The Water Collaborative

ABOUT THE
PROGRAM

In the fall of 2026, The Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans (TWC) launched its water testing program focused on residential tap water. Building on the foundation of our 2022 Mississippi River PFAS Study, 2023 Orleans Lead Testing Study, and 2025 Southeast Louisiana Water Quality Study, this project shifts the focus to households across the Lake Pontchartrain basin, which includes 16 parishes: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, Livingston, St. Tammany, Iberville, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Charles, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines.

This program will test for contaminants of concern, including lead, heavy metals, BTEX, 1,4-dioxane, and multiple PFAS compounds. This work is carried out in collaboration with community organizations who help connect us with residents, ensuring the study was rooted in trust and enthusiastic participation.

a pink and white house with a car parked in front of it

Together, this partnership will create one of the most comprehensive assessments of household water quality in the region and underscores the need for stronger protections, equity, and investment in safe drinking water for every community. It will show the need for evidence-based strategies to strengthen water quality standards and could be used to advocate for greater utility funding and collaboration.

COMMUNITY VOICE
IS CRITICAL TO
OUR PROCESS

We are conducting this study to help empower residents, communities, and elected officials to make informed decisions and demand accountability from corporations, businesses, and leadership in their parishes. Additionally, we hope this project can influence water-related policies on contamination and treatment.

It is crucial that our research includes community members impacted by water quality challenges. Through this, we hope to help community members understand their water quality issues and advocate for better policies and practices. We aim to provide individuals/community members with facts and empower them to take matters into their own hands.

Past Work

View Past Reports

In 2022, the first Industrial Corridor Water Quality study took place. During this, the Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans sampled Mississippi River water and soil at 31 locations in nine parishes on the Lower Mississippi River in Louisiana. Seven locations had detectable concentrations of harmful chemicals. The chemical toluene was detected in the soil at two locations in Iberville Parish near Plaquemine and Sunshine, and forever chemicals, or PFAS compounds, were detected in the Mississippi River water at five locations in Pointe Coupee Parish: near New Roads, Ascension Parish near Modeste and Donaldsonville, and St. James Parish near White Hall and Convent.

The toluene concentrations in the soil were substantially below the Louisiana Risk Evaluation/Corrective Action Program (RECAP). In some cases, PFAS concentrations in the Mississippi River exceeded what the EPA deems acceptable drinking water standards. You can read more here, here and here.

Contaminants
we test for

LEAD

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that contaminates water when plumbing materials like lead pipes, goosenecks, and fixtures corrode over time. This is particularly concerning because lead poisoning can inflict severe damage on the nervous system, resulting in neurological effects, especially in children. Even minimal exposure to lead over time can result in significant health complications for both children and adults, jeopardizing cognitive development and overall well-being. The current action level is 15 parts per billion (ppb).

COPPER

While copper is an essential mineral supporting a lot of human bodily functions, exposure to high copper levels, often from contaminated food and water, can result in copper toxicity. Corroded plumbing materials are a common source of copper release into drinking water. Short-term exposure to elevated copper levels may lead to symptoms like stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Prolonged exposure to high levels of copper in drinking water can escalate to more severe health issues, such as liver damage and neurological disorders. The current action level is 1.3 parts per million (ppm) or 1,300 ppb.

PFAS

per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represents a set of over 9,000 man-made chemical compounds that do not break down over time, also known as “forever chemicals”. This means they build up in our environment and even in our bloodstream over time. PFAS compounds are used by industry and the military in a wide range of products, including many household items we use every day, such as nonstick cookware, plastic food packaging, and stain removers. These compounds are flushed into our waterways through industrial discharges and municipal wastewater systems and can re-enter our homes through tap water. PFAS are currently unregulated by the federal government, and while public health risk data is limited, the CDC has concluded that PFAS are linked to increased risks of kidney and testicular cancer, low birth weight, higher cholesterol and blood pressure, and a decreased response to vaccines.

1,4-DIOXANE

1,4-Dioxane is another volatile organic compound that is unregulated by the federal government. 1,4-Dioxane is commonly used in various solvents to make them not deteriorate or break down, and is found in many household hygiene products including shampoos, laundry detergents, soaps, and cleansers. The EPA has concluded that public health risks from 1,4-Dioxane include headaches, eye, nose, and throat irritation, liver and kidney damage, and tumors.

