Is Oak Grove, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
47.1/100
waterverge.com Oak Grove, LA — Water Quality Report
Oak Grove's drinking water received a grade of D (47.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,681 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 52 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oak Grove's water
Oak Grove ranks #212 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Oak Grove 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oak Grove, LA water safe to drink?
Oak Grove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,681 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oak Grove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oak Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47.1/100).
3 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oak Grove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Oak Grove's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Oak Grove's water come from?
Oak Grove's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 6,681 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Boeuf River At Ark/La State Line (river), Big Colewa Bayou At Prince Rd Nr Pioneer (river), Bayou Macon Nr Kilbourne (river).
What Oak Grove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oak Grove'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 Oak Grove
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oak Grove, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MUELLER SUPPLY CO INC. OAK GROVE, LA71263 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWest Carroll 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Oak Grove's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oak Grove compares by contaminant
Explore where Oak Grove ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oak Grove's water comes from
Oak Grove'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 6,681 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Oak Grove
Oak Grove is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Oak Grove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAK GROVE WATER SYSTEM | LA1123006 | 2,955 | GW |
| GOODWILL WATER SYSTEM | LA1123004 | 1,896 | GW |
| FISKE UNION WATER SYSTEM | LA1123002 | 1,830 | GW |
How Oak Grove compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Oak Grove's score of 47.1/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Oak Grove, LA
Wikipedia →Oak Grove is the parish seat of West Carroll Parish in northeastern Louisiana, United States. The population was 1,441 at the 2020 United States census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oak Grove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across West Carroll Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Oak Grove, LA tap water safe to drink?
Oak Grove's water quality earned a grade of D (47.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #212 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Oak Grove's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.
How is Oak Grove'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 Oak Grove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oak Grove's water come from?
Oak Grove's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 6,681 residents.
What health violations has Oak Grove's water system had?
Oak Grove has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.
Is Oak Grove's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oak Grove 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 52 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 Oak Grove's water compare to other cities?
Oak Grove ranks #212 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 31% of state cities) and #13663 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.