B77/100
Ruston Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 34,087 residents · Louisiana
What's In Ruston's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2010.
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
GREATER WARD 1 WATERWORKS DISTRICT
Population Served
3,333
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
LA1061007
LINCOLN PARISH WATERWORKS DISTRICT #3
Population Served
2,730
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
LA1061010
RUSTON WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
22,468
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
LA1061017
WESLEY CHAPEL WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
4,080
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
LA1061020
HILLY-GREENWOOD WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
1,476
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
LA1061027
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruston Water
Is Ruston tap water safe to drink?
Ruston, Louisiana tap water receives a grade of B (77/100), which is considered good. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Ruston's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Ruston'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 Ruston have any water quality violations?
Yes, Ruston has 34 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2019. Violation types include Other, TT, MR. 18 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Ruston?
Ruston 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 Ruston's tap water come from?
Ruston's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by GREATER WARD 1 WATERWORKS DISTRICT and 4 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 34,087 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Ruston'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. Ruston'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 Ruston's water compare to other cities in Louisiana?
Ruston's water quality score of 77/100 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 Ruston's water quality?
If you have concerns about Ruston'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 (GREATER WARD 1 WATERWORKS DISTRICT) 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.