Is Shongaloo, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
79.5/100
waterverge.com Shongaloo, LA — Water Quality Report
Shongaloo's drinking water received a grade of B (79.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,295 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 24 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shongaloo's water
Shongaloo ranks #108 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Shongaloo 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, Shongaloo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shongaloo, LA water safe to drink?
Shongaloo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,295 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shongaloo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shongaloo's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shongaloo'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
Shongaloo's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
Where does Shongaloo's water come from?
Shongaloo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,295 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bayou Dorcheat Near Springhill (river).
What Shongaloo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shongaloo'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 Shongaloo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Shongaloo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TEIJIN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES LOUISIANA LLC SAREPTA, LA71071 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWebster 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 Shongaloo'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. | 1.4 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Shongaloo compares by contaminant
Explore where Shongaloo ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shongaloo's water comes from
Shongaloo'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 2,295 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Shongaloo
Shongaloo is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Shongaloo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHONGALOO WATER SYSTEM | LA1119026 | 1,485 | GW |
| DORCHEAT ACRES WATER SYSTEM | LA1119032 | 411 | GW |
| STATE LINE WATER SYSTEM | LA1119029 | 399 | GW |
How Shongaloo compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Shongaloo's score of 79.5/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Shongaloo, LA
Wikipedia →Shongaloo is a village in Webster Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Shongaloo had a population of 151.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shongaloo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Webster Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Shongaloo, LA tap water safe to drink?
Shongaloo's water quality earned a grade of B (79.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #108 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Shongaloo's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Shongaloo'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 Shongaloo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shongaloo's water come from?
Shongaloo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,295 residents.
What health violations has Shongaloo's water system had?
Shongaloo has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Shongaloo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shongaloo 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 24 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 Shongaloo's water compare to other cities?
Shongaloo ranks #108 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 65% of state cities) and #8243 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.