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Shreveport Implements Year-Round Algae Treatment Plans

Cross Lake, the main water source for Shreveport, undergoing algae treatment.

News Summary

Shreveport, Louisiana is addressing ongoing water quality issues caused by algae blooms in Cross Lake, prompting the Water and Sewerage Department to implement year-round treatments. Despite current taste and odor problems, officials assure residents that the drinking water is safe. The introduction of copper sulfate and ozone applications aims to tackle the unusual conditions observed this winter. This proactive approach reflects the city’s commitment to enhancing water management amidst rising temperatures and changing weather patterns.

Shreveport Gets Serious About Year-Round Algae Treatment

Residents of Shreveport, Louisiana, have been experiencing some unpleasant surprises coming straight from their tap. The city has been grappling with unusual algae blooms in Cross Lake, which is the primary source of drinking water for the community. These algae blooms have caused noticeable taste and odor problems in the water, leaving many Shreveportians scratching their heads and wondering what’s going on.

Water Quality Troubling

Recently, the presence of a compound called geosmin has been identified, giving the water that earthy taste that can be quite unappetizing. Thanks to changes in weather, especially warmer temperatures extending into December, the algae levels have spiked unexpectedly during a time when the blooms typically wouldn’t be a concern. Normally, the city’s T.L. Amiss Water Treatment Plant uses an ozone system for disinfection, but even that hasn’t been enough to tackle the algae problems this month.

Preparation for Algae Treatment

The Shreveport Water and Sewerage Department has stepped up its game, assuring residents that, despite the quality issues, the drinking water remains safe. The department has the necessary chemicals on hand to treat the geosmin, including copper sulfate, which is usually applied from March to November to keep those pesky algae at bay. However, this December has turned out to be a different beast altogether.

Winter Weather Delays

As fate would have it, the city ran out of copper sulfate after treatments in November, and the winter weather delays held up new shipments. Fortunately, a new delivery arrived late last week, giving the department the green light to start treatment on the lake just a few days ago.

Year-Round Treatment in Sight

The Water and Sewerage Director has revealed that while traditional copper sulfate treatments would usually resume in either March or April, the city plans to embrace year-round treatments. This change aims to proactively handle the ongoing issues stemming from warmer weather patterns, allowing Shreveport to stay ahead in the battle against algae blooms. This could very well become the new standard for water management in the region.

Raising the Bar with Ozone

To combat the changing conditions, the Water Purification Superintendent has noted an increase in ozone application as well. However, it just wasn’t enough during this unseasonably warm December, highlighting the need for ongoing evaluation and adjustment in the methods employed for water treatment.

Looking Ahead

Looking back, the city faced challenges with elevated manganese levels in Cross Lake last year. Given the continuity of these weather patterns, similar issues could arise once again. Yet, the Water and Sewerage Department is now better prepared for potential increases in manganese levels and will take necessary measures to address any occurrences promptly.

Join the Conversation

Shreveport officials encourage residents to reach out to the Department of Water and Sewerage if they continue to notice taste or odor issues with their drinking water. The team is fully committed to providing safe, high-quality drinking water and ensuring that current problems are handled efficiently. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to make your voice heard!

Continuous Commitment to Safety

As the city dives into this new approach, there’s a strong emphasis on being prepared for unusual situations concerning water management in the future. Shreveport is on a mission to improve water quality and make sure residents can enjoy water that’s just as refreshing as it is safe. Thanks to proactive measures and a community that stays informed, Shreveportians can look forward to cleaner, more pleasant drinking water ahead!