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Shreveport’s Drinking Water Quality Under Scrutiny

A tranquil view of Cross Lake, highlighting concerns about drinking water quality in Shreveport.

News Summary

Residents in Shreveport, Louisiana, are facing unusual changes in the taste and smell of their drinking water, attributed to naturally-occurring algae blooms in Cross Lake. Although the water remains safe, the earthy taste caused by Geosmin has raised concerns. The Water and Sewerage Department is actively addressing the issue with treatments, aiming for improvements soon. Past challenges, including elevated manganese levels, have also been noted. The community’s understanding is crucial as the department works to restore normalcy in water quality.

Shreveport’s Drinking Water: A Tasty Dilemma!

Residents of Shreveport, Louisiana, have been experiencing some unusual changes in the taste and smell of their drinking water lately. This peculiar problem is linked to the presence of naturally-occurring algae blooms in the beautiful Cross Lake. It seems that these blooms have decided to make an entrance at a time of year when they’re usually nowhere to be found!

What’s Causing the Fuss?

So, what exactly is going on? The health of our tap water is still rock solid, but the earthy taste can be attributed to a compound called Geosmin. Geosmin is known for giving water that off-putting earthy aroma and flavor, making some folks raise an eyebrow at their morning coffee. The Shreveport Water and Sewerage Department assures everyone that, while the taste may not be the best, the water remains perfectly safe to drink and use in households.

Behind the Scenes: Keeping Our Water Safe

The Water and Sewerage Department is on it and is actively working to tackle these taste and smell issues. The department truly appreciates the community’s patience as they navigate through this unexpected challenge. One method they are employing to address the algae growth in Cross Lake is the application of copper sulfate. This chemical compound helps to reduce algae, and the department last treated the lakes in November 2023. However, a recent unseasonable spike in water temperature has given algae the chance to thrive, especially during December and January.

Weather Woes

As if things weren’t complicated enough, a recent snowstorm caused delays in the delivery of much-needed copper sulfate to continue treatments. Residents may have noticed a stronger odor during this time, which coincided with brief outages in the treatment system due to cold weather. However, there’s hope on the horizon! The Water and Sewerage Department expects to see noticeable improvements in the taste and smell of the water in just a couple of weeks as treatments ramp up again.

Keeping Residents Informed

Past Challenges

This isn’t the first time Shreveport’s water has had a taste-and-smell issue. Last summer, residents dealt with elevated manganese levels which caused similar complaints. Thankfully, that problem has been resolved, and manganese levels are now below safety standards. The T.L. Amiss Water Treatment Plant works diligently to monitor the water quality, conducting rigorous physical and chemical tests to ensure the water from source to tap is safe and clean.

A Peek into Treatment Processes

At the heart of Shreveport’s water purification system is the T.L. Amiss Water Treatment Plant, which has been in operation since 1930. With the ability to process an impressive 78 million gallons per day, this facility has undergone numerous renovations over the years and continues to evolve to meet modern standards. The treatment process involves using oxidants like ozone and chlorine dioxide, which help break down organic matter and compounds that might affect water quality.

The Road Ahead

To ensure the safety of Shreveport’s drinking water, the Water and Sewerage Department consistently keeps a close eye on manganese levels – monitoring the situation round the clock. With everything in motion, Shreveport’s residents can expect improvements in their water quality soon, making those cups of tea, coffee, or any glass of water much more pleasing!

So hang tight, Shreveport! The water department is busy at work, and with some patience and understanding from the community, everyone will be back to enjoying their usual refreshing water in no time!