New Orleans Tap Water Quality Report
New Orleans's water has 4 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We recommend using a certified water filter.
Utility
NEW ORLEANS WATER
People Served
291,044
MCL Violations
0
Last Updated
Sep 19, 2025
Is New Orleans Tap Water Safe to Drink?
New Orleans's water has 4 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in New Orleans's water.
The data below shows test results from NEW ORLEANS WATER SYSTEM, which serves 291,044 people in the New Orleans area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated Sep 19, 2025.
New Orleans Water Quality Test Results
Key Water Quality Metrics
Contaminants Detected
⚠️ Contaminants Above EPA MCLG (4)
Lead
What is Lead?
Naturally occurring heavy metal commonly found in tap water
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for oral exposure to lead are based on delays in physical or mental development for children and infants, and impacts to the kidneys and high blood pressure for adults. Children are especially susceptible to the effects of lead. Even low levels of lead can damage the brain and nervous system, slow development, and lead to problems with learning, behavior, hearing, and speech. In adults, lead can lead to hypertension, reproductive problems, neurological disorders, decreased kidney function and muscle and joint pain. Exposure to lead can also cause anemia and impact the immune system for both children and adults. The EPA classifies lead as a probable human carcinogen.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Bromodichloromethane
What is Bromodichloromethane?
Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for BDCM are based on carcinogenicity and liver toxicity observed in animal studies. The EPA has classified BDCM as a probable human carcinogen. Results from animal studies also suggest that kidney, immune system, spleen, and developmental toxicity are associated with exposure to BDCM. BDCM has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Chloroform
What is Chloroform?
Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine and is generally the most abundant THM formed in drinking water
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for chloroform have been developed based on kidney and liver carcinogenicity observed in animal studies, and liver toxicity observed in occupational studies. The EPA classifies chloroform as a probable human carcinogen based on animal evidence, and there is additional epidemiological evidence that may increase the risk of colon and bladder cancer in humans. Results from animal studies also suggest that exposure to chloroform can cause liver, developmental and immune toxicity. Acute exposure to low levels of chloroform will cause nervous system toxicity.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Total THMs
What is Total THMs?
Group of contaminants that form in drinking water systems when a disinfectant, typically chlorine, reacts with organic matter
Health Effects
Drinking water standards for total THMs are based on evidence of carcinogenicity in human and animal studies, as well as liver and kidney toxicity observed in animal studies. Individual THMs have been further associated with developmental, immune, spleen, and genotoxicity.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Understanding the Data
This data comes from your local water utility testing. The bar charts compare detected levels against EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG). Contaminants above the MCLG are shown by default and may require filtration. All other tested contaminants are within safe levels and can be viewed by expanding the section above.
Recommended Water Filters for New Orleans
Based on New Orleans's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.
Whirlpool Corporation
W11256135
NSF Certified:
Capacity
1001 gal
Filter Life
3 mo
Flow Rate
0.7 gpm
Removes 19 contaminants:
1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos, Atrazine +14 more
Whirlpool Corporation
W11569861
NSF Certified:
Capacity
1001 gal
Filter Life
3 mo
Flow Rate
0.52 gpm
Removes 22 contaminants:
1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,2,4 Trichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos +17 more
iSpring Water Systems LLC
RCC7-BLK
NSF Certified:
Daily Production
25.41 gpd
Removes 9 contaminants:
Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Copper +4 more
iSpring Water Systems LLC
RCC7AK-BLK
NSF Certified:
Daily Production
25.41 gpd
Removes 9 contaminants:
Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Copper +4 more
Frequently Asked Questions About New Orleans Tap Water
New Orleans's water has 4 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in New Orleans's water.