Is Starks, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.7/100
waterverge.com Starks, LA — Water Quality Report
Starks's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,150 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 18 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Starks's water
Starks ranks #33 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Starks 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, Starks may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Starks, LA water safe to drink?
Starks's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,150 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Starks
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Starks's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Starks's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Starks's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Starks's water come from?
Starks's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,150 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bear Head Ck Nr Starks (river), Sabine Rv Nr Ruliff (river), Sabine Rv At Intl Paper Nr Orange (river).
What Starks residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Starks'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCalcasieu Parish is currently in D2 (severe 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Starks compares by contaminant
Explore where Starks ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Starks's water comes from
Starks'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 3,150 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Starks
Starks is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Starks
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CALCASIEU WW #14 WARD 5 | LA1019042 | 3,150 | GW |
How Starks compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Starks's score of 88.7/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Starks, LA
Wikipedia →Starks is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 664. It is located approximately 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Lake Charles and about 5 miles (8 km) from the Texas and Louisiana border. Starks is known for its annual Mayhaw Festival to celebrate the fruit that grows in the bayous along the Texas/Louisiana border.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Starks's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Calcasieu Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Starks, LA tap water safe to drink?
Starks's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #33 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Starks's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Starks'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 Starks?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Starks's water come from?
Starks's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,150 residents.
What health violations has Starks's water system had?
Starks has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Starks's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Starks 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 18 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 Starks's water compare to other cities?
Starks ranks #33 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 89% of state cities) and #3293 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Starks's small water system affect quality?
Starks's system serves approximately 3,150 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 18 violations on record.