Strontium Contamination

Strontium in Louisiana Drinking Water

Ranked by max strontium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Over HRL

% Over HRL

215.2 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 6% vs national

vs National

303

Health Violations

Analysis

Strontium in Louisiana: what the data shows

Louisiana has 68 cities with strontium data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Strontium was detected above the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level in 0 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 215.2 µg/L. Strontium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in areas with limestone and dolomite geology. It can also enter water from industrial waste and mining operations. There is no federal MCL for strontium, but the EPA established a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L. Long-term exposure to strontium above the HRL may affect bone health, particularly in children, by substituting for calcium in developing bones. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 1,500 µg/L EPA HRL (no MCL)

Louisiana

0 of 68 cities

← ▼ 6% below national rate (better)

National avg

250 of 4371 cities

City Map

Strontium data across Louisiana

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 strontium testing data. Cities where strontium exceeds the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by strontium level in Louisiana

Highest Strontium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Louisiana cities ranked by strontium level

#	City	Level	Over HRL?	Violations	Grade
1	Lafayette	1400.0 µg/L	No	42	F
2	Cecilia	1200.0 µg/L	No	11	B-
3	Keatchie	930.0 µg/L	No	32	F
4	Benton	620.0 µg/L	No	43	F
5	St Joseph	596.0 µg/L	No	56	F
6	Cameron	551.9 µg/L	No	26	B-
7	Opelousas	440.0 µg/L	No	28	C-
8	Lake Charles	424.0 µg/L	No	63	F
9	Bossier City	406.0 µg/L	No	109	F
10	Minden	347.4 µg/L	No	40	F
11	Sulphur	338.0 µg/L	No	24	B+
12	Bastrop	270.0 µg/L	No	46	F
13	Slidell	240.0 µg/L	No	73	F
14	Morgan City	240.0 µg/L	No	20	B
15	Barksdale Afb	240.0 µg/L	No	16	A
16	Prairieville	240.0 µg/L	No	30	F
17	Palmetto	236.0 µg/L	No	31	D
18	New Orleans	230.0 µg/L	No	27	F
19	Jefferson	220.0 µg/L	No	2	A-
20	Shreveport	220.0 µg/L	No	69	F
21	Chalmette	216.0 µg/L	No	23	A-
22	Thibodaux	216.0 µg/L	No	27	A-
23	Laplace	212.0 µg/L	No	89	D+
24	Luling	211.0 µg/L	No	2	A-
25	Parks	211.0 µg/L	No	15	C
26	Belle Chasse	210.0 µg/L	No	112	F
27	Donaldsonville	202.0 µg/L	No	69	C
28	Gretna	197.0 µg/L	No	19	A-
29	Lutcher	193.6 µg/L	No	20	B+
30	Houma	190.0 µg/L	No	6	B+
31	Convent	190.0 µg/L	No	30	B+
32	Napoleonville	186.0 µg/L	No	27	A-
33	Baton Rouge	183.0 µg/L	No	30	F
34	Lockport	180.0 µg/L	No	4	A+
35	Hammond	177.0 µg/L	No	96	F
36	Deville	165.0 µg/L	No	1	A
37	Egan	164.0 µg/L	No	28	F
38	Maurice	150.0 µg/L	No	15	C+
39	Jennings	141.0 µg/L	No	10	B+
40	Doyline	140.0 µg/L	No	67	D
41	Plaquemine	138.0 µg/L	No	26	C-
42	Blanchard	133.0 µg/L	No	26	B+
43	Natchitoches	123.0 µg/L	No	20	A
44	Abbeville	110.0 µg/L	No	10	B+
45	Gonzales	108.0 µg/L	No	16	A-
46	Arnaudville	88.3 µg/L	No	44	C
47	Dequincy	88.0 µg/L	No	4	A+
48	Pineville	81.7 µg/L	No	15	F
49	Ruston	75.0 µg/L	No	20	B
50	Alexandria	74.0 µg/L	No	113	F
51	Mamou	65.0 µg/L	No	26	D
52	Monroe	64.0 µg/L	No	64	F
53	Deridder	51.0 µg/L	No	4	B+
54	West Monroe	42.3 µg/L	No	443	D+
55	Denham Springs	37.0 µg/L	No	6	B
56	Longville	31.0 µg/L	No	5	A-
57	Ringgold	29.1 µg/L	No	68	F
58	Kinder	25.0 µg/L	No	37	F
59	Covington	22.7 µg/L	No	93	F
60	Tioga	22.6 µg/L	No	7	A-
61	Walker	19.3 µg/L	No	7	A-
62	Zachary	18.2 µg/L	No	8	B-
63	Boyce	17.0 µg/L	No	18	B+
64	Mandeville	11.0 µg/L	No	170	F
65	Baker	11.0 µg/L	No	2	A-
66	Elton	11.0 µg/L	No	10	A-
67	Albany	8.3 µg/L	No	16	D
68	Bogalusa	8.0 µg/L	No	24	D

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about strontium in Louisiana

Is strontium in Louisiana tap water harmful?

Strontium at low levels is not considered harmful, but the EPA set a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L based on potential bone effects. No cities in Louisiana exceed the HRL. There is currently no federal MCL for strontium. Children may be more susceptible because strontium can substitute for calcium in developing bones.

How can I remove strontium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis and ion exchange (water softener) systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water. Standard carbon filters are NOT effective. If your water comes from a well in an area with limestone or dolomite geology, consider testing for strontium.

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