B78/100
Athens Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 3,843 residents · Louisiana
What's In Athens's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2013.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
SOUTH CLAIBORNE WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
3,843
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
LA1027006
Frequently Asked Questions About Athens Water
Is Athens tap water safe to drink?
Athens, Louisiana tap water receives a grade of B (78/100), which is considered good. Out of 31 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Athens's water?
31 contaminants were tested in Athens's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Athens have any water quality violations?
Yes, Athens has 6 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2013. Violation types include MR, MCL. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Athens?
Athens water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Athens's tap water come from?
Athens's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by SOUTH CLAIBORNE WATER SYSTEM. The system serves approximately 3,843 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Athens's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Athens's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Athens's water compare to other cities in Louisiana?
Athens's water quality score of 78/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Louisiana state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Athens's water quality?
If you have concerns about Athens's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (SOUTH CLAIBORNE WATER SYSTEM) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.