Is Pine Praire, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.5/100
Pine Praire, LA — Water Quality Report
Pine Praire's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,598 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 10 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pine Praire's water
Pine Praire ranks #141 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Pine Praire 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, Pine Praire may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pine Praire, LA water safe to drink?
Pine Praire's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,598 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pine Praire
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pine Praire's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pine Praire's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pine Praire's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Pine Praire's water come from?
Pine Praire's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,598 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Pine Praire residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pine Praire'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
D2 — severe droughtEvangeline 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pine Praire compares by contaminant
Explore where Pine Praire ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pine Praire's water comes from
Pine Praire'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 2,598 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Pine Praire
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVANGELINE WW DISTRICT 1 - PINE PRAIRIE | LA1039004 | 2,598 | GW |
How Pine Praire compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Pine Praire's score of 72.5/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pine Praire's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Evangeline Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Pine Praire, LA tap water safe to drink?
Pine Praire's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #141 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Pine Praire's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Pine Praire'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 Pine Praire?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pine Praire's water come from?
Pine Praire's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,598 residents.
What health violations has Pine Praire's water system had?
Pine Praire has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pine Praire's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pine Praire 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 10 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 Pine Praire's water compare to other cities?
Pine Praire ranks #141 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 54% of state cities) and #10303 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pine Praire's small water system affect quality?
Pine Praire's system serves approximately 2,598 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 10 violations on record.