More than 67% of Louisiana’s more than 950 water systems rated an A or B in the state’s first set of ratings, released May 1, in accordance with a law passed in 2021.
Some 15% of water systems (138) received D or F grades, according to the data. The ratings are based on numerous factors - such as financial sustainability, infrastructure quality, operation and maintenance - including if the system has violated state or federal water quality standards. They are compiled based on 2022 data from the Louisiana Department of Health.
Getting a low grade does not necessarily mean the water is unsafe to drink, according to LDH’s website. But it should cause locals to reflect on whether the system should be combined with other systems, said Sen. Fred Mills (R-Parks), who authored the bill establishing the grading system. Preliminary grades for the water systems were released in January.
The largest of the 130 in the preliminary grades, Jefferson Parish Water Works Dist. 2, which serves the West Bank, earned an A in the final grades, after initially getting a D.
Other large water systems in south Louisiana received passing grades. All of East Baton Rouge systems got an A or B. New Orleans’ East Bank (C) and West Bank (B).
HOW'D YOUR WATER SYSTEM RATE? How does your water system score? See here | Environment | nola.com
About 5% of Louisiana residents live in a district that was rated with a D or F. Many of those are small and serve rural parishes. More than 50% of the residents in rural Sabine Parish, in the state's NW, live in failing systems, the data shows. (NOLA.com 05/01/23) 138 Louisiana water systems get failing grades | Environment | nola.com
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