LeadPipeLookup

State overview

Lead service lines in Louisiana

Aggregated lead pipe inventory data for all 1,122 public water systems in Louisiana, serving approximately 5,245,914 residents.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
1,122
Population served
5,245,914
Known lead lines
0
Unknown material
0

Lead Service Lines in Louisiana

Louisiana's 1,122 water systems serve about 5.2 million people. Right now, there is no publicly reported data on how many lead service lines exist in the state—either confirmed lines or suspected ones. That doesn't mean the risk isn't real; it means inventories are still being compiled.

Why this matters

A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the public water main. If yours is made of lead, water sitting in that pipe overnight or over a few hours can pick up lead. Even low levels matter, especially for children and pregnant people. The only way to know for sure is testing—either your water or your pipes.

What Louisiana water systems are doing

The six largest utilities in Louisiana—Baton Rouge Water Company, New Orleans Carrollton Water Works, E Jefferson WW District 1, Shreveport Water System, Lafayette Utilities Water System, and W Jefferson WW District 2—together serve more than 1.7 million people. These systems are required by federal law to know whether lead lines are in their networks and to share that information with you.

As of now, none of these systems have reported a confirmed count of lead service lines in their public inventories. This may mean:

  • The inventory work is still underway
  • Lines have been tested or flushed but results aren't finalized
  • Lead lines are uncommon in those particular systems

The best way to find out what applies to your utility is to ask them directly.

What you can do right now

Test your water. Contact your water utility and ask if they offer free testing. Many do. A simple test tells you if lead is present in your tap water—the actual risk to you.

Know your home's age and pipe material. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines or lead solder in fixtures. If you know or can find out what material your pipes are, that's valuable information to share with your utility.

Get your kids tested if you're concerned. Lead testing through your pediatrician or local health department is straightforward and important for young children.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility and ask for their lead service line inventory, water quality testing results, or free testing programs
  • Test your tap water to know your actual exposure—start with a free or low-cost test through your utility or health department
  • Check your home's construction date (property records or tax assessor) to assess likelihood of lead pipes
  • Talk to your pediatrician if you have young children and lead exposure is a concern

Largest public water systems in Louisiana

UtilityPWSIDPopulationKnown leadUnknown
BATON ROUGE WATER COMPANYLA1033005596,844——
NEW ORLEANS CARROLLTON WATER WORKSLA1071009334,903——
E JEFFERSON WW DISTRICT 1LA1051001275,163——
SHREVEPORT WATER SYSTEMLA1017031192,378——
LAFAYETTE UTILITIES WATER SYSTEMLA1055017169,389——
W JEFFERSON WW DISTRICT 2LA1051004140,264——
SCHRIEVER WATER TREATMENT SERVICE AREALA1109002116,460——
LAFOURCHE WATER DISTRICT 1LA105700181,609——
CITY OF LAKE CHARLES WATER SYSTEMLA101902979,500——
CITY OF BOSSIER CITY WATER SYSTEMLA101500478,960——
WARD II WATER DISTRICTLA106303973,506——
TANGIPAHOA PARISH WATER DISTRICTLA110500872,504——
CITY OF ALEXANDRIA WATER SYSTEMLA107900166,798——
NEW IBERIA WATER SYSTEM (LAWCO)LA104500959,928——
MONROE WATER SYSTEMLA107303157,000——
ST CHARLES PARISH DEPT OF WATERWORKSLA108900152,879——
NEW ORLEANS ALGIERS WATER WORKSLA107100152,785——
ST BERNARD PARISH WATERWORKSLA108700144,783——
SLIDELL WATER SUPPLYLA110304135,547——
ST JOHN WATER DISTRICT 3LA109500731,965——
ZACHARY WATER SYSTEMLA103303031,569——
NATCHITOCHES WATER SYSTEMLA106900727,693——
CITY OF DENHAM SPRINGS WATER SYSTEMLA106300425,725——
SULPHUR CITY OF WATER SYSTEMLA101904424,489——
VERMILION WATERWORKS DISTRICT 1LA111303424,132——

Cities in Louisiana

More on lead pipes in Louisiana

Frequently asked about lead pipes in Louisiana

Does Louisiana have lead in the water?

Lead in water depends on your pipes, not the water source. Louisiana's water systems haven't reported widespread lead service line contamination, but lead can enter water through older pipes. Testing your specific tap water is the only way to know if it's present in your home.

How do I find out if my home has a lead service line?

Contact your water utility with your address and ask for your service line material. You can also check property records or have a plumber inspect your pipes. If your home was built before 1986, the risk is higher.

Is it safe to drink Louisiana tap water?

Louisiana's public water systems are required to meet federal safety standards. However, if you have a lead service line or old fixtures, lead can enter your water. Ask your utility for a water test or get one done independently to be sure.

What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?

Use bottled water for drinking and cooking until you address the source. Contact your water utility—they may offer free flushing or replacement programs. For health concerns, talk to your pediatrician or local health department.