WaterVerge

Is Sicily Island, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D — 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: LA1025007
Overall Score
47.1 / 100
Violations
28 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#213 of 309 in Louisiana Top 87% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
DGRADE
Water Quality Grade
47.1/100
waterverge.com
D 47.1/100

Sicily Island, LA — Water Quality Report

Sicily Island's drinking water received a grade of D (47.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,070 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 45 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Sicily Island's water

Sicily Island ranks #213 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Sicily Island 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, Sicily Island may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
47.1 out of 100 Grade D
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
9.1/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 2.0 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 Sicily Island, LA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Sicily Island's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,070 residents using groundwater (wells).

28
Active Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Sicily Island

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sicily Island's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47.1/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.80 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

Sicily Island's water system has 45 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

TTMRRPTOtherMONMCL
Most recent violations:
Aug 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Dec 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open

Where does Sicily Island's water come from?

Sicily Island's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,070 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tensas R @ Clayton (river).

What Sicily Island residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sicily Island'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
2.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.80 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

45
Total violations
17
Health-based
28
Active / unresolved
Aug 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

45 Total
28 Active
17 Health-based
17 Resolved
Violations by category
Ground Water Rule
12
Total Coliform Rule
10
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
5
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
5
Lead and Copper Rule
4
Aug 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Dec 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Mar 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Feb 2023 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Nov 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Mar 2019 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Feb 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Feb 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Feb 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Feb 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Feb 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Feb 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Sep 2018 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Mar 2018 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Feb 2018 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Showing 20 of 45 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Catahoula 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
17.2%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
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 Sicily Island'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) 2.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.80 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 0.0 ppb from 2004 (2.0 ppb) to 2025 (2.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has increased by 0.100 mg/L from 2007 (1.700 mg/L) to 2021 (1.800 mg/L).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Sicily Island compares by contaminant

Explore where Sicily Island ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
2,070
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Sicily Island's water comes from

Groundwater

Sicily Island'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 2,070 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Sicily Island

Sicily Island is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Tensas R @ Clayton
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Sicily Island

System Name PWSID Population Source
LELAND WATER SYSTEM INC LA1025007 1,140 GW
VILLAGE OF SICILY ISLAND LA1025009 930 GW
Regional Comparison

How Sicily Island compares

Full Louisiana rankings →

Sicily Island's score of 47.1/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.

Sicily Island (this city)
47.1
Jefferson
85.8
Lafayette
35.1
Shreveport
36.5
Louisiana avg
53
City Profile

About Sicily Island, LA

Wikipedia →

Sicily Island is a village in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 336 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$30,455
Median Income
3.1%
Unemployment
Community
38.2
Median Age
288
People / sq mi
15%
College Educated
63.9%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Sicily Island, LA tap water safe to drink?

Sicily Island's water quality earned a grade of D (47.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #213 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.

What contaminants are in Sicily Island's water?

Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 45 violations are on record.

How is Sicily Island'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 Sicily Island?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Sicily Island's water come from?

Sicily Island's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,070 residents.

What health violations has Sicily Island's water system had?

Sicily Island has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.

Is Sicily Island's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Sicily Island 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 45 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 Sicily Island's water compare to other cities?

Sicily Island ranks #213 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 31% of state cities) and #13665 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.