Is Start, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
85.5/100
waterverge.com Start, LA — Water Quality Report
Start's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,514 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 6 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Start's water
Start ranks #66 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Start 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, Start may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Start, LA water safe to drink?
Start's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,514 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Start
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Start's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Start'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
Start's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
Where does Start's water come from?
Start's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,514 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Boeuf River Near Girard (river), Bayou Lafourche Near Crew Lake (river), Bayou Lafourche Near Alto (river).
What Start residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Start'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
D3 — extreme droughtRichland 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 Start'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 2.10 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.100 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Start compares by contaminant
Explore where Start ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Start's water comes from
Start'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 2,514 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Start
Start is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Start
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| START WATER SYSTEM | LA1083007 | 2,514 | GW |
How Start compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Start's score of 85.5/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Start, LA
Wikipedia →Start is a census-designated place in Richland Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 982 at the 2020 census, up from 905 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Start's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Richland Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Start, LA tap water safe to drink?
Start's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #66 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Start's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Start'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 Start?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Start's water come from?
Start's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,514 residents.
What health violations has Start's water system had?
Start has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Start's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Start 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 6 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 Start's water compare to other cities?
Start ranks #66 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 79% of state cities) and #5289 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Start's small water system affect quality?
Start's system serves approximately 2,514 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 6 violations on record.