Is Sibley, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
59.6/100
Sibley, LA — Water Quality Report
Sibley's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.6 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,367 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 41 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sibley's water
Sibley ranks #180 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sibley 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, Sibley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sibley, LA water safe to drink?
Sibley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,367 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sibley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sibley's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sibley'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
Sibley's water system has 41 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Sibley's water come from?
Sibley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,367 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 Minden (river), Bayou Dorcheat Near Sibley, La. (river).
What Sibley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sibley'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 Sibley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sibley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FIBREBOND CORP MINDEN, LA71055 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Sibley
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- LOUISIANA ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT7.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 Sibley'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. | 0.6 | 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. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.900 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Sibley compares by contaminant
Explore where Sibley ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sibley's water comes from
Sibley'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 2,367 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Sibley
Sibley is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sibley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIBLEY WATER SYSTEM | LA1119027 | 1,767 | GW |
| SALT WORKS WATER SYSTEM | LA1119024 | 600 | GWP |
How Sibley compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Sibley's score of 59.6/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Sibley, LA
Wikipedia →Sibley is a town in south Webster Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Sibley had a population of 1,127. It is part of the Minden Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sibley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Webster Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Sibley, LA tap water safe to drink?
Sibley's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #180 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Sibley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 41 violations are on record.
How is Sibley'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 Sibley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sibley's water come from?
Sibley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,367 residents.
What health violations has Sibley's water system had?
Sibley has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 27 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sibley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sibley 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 41 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 Sibley's water compare to other cities?
Sibley ranks #180 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 42% of state cities) and #12164 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.