Is Tickfaw, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.2/100
waterverge.com Tickfaw, LA — Water Quality Report
Tickfaw's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 764 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 10 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tickfaw's water
Tickfaw ranks #49 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Tickfaw 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, Tickfaw may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tickfaw, LA water safe to drink?
Tickfaw's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 764 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tickfaw
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tickfaw's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tickfaw's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tickfaw's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Tickfaw's water come from?
Tickfaw's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 764 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tangipahoa R Nr Tickfaw, La. (river), Tangipahoa River At Robert (river), Tangipahoa River Near Ponchatoula (river), Natalbany River At Baptist (river).
What Tickfaw residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tickfaw'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 Tickfaw
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tickfaw, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 814,146 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SANDERSON FARMS LLC HAMMOND, LA70401 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 814,146 | 8.4 mi |
EAST SIDE JERSEY DAIRY INC. DBA BROWN'S DAIRY HAMMOND, LA70401 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
LEI INC. AMITE, LA70443 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
TANNER INDUSTRIES INC. NATALBANY, LA70451 | — | — | 2.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtTangipahoa 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tickfaw compares by contaminant
Explore where Tickfaw ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tickfaw's water comes from
Tickfaw'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 764 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Tickfaw
Tickfaw is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tickfaw
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TICKFAW WATER SYSTEM | LA1105027 | 764 | GW |
How Tickfaw compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Tickfaw's score of 87.2/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Tickfaw, LA
Wikipedia →Tickfaw was founded in 1852 and is a village in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Tickfaw had a population of 635. Tickfaw is part of the Hammond MSA. It was originally inhabited by Italian-American immigrants and continues to have a distinct Italian-American heritage.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tickfaw's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tangipahoa Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Tickfaw, LA tap water safe to drink?
Tickfaw's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #49 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Tickfaw's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Tickfaw'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 Tickfaw?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tickfaw's water come from?
Tickfaw's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 764 residents.
What health violations has Tickfaw's water system had?
Tickfaw has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tickfaw's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tickfaw 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 10 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 Tickfaw's water compare to other cities?
Tickfaw ranks #49 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 84% of state cities) and #4226 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Tickfaw's small water system affect quality?
Tickfaw's system serves approximately 764 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 10 violations on record.