WaterVerge

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 ↓

2K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: LA1119027
Overall Score
59.6 / 100
Violations
27 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#180 of 309 in Louisiana Top 77% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
C-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
59.6/100
waterverge.com
C- 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.

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

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
59.6 out of 100 Grade C-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
21.6/45
D
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Sibley, LA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

27
Active Violations
0.6 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Sibley

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sibley's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.6/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

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.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.6 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.90 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

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.

MROtherTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Oct 2024 Public Notice Open
Aug 2024 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open

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

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sibley'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
0.6 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 4% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.90 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

41
Total violations
8
Health-based
27
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

41 Total
27 Active
8 Health-based
14 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
13
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
8
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
5
Ground Water Rule
5
Lead and Copper Rule
3
Oct 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Aug 2024 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2019 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Aug 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Aug 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Aug 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Aug 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Aug 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Aug 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 41 violations
Industrial pollution

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.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
FIBREBOND CORP
Fabricated Metals · NA
MINDEN, LA71055
4.0 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Webster 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.

13
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
13.3%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
13
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.6 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.90 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.4 ppb from 2004 (2.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.6 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 1.900 mg/L (1994)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,367
Water Systems
2
Source breakdown
Groundwater
1
Purchased Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Sibley's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Bayou Dorcheat Near Minden
river
Bayou Dorcheat Near Sibley, La.
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Sibley

System Name PWSID Population Source
SIBLEY WATER SYSTEM LA1119027 1,767 GW
SALT WORKS WATER SYSTEM LA1119024 600 GWP
Regional Comparison

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.

Sibley (this city)
59.6
Jefferson
85.8
Lafayette
35.1
Shreveport
36.5
Louisiana avg
53
City Profile

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.

Economic Profile
$31,359
Median Income
$696/mo
Median Rent
2.4%
Unemployment
Community
41.1
Median Age
132
People / sq mi
7.1%
College Educated
64.5%
Homeownership
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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.