BTEX

BTEX is an acronym for four different chemicals: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. They are all volatile organic compounds (VOC), which means they easily vaporise and leach in the environment under normal conditions. BTEX are widely used in the petrochemical industry, particularly in crude oil and natural gas production. Hazardous waste sites can contain large amounts of BTEX, which can leach into water, soil, and air, polluting the environment. BTEX is currently regulated by the federal government, although more rigorous standards could be set and enforced. Public health risks from BTEX exposure include leukemia and other blood cancers, neurological impairments, and kidney, liver, and blood system changes.

LEAD

COPPER

PFAS

1,4-DIOXANE

BTEX

TESTING and
SERVICE Pricing

Request Testing

$100

Lead Only

$165

Heavy Metals

$385

Heavy Metals + PFAS

$475

Heavy Metals & Volatile Organic Compounds

$725

Heavy Metals
+ BTEX

$1,100

Heavy Metals,
VOCs, 1,4-Dioxane
and PFAS

FAQ's

What are some common water contaminants?

Coliform bacteria, E. coli, Nitrates and nitrites, Arsenic Chloride, Copper Fluoride, Hardness Iron, lead Magnesium, Manganese pH, Radon, Sodium, Uranium

Is Fluoride good in my water?

Fluoride is naturally found in almost all soil and water and many rocks. It is released into the environment when rocks or soil containing fluoride are dissolved by water. Many communities add a small amount of fluoride to the water supply to prevent cavities and promote good oral health. CDC recommends the use of fluoride to prevent cavities. It is important to know the fluoride concentration of your main source of drinking water, as the EPA has set the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for fluoride at 4.0 milligrams per liter, a standard designed to prevent known or anticipated adverse health. This information may help with decisions about using other fluoride products or reducing intake.

Who is at risk for contaminated water?

You may be at risk if you can answer yes to the following questions: Do you drink or cook with water straight from the tap? Are there children or women of childbearing age in your home? Is your home old or does it have old water pipes?

When should you test your tap water?

It is also recommended that you test your water every 3-5 years. Some special times to test your water include: If you are expecting a baby Your water changes in smell, taste, and color When buying a new home After installing a water treatment system or replacing parts of your treatment system

If I get my water tested, does that mean it is safe to drink?What happens if my water test results show contamination?

Unfortunately, no. It is virtually impossible to test for every possible contaminant. If one were to test for all 94 contaminants that EPA has on its drinking water list for public supplies, it would likely cost upwards of $2000-3000. But if a water test shows no bacterial contamination (total coliform and E. coli are ABSENT) and concentrations of other health-related contaminants are low as well (e.g., nitrate, lead, arsenic), that is a great start. Routine testing and regular maintenance go a long way toward helping water users understand what is normal for their water and keep it safe. If your water test results indicate contamination, we will provide an explanation and guidance on the best next steps.

Do Brita or Zero Water filters remove all contaminants from water?

Brita filters, while effective, usually use activated carbon and remove some heavy metals, chlorine, and some tastes and odors. Check the filter box to find out what is actually removed. These filters must be changed according to the directions, or they may become a source of contamination (they "fill up" and become completely covered with contaminants, which can then slough off into the water). Zero Water is another brand of personal water filters that can be considered more effective than Brita. They use a 5-stage filter design that uses Ion Exchange Technology to remove detectable dissolved solids, and the filter is certified to reduce PFOA/PFOS, lead, chromium and mercury.

Will I get the results? How long will it take?

Yes, you will receive your results by email about three weeks after collection. In general, tests are completed within 10-14 business days after the laboratory receives the sample.

Will my private information be publicized?

No, your private information will not be shared with the public. All personal data will be kept confidential and used solely for the purposes of this study.

How long are the appointments? How long will it take?

Appointments are 20 minutes.

Who is conducting the program?

The Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans is a local nonprofit focused on sustainable urban water management. Our goal is to improve public health and safety through accurate assessment and advocacy. We are not associated with the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans or Entergy New Orleans.

Who are the funders?

The program is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and Aqualateral. It will also be funded by revenue from this program!

How can I stay informed about the program's progress and findings?

We will present the study’s findings to the community through community meetings, newsletters, and our website. You can also subscribe to our mailing list or follow us on social media for updates. nolawater.org INSTA: nolawater Urban Waters Louisiana

I have an issue with the Sewerage and Water Board, and/or my local utilities, what can I do about it?

Contact SWBNO through phone or report and issue online: Account Questions: 52-WATER/(504) 529-2837 https://www.swbno.org/CustomerService/ReportAnIssue