Is New Orleans Tap Water Safe To Drink?
New Orleans, the vibrant city of Louisiana, is known for its rich culture and jazz music. The primary water source for the city is the Mississippi River. Now, many residents have raised questions about the quality of water. So, is New Orleans tap water safe to drink?
Let’s find out!
Water Quality
The water from the Mississippi does not directly flow into your tap. It goes through quite an intricate treatment process before it becomes the water you use at home. To ensure the safety and quality of the water supply, the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) treats the water extensively.
The treatment process includes several crucial steps to rid the water of impurities. For example, chlorine is used to disinfect the water and eliminate harmful microorganisms, and other chemicals like aluminum sulfate and lime are added to clarify the water by removing suspended particles. This rigorous treatment process meets or exceeds federal and state drinking water standards.
Moreover, The SWBNO produces an annual water quality report that provides essential information about the city’s tap water. These reports are easily accessible to the public and offer a transparent view of water quality.
In these reports, you can find details about the source of the water, treatment processes, and the results of water quality tests. The reports also include information on any contaminants found in the water, their levels, and whether they meet EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards.
Contaminants Threatening New Orleans Water Quality
When water flows through rivers, lakes, and underground sources, it can gather harmful things like heavy metals, radioactive stuff, and other dangerous stuff. Some of these things come from nature, and the rest from human activities.
Some contaminants typically found in New Orleans water include microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria, inorganic contaminants like metals, and chemical contaminants like pesticides, herbicides, and petroleum byproducts.
The water we drink, even from bottles, might contain some contaminants, but the EPA says it’s usually not a major health concern.
So, Is It Safe To Drink?
Now, let’s cut to the chase and address the million-dollar question: is New Orleans tap water safe to drink?
The good news is that New Orleans tap water consistently meets or surpasses EPA standards. The annual water quality reports indicate that the city’s water is well within the accepted contamination limits. These results should put your mind at ease when reaching for that glass of tap water in the Big Easy.
Tips for Drinking New Orleans Tap Water
While New Orleans tap water is generally safe to drink, it’s always wise to take a few precautions:
- Lead Awareness
If you have an older home in New Orleans, be aware of the potential for lead service lines. You can have your water tested for lead and may want to use a certified lead-filtering pitcher or faucet filter.
- Let the Tap Run
If you’re concerned about lead in your plumbing, it’s a good practice to let your tap run for a minute or so before using the water for drinking or cooking, especially after the water has been stagnant in the pipes for several hours.
- Filter Water
If you want an extra layer of assurance, consider investing in a home water filtration system.
