City of Shreveport takes steps to improve water quality issues identified by LDH

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The Louisiana Department of Health outlines the actions the City of Shreveport needs to take to improve the city’s drinking water quality.

The Sanitary Survey issued in 2021 includes repairs to water storage tanks and emergency generators.

The city said it is proactively addressing the deficiencies identified by LDH. The Water Tank Improvement project is currently in progress and is repairing all elevated water towers. The emergency generator for the booster pump station for south Shreveport is awaiting final funding decisions.

In a statement, the city said, “The plans and specifications for these critical projects have been developed in coordination with LDH and have received the necessary permits for construction. One of the main challenges in executing these repairs is ensuring the continuous operation of the water system. Water storage tank improvements can only be performed during periods of lower demand, typically in the winter months. City staff have conducted operational testing to determine the impact of taking each tank offline, as these storage tanks are essential for maintaining water pressure and fire protection. Consequently, repairs must be carefully scheduled to minimize disruptions and ensure system reliability. The City of Shreveport remains committed to improving its drinking water infrastructure. More than $10 million has already been allocated to address the deficiencies identified in the 2021 Sanitary Survey. These efforts are in addition to the $40 million in projects included in the 2024 General Obligation Bonds, further demonstrating the City’s dedication to enhancing its water system. These issues were identified by LDH in 2021 but do not pose imminent health concerns.”