Shreveport Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Shreveport tap water has notable issues that residents should consider. At just 38 ppm (2.2 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 34 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Action Needed
Quality issues detected
2.2 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Soft water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Shreveport Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Shreveport tap water has significant quality concerns that may require action.
- •34 health-based violations in the past 3 years.
- •We strongly recommend testing your water at home and using a certified water filter.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 192K people in the Shreveport area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.
How Hard is Shreveport Water?
38 ppm
2.2 grains per gallon
Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Great for skin & hair
Kitchen
No water spots
Laundry
Clothes stay soft
Appliances
No scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Based on 5 water samples from Caddo Parish County.
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Shreveport tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Shreveport
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
0 ppb
Shreveport lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
EPA Compliance History
Action Recommended
Active health-based violations detectedConsider using a certified water filter until violations are resolved. Contact your utility for updates on corrective actions.
3-Year Violation Summary
34
Total Violations
34
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Shreveport's Water?
Utility Name
SHREVEPORT WATER SYSTEM
EPA System ID (PWSID)
LA1017031
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
192K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Shreveport tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Louisiana
Baton Rouge
Soft water
New Orleans Carrollton Ww
Very Hard water
E Jefferson Ww District 1
Hard water
Lafayette
Moderate water
W Jefferson Ww District 2
Hard water
Schriever
Moderate water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology