Shreveport Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The Shreveport Water System is a municipal utility serving approximately 201,513 residents in Shreveport, Louisiana (Caddo Parish). The primary water source is Cross Lake, a surface water reservoir. During periods of low water availability, the utility supplements its supply by pumping water from Twelve Mile Bayou. The utility is headquartered at 505 Travis Street and can be reached at 318-673-7600; residents with water quality concerns may also contact the Office of Engineering and Environmental Services at (318) 673-6000, and source water assessment documents are available upon request.

The Cross Lake Watershed encompasses approximately 260 square miles, with roughly two-thirds located in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and one-third in Harrison County, Texas. The watershed is predominantly composed of undeveloped timberland, though significant portions include urban and suburban development within Shreveport's city limits. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality conducted a source water assessment in September 2002 and assigned the supply a high susceptibility rating. The region's geological character produces hard water typical of Louisiana's moderately hard to hard water supplies.

Shreveport's water is classified as hard, consistent with Louisiana's statewide hardness range of 100–180 PPM (5.8–10.5 GPG). At this hardness level, residents can expect noticeable scale buildup on fixtures and appliances, reduced soap lathering, and potential dry skin; water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines are particularly susceptible to mineral accumulation and reduced efficiency, and a water softener is recommended. The 2023 water quality report assigned the system a grade of F (score 57/100) as determined by the Louisiana Department of Health; detected contaminants include diquat, phenanthrene, lead, hexavalent chromium, bromodichloromethane, dichloroacetic acid, and total trihalomethanes (TTHMs).