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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 70121 Water Quality Report

New Orleans, LA · Jefferson Parish County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

8

Total Violations

18

Lead Risk

Very High

Contaminants

3

⚠

Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 2 unresolved violations. Contact New Orleans Carrollton Water Works for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 70121

Tap water in ZIP code 70121 (New Orleans, LA) receives a C grade (score: 64/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from New Orleans Carrollton Water Works is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

New Orleans Carrollton Water Works

EPA ID: LA1071009

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

334,903 residents

County

Jefferson Parish County, Louisiana

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Lead Levels in ZIP 70121

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

Lead Level: 5.0 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 70121 is 5.0 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. While this is a reassuring result, the EPA's public health goal for lead is actually zero — no amount of lead is considered completely safe, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant women. Running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter adds an extra layer of protection.

Lead exposure risk in 70121 is rated Very High. EPA models estimate a 71% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This is among the highest risk categories nationally, often associated with heavily aging infrastructure and pre-1986 construction. Do not give unfiltered tap water to children under 6 or pregnant women. Consider getting your home's plumbing tested for lead solder and fixtures.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
5.00 ppb (0.005 mg/L)
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

56 ppb
Copper (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

0.1 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Very High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

71%
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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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

New Orleans Carrollton Water Works has recorded 8 health-based violations in the past 5 years — significantly above the national average. This volume of violations indicates serious and recurring compliance issues. Independent water testing and in-home filtration are strongly recommended. 2 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
18
Health-Based Violations
8
Unresolved Violations
2
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. New Orleans Carrollton Water Works has an extensive history of unresolved violations and enforcement actions. Independent water testing is highly recommended.

⚗️

Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 3 contaminants associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 70121: Chlorite, Fecal Coliform, Contaminant 0700. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

ChloriteFecal ColiformContaminant 0700

From Consumer Confidence Report:

Lead (56 ppb*)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against New Orleans Carrollton Water Works — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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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 and Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$136
Energy Burden

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

2.82%

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

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 70121 Recommendations

  • ⚠ 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

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 70121 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 70121?+
Tap water in 70121 (New Orleans, LA) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.
What is the lead level in 70121 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 70121 is 5.0 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is a low level, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Who provides tap water to 70121?+
Tap water in ZIP code 70121 is provided by New Orleans Carrollton Water Works (EPA ID: LA1071009). This system serves approximately 334,903 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 70121?+
ZIP code 70121 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 70121 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 2 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact New Orleans Carrollton Water Works for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 70121?+
Your water utility — New Orleans Carrollton Water Works — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "New Orleans Carrollton Water Works Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 70121?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 70121, with detected contaminants including Chlorite and Fecal Coliform, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 70121 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 70121 shows a lead level of 5.0 ppb — below the action level, but as an extra precaution, run your tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified lead filter for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 70121 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 New Orleans Carrollton Water Works. 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 →