Shreveport Water Department Tackles Unprecedented Manganese Levels

Concerns Raised Over Water Quality

In Shreveport, residents are urged to remain calm as the local water department addresses **historic levels of manganese** detected in the city’s water supply. Despite the challenges, officials assure the public that the water remains safe for consumption.

Efforts Underway to Clean the Water Supply

On Tuesday, July 30, representatives from the Shreveport Department of Water and Sewerage organized a media tour at the T.L. Amiss Water Purification Plant. Here, they showcased ongoing efforts to tackle the **high manganese levels**. Qiana Maple-Lars, the superintendent of water purification, emphasized, “The removal of manganese is taking place.”

Understanding Manganese

**Manganese** is a natural mineral that exists in the environment and is generally an important nutrient in small amounts. However, elevated levels can pose risks, particularly for infants, elders, and those suffering from liver disease. William Daniel, the director of Water and Sewerage, explained, “Manganese is the most common mineral on the planet, so it could be coming from anywhere.”

Persistent Challenges in Water Treatment

The water department is actively filtering out the manganese, with current measurements showing levels at **0.07**, slightly above the standard of **0.05**. This has led to visible discoloration in the water. Daniel noted the complexity of the situation, stating, “This plant was not designed to process manganese. We’ve had to reroute a bunch of our systems to treat it.”

A Glimpse into the Treatment Process

During the media visit, attendees observed the settling basin at T.L. Amiss, which was noticeably covered in black manganese. The department reported dredging the basin for the third time in the last two months to manage the situation effectively.

A Historical Challenge

Reflecting on the unprecedented nature of this issue, Daniel stated, “This is a **historic event**. We’ve never had this issue before. Nobody’s ever had manganese in their water in Shreveport before, so this is something we could not have planned for.”

Community Reassurance

The Shreveport Water Department is committed to maintaining water quality, monitoring manganese levels **around the clock** to ensure public safety. As they navigate through this unexpected challenge, residents are reminded that their water is still safe for drinking and everyday use.