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

ZIP Code 71242 Water Quality & Testing Report

Forest, LA · West Carroll Parish County · Updated for 2026

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 71242 (Forest, LA)?

Yes, tap water in ZIP code 71242 (Forest, LA) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by Village of Forest Water System, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of A (94/100) with 1 health violations, 2.0 ppb lead, and moderately hard (85 mg/L / 5 GPG) water.

Safety Score
A

Water Safety Grade

Excellent — Meets all EPA standards

Health Violations

1

Total Violations

1

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

1

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 71242

Tap water in ZIP code 71242 (Forest, LA) is distributed by Village of Forest Water System (EPA ID: LA1123003), serving approximately 1,560 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of A with a composite quality score of 94/100.

Water System

Village of Forest Water System

EPA ID: LA1123003

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

1,560 residents

County

West Carroll Parish County, Louisiana

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Lead Levels in ZIP 71242

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

Lead Level: 2.0 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 71242 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 71242 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 45% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

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

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

45%
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 Hard5 GPG · 85 mg/L

Water in ZIP 71242 is Moderately Hard (85 mg/L / 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

5 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

85 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
Low / Moderate

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Village of Forest Water System · PWSID: LA1123003

Verify on EPA.gov
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Village of Forest Water System has recorded 1 health-based violation out of 1 total violation over the past 5 years.

Total Violations (5 yr)
1
Health-Based Violations
1
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Moderate

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

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Stage 2 DBP Rule.

Stage 2 DBP Rule

⚖ Enforcement Actions

EPA or state regulators have issued 1 enforcement action to address compliance lapses.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$55
Energy Burden

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

4.27%

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

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 71242

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 71242 served by Village of Forest 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 71242 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Village of Forest Water System
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Recommended Taste & Safety Filter:

🚰

NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Pitcher Filter

Best for removing aesthetic chlorine, odors, and low-level heavy metals.

Filter Selection Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 71242 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 71242?+
Yes — tap water in 71242 (Forest, LA) meets EPA standards with a water safety grade of A. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 71242 (Forest, LA)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 71242, 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 71242?+
Tap water in 71242 is classified as Moderately Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 85 mg/L (5 GPG). A water softener is optional. Regular maintenance of hot water appliances is recommended.
Should I test private well water in 71242?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 71242 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 71242 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 71242 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 71242?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 71242. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 71242?+
Tap water in ZIP code 71242 is provided by Village of Forest Water System (EPA ID: LA1123003), serving approximately 1,560 residents.
What water filter should I use in 71242?+
Based on water metrics for 71242, we recommend Reverse Osmosis (PFAS & Lead). Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 53 (Chemical Contaminants), NSF/ANSI 42 (Aesthetic Effects).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 71242 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 Village of Forest 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 →