ZIP Code 71301 Water Quality & Testing Report
Alexandria, LA · Rapides Parish County · Updated for 2026
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 71301 (Alexandria, LA)?
Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 71301 (Alexandria, LA) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of C (55/100) due to 21 health violation(s) and 1.0 ppb lead. While treated by City of Alexandria Water System, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.
Water Safety Grade
Fair — Some compliance concerns
Health Violations
21
Total Violations
37
Lead Risk
High
Contaminants
4
Active Water Quality Issues Detected
EPA records show 22 unresolved violations. Contact City of Alexandria Water System for current status.
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 71301
Tap water in ZIP code 71301 (Alexandria, LA) is distributed by City of Alexandria Water System (EPA ID: LA1079001), serving approximately 66,798 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of C with a composite quality score of 55/100.
Water System
City of Alexandria Water System
EPA ID: LA1079001
Water Source
Ground Water
Population Served
66,798 residents
County
Rapides Parish County, Louisiana
Lead Levels in ZIP 71301
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 1.0 ppb — Very Low
Lead exposure risk in 71301 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 55% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
From annual CCR filing
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 71301 is Moderately Hard (84 mg/L / 4.9 GPG). It contains beneficial natural minerals like calcium and magnesium without causing heavy scale accumulation.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: City of Alexandria Water System · PWSID: LA1079001
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
City of Alexandria Water System has recorded 21 health-based violations out of 37 total violations over the past 5 years. 22 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
EPA records identify 4 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), Contaminant 0700, Consumer Confidence Report Rule.
⚖ Enforcement Actions
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.
Lower potential
Estimated annual flood-related costs per property
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 71301
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 71301 served by City of Alexandria 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.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 71301 Recommendations
Some compliance concerns — take precautions
- ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
- ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
- ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
- ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791
Recommended Water Treatment Systems:
NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter
Specifically certified to reduce lead and copper at the tap.
NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System
Advanced filtration for PFAS, fluoride, nitrates, and organic chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 71301 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 71301?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 71301 (Alexandria, LA)?+
How hard is the tap water in 71301?+
Should I test private well water in 71301?+
What is the lead level in 71301 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 71301?+
Who provides tap water to 71301?+
What water filter should I use in 71301?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 71301 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 City of Alexandria 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 →