Fair Water Quality
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
1.0
|
15 ppb | 1 ppb | Passed |
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:2 FTS | 8.2 ppt | No standard | — | Unregulated |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Slidell, Louisiana (70460) receives an overall grade of C (Fair) with a score of 69 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 9 points below the Louisiana state average of 78. The area is served by 6 water systems providing water to approximately 59,030 people, using groundwater sources. PFAS testing detected 1 compound, all currently below EPA limits. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 27 violations, including 13 health-based violations.
A score of 69/100 indicates fair water quality in Slidell, LA. While the water meets minimum federal standards, there are noteworthy concerns — either elevated contaminant levels approaching regulatory limits, a moderate violation history, or both. Residents may want to review specific contaminant data and consider targeted filtration, especially for sensitive groups like children and pregnant women.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.
Common Questions
Tap water in Slidell, Louisiana receives a grade of C (Fair) with a score of 69/100. While it generally meets minimum federal standards, there are some areas of concern including violation history or elevated contaminant levels. Sensitive populations (children, pregnant women, elderly) may want to consider additional filtration.
ZIP code 70460 is served by 6 water systems using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 59,030 people. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, often requiring less treatment. However, it can be vulnerable to contamination from underground sources like naturally occurring arsenic, nitrates from agriculture, or PFAS from industrial sites.
Lead levels in Slidell, Louisiana are 1.0 ppb, which is at or below the health guideline of 1 ppb. This is a positive result, though periodic testing is still recommended.
1 PFAS compound were detected in water serving Slidell, Louisiana, but all are currently below EPA limits. While levels are within regulatory standards, some health organizations recommend minimizing any PFAS exposure. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce PFAS levels.
Water systems serving Slidell, Louisiana have received 27 violations in the last 5 years, including 13 health-based violations. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.
Based on detected contaminants (PFAS), residents in Slidell, Louisiana should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.