WaterVerge

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 ↓

7K residents served 16 water systems PWSID: LA1063104
Overall Score
44.5 / 100
Violations
71 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#249 of 309 in Louisiana Top 91% nationally
Private
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
44.5/100
waterverge.com
F 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.

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

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
44.5 out of 100 Grade F
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
16.6/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Prairieville, LA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

71
Active Violations
3.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Prairieville

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Prairieville's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 3.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

MROtherTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Dec 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Nov 2023 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Sep 2023 Public Notice Open
Sep 2023 Public Notice Open
Aug 2023 Groundwater Rule Open

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

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Prairieville'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
3.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 20% of limit
Safe Level
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
240.0 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 16% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Chlorate
Disinfection Byproduct
Over HA
470.0 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 210 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over Health AdvisoryUCMR 3 Data
Molybdenum
Inorganic
Detected
9.80 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 40 µg/L · 25% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Compliance Record

Violation summary

154
Total violations
30
Health-based
71
Active / unresolved
Dec 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

154 Total
71 Active
30 Health-based
83 Resolved
8 SNC
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
39
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
36
Consumer Confidence Rule
24
Lead and Copper Rule
21
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
13
Dec 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Nov 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Sep 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Aug 2023 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Aug 2023 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Aug 2023 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
May 2023 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Feb 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Feb 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Aug 2021 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 154 violations
Industrial pollution

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
SYNGENTA CROP PROTECTION LLC SAINT GABRIEL FACILITY
Chemicals · SYNGENTA CORP
SAINT GABRIEL, LA70776
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)1,197,2469.8 mi
BASF CORP
Chemicals · BASF CORP
GEISMAR, LA70734
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)1,113,0619.1 mi
TAMINCO US LLC
Chemicals · EASTMAN CHEMICAL CO
SAINT GABRIEL, LA70776
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)475,9168.9 mi
PCS NITROGEN FERTILIZER LP
Chemicals · NUTRIEN US TOPCO LLC
GEISMAR, LA70734
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)469,3827.4 mi
SHELL CHEMICAL LP
Chemicals · SHELL PETROLEUM INC
GEISMAR, LA70734
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)44,2739.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Ascension 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.

7
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
17.2%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
7
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) 3.0 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 11.0 ppb from 2002 (14.0 ppb) to 2026 (3.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Prairieville compares by contaminant

Explore where Prairieville ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
7,421
Water Systems
16
Water Source

Where Prairieville's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

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
Infrastructure

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
Regional Comparison

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.

Prairieville (this city)
44.5
Jefferson
85.8
Lafayette
35.1
Shreveport
36.5
Louisiana avg
53
City Profile

About Prairieville, LA

Economic Profile
$111,927
Median Income
$290,841
Median Home Value
$1,204/mo
Median Rent
2.9%
Unemployment
Community
36.6
Median Age
601
People / sq mi
37.1%
College Educated
88.3%
Homeownership
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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.