Is Ridgecrest, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 30 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Ridgecrest, LA — Water Quality Report
Ridgecrest's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 684 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 79 violations on record, including 50 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ridgecrest's water
Ridgecrest ranks #226 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Ridgecrest purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Ridgecrest may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 36 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ridgecrest, LA water safe to drink?
Ridgecrest's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 684 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ridgecrest
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ridgecrest's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ridgecrest's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ridgecrest's water system has 79 total violations on record, including 50 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 36 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Ridgecrest's water come from?
Ridgecrest's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 684 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River (river), Tensas R @ Clayton (river).
What Ridgecrest residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ridgecrest'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 Ridgecrest
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ridgecrest, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BASF CORP - VIDALIA WORKS VIDALIA, LA71373 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
BRIGHTON TRU EDGE NATCHEZ, MS39120 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
ENERFAB PROCESS SOLUTIONS NATCHEZ, MS39120 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtConcordia 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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ridgecrest compares by contaminant
Explore where Ridgecrest ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ridgecrest's water comes from
Ridgecrest purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Ridgecrest's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 684 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ridgecrest
Ridgecrest is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ridgecrest
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VILLAGE OF RIDGECREST WATER SUPPLY | LA1029009 | 684 | GWP |
How Ridgecrest compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Ridgecrest's score of 47/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Ridgecrest, LA
Wikipedia →Ridgecrest is a small town in Concordia Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Ridgecrest had a population of 583.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ridgecrest's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Concordia Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Ridgecrest, LA tap water safe to drink?
Ridgecrest's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #226 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Ridgecrest's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 79 violations are on record.
How is Ridgecrest'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 Ridgecrest?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ridgecrest's water come from?
Ridgecrest's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 684 residents.
What health violations has Ridgecrest's water system had?
Ridgecrest has 50 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 30 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ridgecrest's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ridgecrest 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 79 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 Ridgecrest's water compare to other cities?
Ridgecrest ranks #226 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 27% of state cities) and #13792 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ridgecrest's small water system affect quality?
Ridgecrest's system serves approximately 684 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 79 violations on record.