Is Sun, 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 ↓
64.9/100
waterverge.com Sun, LA — Water Quality Report
Sun's drinking water received a grade of C (64.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 726 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 31 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sun's water
Sun ranks #163 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sun 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, Sun may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sun, LA water safe to drink?
Sun's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 726 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sun
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sun's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.9/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
3 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sun'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
Sun's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Sun's water come from?
Sun's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 726 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pearl River Near Bogalusa (river), Pearl River At Pools Bluff Near Bogalusa (river), Pearl River Navigation Canal Lock And Dam No. 3 (river), Bogue Chitto River Near Bush (river), Pearl River Navigation Canal Lock And Dam No. 2 (river).
What Sun residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sun'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 Sun
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sun, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 126,953 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
INTERNATIONAL PAPER BOGALUSA MILL BOGALUSA, LA70427 | Manganese compounds | 126,953 | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Sun
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.
- COLONIAL CREOSOTE8.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSaint Tammany 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Sun'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. | 2.0 | 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. | 2.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.600 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Sun compares by contaminant
Explore where Sun ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sun's water comes from
Sun'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 726 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sun
Sun is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sun
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUN WATER SUPPLY | LA1103038 | 726 | GW |
How Sun compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Sun's score of 64.9/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Sun, LA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sun's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Tammany Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Sun, LA tap water safe to drink?
Sun's water quality earned a grade of C (64.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #163 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Sun's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Sun'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 Sun?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sun's water come from?
Sun's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 726 residents.
What health violations has Sun's water system had?
Sun has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 21 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sun's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sun 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 31 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 Sun's water compare to other cities?
Sun ranks #163 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 47% of state cities) and #11607 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sun's small water system affect quality?
Sun's system serves approximately 726 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 31 violations on record.