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ABOUT THE
PROGRAM
Background
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.
Utilities Regulations under the Clean Water and Drinking Water Acts
The Safe Drinking Water Program through the LDH provides comprehensive drinking water protection to the citizens and visitors of Louisiana, supervising over 1,200 public water systems to meet state and federal drinking water requirements. The goal of the Safe Drinking Water Program is to prevent illness and death that can occur from waterborne disease outbreaks or chemical exposure associated with contaminated drinking water. It accomplishes this through monitoring, inspections, and engineering plan review. Monitoring includes the collection, analysis and review of bacteriological and chemical samples to ensure compliance with maximum contaminant levels, treatment technique requirements, monitoring and analytical requirements. Inspections include sanitary surveys and site inspections conducted to evaluate the capability of a drinking water system to consistently and reliably deliver an adequate quality and quantity of safe drinking water to the consumer and to ensure compliance with state and federal drinking water regulations. Engineering Plan Review of, and issues permits for, new construction and modification of public water systems including the source, treatment, storage and distribution facilities to ensure the quality and protection of drinking water.
The Drinking Water Protection Program (DWPP) was designed by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to assist Louisiana communities in protecting their drinking water and preventing contamination of drinking water sources. The goals of the program are to increase public awareness of the importance of protecting drinking water sources and to educate communities on actions they can take to protect drinking water. As well as focusing on public education and community activism, the program elements of the Drinking Water Protection Program also focus on zoning regulations and contingency planning by the water systems.
About the water collaborative
The Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans (TWC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping communities live and thrive with water. TWC is the regional leader in rights-based water management. We focus on urban water management through three main pillars: policy, education, and equity. Our advocacy work focuses on water quality, affordability, accessibility, data transparency, nature-based solutions, and programs that allow communities to thrive. We partner with government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, members, frontline communities, and other stakeholders at the federal, regional, state, and local levels to build a network of informed, engaged, and connected groups and individuals.
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
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.
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
Comprehensive assessments of household and commercial water quality in the New Orleans region.
