 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Newellton compares by contaminant
Explore where Newellton ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newellton's water comes from
Newellton's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,100 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Newellton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEWELLTON WATER SYSTEM | LA1107003 | 1,100 | SW |
How Newellton compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Newellton's score of 46/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Newellton, LA
Wikipedia →Newellton is a town in northern Tensas Parish in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Louisiana. The population was 886 in the 2020 census, a decline of 596 persons, or 40 percent, from the 2000 tabulation of 1,482.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Newellton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tensas Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Newellton, LA tap water safe to drink?
Newellton's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #232 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Newellton's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 170 violations are on record.
How is Newellton'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 Newellton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Newellton's water come from?
Newellton's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 residents.
What health violations has Newellton's water system had?
Newellton has 60 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 61 violations remain unresolved.
How does Newellton's water compare to other cities?
Newellton ranks #232 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 25% of state cities) and #14056 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Newellton's small water system affect quality?
Newellton's system serves approximately 1,100 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 170 violations on record.