Is Prairieville, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
44.5/100
Prairieville, LA — Water Quality Report
Prairieville's drinking water received a grade of F (44.5 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 16 water systems serve approximately 7,421 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 154 violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 71 remain unresolved.
What to know about Prairieville's water
Prairieville ranks #249 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Prairieville 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.
The system has seen 20 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Prairieville, LA water safe to drink?
Prairieville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 16 water systems serve approximately 7,421 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Prairieville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Prairieville's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Prairieville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Prairieville's water system has 154 total violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 71 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Prairieville's water come from?
Prairieville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 16 water systems serving approximately 7,421 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Jones Cr. At Old Hammond Hwy Near Baton Rouge (river), Claycut Bayou At Antioch Rd Near Baton Rouge (river), Alligator Bayou Near Kleinpeter (river), Bayou Manchac At Alligator B. Near Kleinpeter (river), Bluff Swamp Near Kleinpeter (river).
What Prairieville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Prairieville'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 Prairieville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Prairieville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3,299,877 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SYNGENTA CROP PROTECTION LLC SAINT GABRIEL FACILITY SAINT GABRIEL, LA70776 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,197,246 | 9.8 mi |
BASF CORP GEISMAR, LA70734 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,113,061 | 9.1 mi |
TAMINCO US LLC SAINT GABRIEL, LA70776 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 475,916 | 8.9 mi |
PCS NITROGEN FERTILIZER LP GEISMAR, LA70734 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 469,382 | 7.4 mi |
SHELL CHEMICAL LP GEISMAR, LA70734 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 44,273 | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtAscension 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Prairieville compares by contaminant
Explore where Prairieville ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Prairieville's water comes from
Prairieville'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 7,421 people through 16 water systems.
Water bodies near Prairieville
Prairieville is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Prairieville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIVERSION WATER- WATER FRONT WEST | LA1063104 | 1,548 | GW |
| DIVERSION WATER RIVER HIGHLANDS | LA1063109 | 1,356 | GW |
| DIVERSION WATER - TERRY HARBOR CAMPSITES | LA1063036 | 969 | GW |
| FAIRVIEW MOBILE ESTATES NORTH WS | LA1019080 | 669 | GW |
| DIVERSION WATER - MONTROSE SUBDIVISION | LA1063103 | 591 | GW |
| DIVERSION WATER - BAYOU ESTATES | LA1005005 | 450 | GW |
| FAIRVIEW MOBILE ESTATES SOUTH WS | LA1019096 | 378 | GW |
| DIVERSION WATER - CHINQUAPIN | LA1063114 | 327 | GW |
| DIVERSION WATER - OLD MILL SETTLEMENT | LA1063115 | 246 | GW |
| DIVERSION WATER - STONEHILL | LA1063123 | 225 | GW |
| CHAHTA MOBILE HOME PARK | LA1103125 | 180 | GW |
| DIVERSION WATER - CYPRESS POINT | LA1063118 | 114 | GW |
| DIVERSION WATER - CYPRESS LAKES | LA1005208 | 111 | GW |
| DIVERSION WATER- OLIVIA ROSE | LA1063029 | 96 | GW |
| BIG BRANCH TRAILER PARK | LA1103182 | 92 | GW |
| DIVERSION WATER - RIVER RUN ESTATES | LA1005206 | 69 | GW |
How Prairieville compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Prairieville's score of 44.5/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Prairieville, LA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Prairieville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Livingston Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Prairieville, LA tap water safe to drink?
Prairieville's water quality earned a grade of F (44.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #249 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Prairieville's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 154 violations are on record.
How is Prairieville'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 Prairieville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Prairieville's water come from?
Prairieville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 16 water systems serving approximately 7,421 residents.
What health violations has Prairieville's water system had?
Prairieville has 30 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 71 violations remain unresolved.
Is Prairieville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Prairieville 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 154 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 Prairieville's water compare to other cities?
Prairieville ranks #249 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 19% of state cities) and #14369 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.