05-05-2025
Shreveport fails state water report again, city plans for improvements
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – For the second year in a row, Shreveport's water system received an 'F' grade in a statewide report.
William Daniel of Water and Sewage explained, 'Most of the points we lost were due to infrastructure issues. However, some of the grade was also impacted by manganese-related concerns.'
In Louisiana, community water systems are graded based on seven standards as part of the Community Drinking Water Accountability Rule, established under Act 98 of the 2021 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. These standards are designed to evaluate the overall quality and sustainability of the water systems.
Federal Water Quality Violations: Compliance with federal regulations regarding water quality.
State Violations: Adherence to state-specific water quality regulations.
Financial Sustainability: The financial health and ability of the water system to maintain operations and infrastructure.
Operation and Maintenance: The effectiveness of the system's operational practices and maintenance routines.
Infrastructure: The condition and reliability of the physical infrastructure of the water system.
Customer Satisfaction: Feedback and satisfaction levels from the customers served by the water system.
Secondary Contaminants: Levels of secondary contaminants like iron and manganese
Despite the low grade, city officials assure residents that Shreveport's water remains safe to drink. Addressing concerns related to the winter freeze and discoloration caused by manganese, the city says tests have verified that both microbial and chemical levels are within safe drinking water standards.
'Manganese and geosmin affect the taste and smell of the water, but they fall under secondary water quality standards. These are aesthetic issues, not health concerns,' Daniel added. Mayor Tom Arceneaux emphasized the city's commitment to resolving these issues and noted significant progress.
To address these issues, the city has already completed several related projects, including:
The rehabilitation of water towers
Installation of backup generators at storage facilities
Replacement of the outdated chlorine dioxide oxidation system
Re-implementation of the activated carbon system to address taste and odor issues
The city plans to upgrade water quality and system reliability with additional upgrades, like automated cleaning systems to reduce sludge buildup, replacing outdated pipes and valves in the distribution system, upsizing undersized water mains, reducing dead ends, and installing automatic flushing units.
Many of these projects are being funded through the 2024 bond issue approved by voters. The bond will support replacing transmission lines responsible for moving 60% of the City's water, upgrades to treatment equipment and plant facilities, the construction of a new water intake system, along with the design and construction of a strategically located water tower to improve system pressure and reliability.
City representatives say the 2024 bond will significantly improve infrastructure, reliability, and overall water quality.
For more information about the City's ongoing water system improvements,
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