If you live in New Orleans or the surrounding metro area, chances are you’ve asked yourself:
“Is our tap water actually safe?”
To answer that, let’s start with where your water comes from—and what happens before it reaches your faucet.
At Torres Water Co., we believe informed homeowners make the best decisions about their water. Here’s what you need to know.
The Source: The Mississippi River
New Orleans’ tap water comes almost entirely from the Mississippi River—specifically, a section of the river upstream from the city. The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) pulls millions of gallons each day from the river for treatment.
Yes, that’s the same Mississippi River that runs through industrial zones, farmland, and cities across multiple states before it ever reaches Louisiana.
Step 1: Municipal Treatment
Before water gets to your home, it goes through a multi-step treatment process, including:
- Coagulation & flocculation – chemicals are added to clump particles together
- Sedimentation – solids settle to the bottom
- Filtration – sand and gravel remove finer particles
- Disinfection – chlorine and chloramines are added to kill bacteria
This process removes many contaminants, but it’s not perfect. And some of what’s added—like chlorine—can cause its own problems.
What’s Still in Your Water?
Even after treatment, New Orleans tap water often contains:
- Chlorine and chloramines – used to disinfect, but can dry skin, damage pipes, and affect taste
- Disinfection byproducts (THMs) – created when chlorine reacts with organic matter
- Lead – especially in homes with older plumbing
- PFAS (“forever chemicals”) – not removed by standard city treatment
- Sediment – especially during storms or boil water advisories
In fact, New Orleans has had occasional boil water notices, pressure drops, and color/taste complaints, particularly after heavy rains or power outages.
Why Filtration Still Matters at Home
City treatment makes the water legally “safe,” but that doesn’t always mean it’s healthy, clean-tasting, or contaminant-free.
At Torres Water Co., we recommend a layered approach:
1. Whole-Home Filtration or Softener with Carbon Media
Removes:
- Chlorine and chloramines
- Bad taste and odor
- Sediment and VOCs
2. Reverse Osmosis (RO) System at the Sink
Removes:
- Lead
- PFAS/PFOA
- Arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, heavy metals
- Up to 98% of total dissolved solids
What About Jefferson Parish and the Westbank?
Other areas like Metairie, Kenner, Harahan, and the Westbank also use the Mississippi River as their water source. Their treatment plants operate separately from New Orleans’ SWBNO, but use similar methods: filtration, chlorination, and distribution through municipal pipes.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood depending on infrastructure age, distribution line conditions, and weather events—so even next-door neighbors may experience different results.
Want to Know What’s in Your Water?
We offer free in-home water testing for residents across the New Orleans metro area. We’ll check:
- Chlorine/chloramine levels
- Hardness
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
- And more
From there, we’ll recommend the right system for your home and your health.
📞 Call us at (504)838-8345