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Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideHistorical Record: No Recorded SDWIS Violations

ZIP Code 71202 Water Quality & Testing Report

Monroe, LA · Ouachita Parish County · Updated for 2026

Sahajul HaqueCompiled & verified by Sahajul Haque from official EPA SDWIS records
Public Health & Medical Notice: Drinking water quality data on this page reflects historical compliance records submitted under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This information does not constitute medical advice or a real-time safety guarantee. If you are pregnant, nursing, preparing infant formula, or immunocompromised, consult a healthcare provider. Boiling water kills biological pathogens, but does NOT remove chemical contaminants like lead, arsenic, or PFAS.
Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 71202 (Monroe, LA)?

Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 71202 (Monroe, LA) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of D (51/100) due to 9 health violation(s) and 2.0 ppb lead. While treated by Monroe Water System, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.

Safety Score
D

Water Safety Grade

Poor — Multiple violations recorded

Health Violations

9

Total Violations

11

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

3

⚠

Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 5 unresolved violations. Contact Monroe Water System for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 71202

Tap water in ZIP code 71202 (Monroe, LA) is distributed by Monroe Water System (EPA ID: LA1073031), serving approximately 57,000 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of D with a composite quality score of 51/100.

Water System

Monroe Water System

EPA ID: LA1073031

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

57,000 residents

County

Ouachita Parish County, Louisiana

🧪

Lead Levels in ZIP 71202

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 2.0 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 71202 is 2.0 ppb. This meets the EPA action level of 15 ppb. Health experts recommend a target of 0 ppb for optimal safety.

Lead exposure risk in 71202 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 57% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
2.00 ppb (0.002 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

57%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Water Hardness & Mineral Content

Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)

Classification: Moderately Hard3.5 GPG · 60 mg/L

Water in ZIP 71202 is Moderately Hard (60 mg/L / 3.5 GPG). It contains beneficial natural minerals like calcium and magnesium without causing heavy scale accumulation.

Recommendation: A water softener is optional. Regular maintenance of hot water appliances is recommended.
Hardness (GPG)

Grains per gallon

3.5 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

60 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
Low / Moderate

Interactive Water Safety & Filter Matcher

Personalized for ZIP 71202 (Monroe, LA)

Free Tool

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Monroe Water System · PWSID: LA1073031

Verify on EPA.gov
📋

Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Monroe Water System has recorded 9 health-based violations out of 11 total violations over the past 5 years. 5 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.

Total Violations (5 yr)
11
Health-Based Violations
9
Unresolved Violations
5
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 3 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Stage 2 DBP Rule, Contaminant 0700.

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)Stage 2 DBP RuleContaminant 0700

⚖ Enforcement Actions

EPA or state regulators have issued 10 enforcement actions to address compliance lapses.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$76
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

6.2%

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 71202

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 71202 served by Monroe Water System can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.

Tap Water Testing Steps

  • 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
  • 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
  • 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.

Private Well Testing Steps

  • •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
  • •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
  • •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Louisiana Department of Health.
Certified Lab Testing: Always use an EPA-certified drinking water laboratory in LA for formal legal or real estate compliance testing.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 71202 Recommendations

  • 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
  • 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
  • 🚨 Contact Monroe Water System to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
  • 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab

Recommended Water Treatment Systems:

REQUIRED FOR SAFETY
🏺

NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter

Certified to remove lead. Recommended for immediate protection.

Lead Filter Guide →
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
⚗️

NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System

Reverse Osmosis system certified to remove PFAS, heavy metals, and viruses.

RO System Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 71202 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 71202?+
Tap water in 71202 has a below-average safety grade of D due to compliance issues. We recommend using a certified water filter for drinking and cooking.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 71202 (Monroe, LA)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 71202, you can order a certified drinking water test kit or send water samples to an EPA/NELAP certified laboratory in LA. Certified testing checks for lead, coliform bacteria, nitrates, hardness, and PFAS that standard test strips miss. Contact Louisiana Department of Health for a list of certified regional labs.
How hard is the tap water in 71202?+
Tap water in 71202 is classified as Moderately Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 60 mg/L (3.5 GPG). A water softener is optional. Regular maintenance of hot water appliances is recommended.
Should I test private well water in 71202?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 71202 are not regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners should test their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
What is the lead level in 71202 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 71202 is 2.0 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 71202?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 71202. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 71202?+
Tap water in ZIP code 71202 is provided by Monroe Water System (EPA ID: LA1073031), serving approximately 57,000 residents.
What water filter should I use in 71202?+
Based on water metrics for 71202, we recommend Reverse Osmosis (PFAS & Lead). Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 58 (Reverse Osmosis), NSF/ANSI 53 (Lead & VOCs), NSF/ANSI P473 (PFAS/PFOS).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 71202 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Monroe Water System. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →