C47/100
Opelousas Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 34,989 residents · Louisiana
What's In Opelousas's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
8
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
6
Health-Related
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: April 2, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: July 17, 2024 – January 30, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – June 13, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: June 4, 2024 – February 19, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: October 27, 2021 – February 1, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: October 27, 2021Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: October 27, 2021Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: October 27, 2021 – February 1, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
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
LEWISBURG BELLEVUE WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
8,226
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
LA1097006
CITY OF OPELOUSAS WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
20,388
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
LA1097010
PLAISANCE WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
6,375
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
LA1097012
Frequently Asked Questions About Opelousas Water
Is Opelousas tap water safe to drink?
Opelousas, Louisiana tap water receives a grade of C (47/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 53 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Opelousas's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Opelousas's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Opelousas have any water quality violations?
Yes, Opelousas has 53 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include TT, Other, MR. 28 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Opelousas?
Opelousas 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. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Opelousas's tap water come from?
Opelousas's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by LEWISBURG BELLEVUE WATER SYSTEM and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 34,989 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Opelousas'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. Opelousas'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 Opelousas's water compare to other cities in Louisiana?
Opelousas's water quality score of 47/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Louisiana state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Opelousas's water quality?
If you have concerns about Opelousas'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 (LEWISBURG BELLEVUE 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.