News Summary
Shreveport, Louisiana has received an upgraded water quality grade from the Louisiana Department of Health, improving from an ‘F’ to a ‘D’ after correcting a miscalculation. The new score of 65 is still below the city’s target standards. Ongoing infrastructure improvements at water storage tanks aim to enhance water delivery for residents, with full completion expected by late 2026. Meanwhile, neighboring Bossier City maintains a high ‘A’ grade, highlighting contrasting water quality management in the two cities.
Shreveport’s Water Grade Improves from ‘F’ to ‘D’ After Miscalculation by Health Department
Shreveport, Louisiana has received an improved water quality grade from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) following a formal review that identified a miscalculation. The city’s water score has been revised from 55 to 65, resulting in an upgrade from an “F” to a “D”.
Despite this positive change, the new grade still falls short of the standards established by the city, which aims for an overall higher rating. The low grade primarily stems from the need for substantial capital improvements at four elevated and two ground water storage tanks. These upgrades are currently underway at multiple locations around the city.
Infrastructure Improvements Underway
The Shreveport Department of Water and Sewerage has commenced construction on the necessary upgrades, which are being executed in a phased manner to ensure uninterrupted service for residents. The full completion of these enhancements is projected for late 2026.
As interim director of Water and Sewerage, Brandon Snead has emphasized the importance of this improvement process and acknowledged that considerable work remains to be done in enhancing the water delivery system. The city is committed to providing safe and reliable water to its residents, as well as maintaining transparency throughout the critical enhancement projects.
Comparative Water Quality in Bossier City
The contrast between Shreveport’s water quality and that of neighboring Bossier City is stark. Bossier City has secured a near-perfect “A” grade, achieving scores of 95 out of 100 consistently for the past three years. This sharp difference highlights a significant divide in water quality between the two cities, with Bossier City serving as a benchmark for effective water management.
Shreveport’s water quality has shown fluctuations in the past years, with a decline from a “C” in 2022 to an “F” in subsequent evaluations, before the recent revision to “D”.
Addressing Water Quality Concerns
In a concerted effort to improve the water delivery system, the Clean Water Shreveport program is actively targeting failing and outdated components. The Shreveport Department of Water and Sewerage continues to engage in discussions with LDH regarding the grading system and how the ongoing multi-year infrastructure improvements will impact future evaluations.
Looking Ahead
As Shreveport moves forward with vital changes to its water infrastructure, residents and officials alike await progress reports on the improvement efforts. The revised grade signifies a step in the right direction, although there is still much work to be done to enhance the overall water quality for the community.
In the coming years, Shreveport aims not only to maintain smooth service during ongoing construction but also to ultimately achieve a water quality level that meets or exceeds both city and state standards. By continuing to focus on infrastructure improvements and engaging with health regulators, the city seeks to nurture public confidence in its water systems.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shreveport Chef Wins Beat Bobby Flay with Cultural Dish
Shreveport Water System Sees Progress Amid Infrastructure Challenges
Destination 318 Shreveport-Bossier Tourism Challenge Concludes
Bia Energy Announces New Low Carbon Methanol Facility in Bossier City
Shreveport Incident Raises Concerns Over School Safety
Concerns Raised Over Local School Closures in Caddo Parish
Shreveport Receives F Grade in 2024 Water Report Card
Shreveport Water System Receives F Grade, Bossier City Earns A
Bossier City Hooters Closes After 20 Years
Shreveport Mayor Addresses School Closures and Community Safety
Additional Resources
- KTAL News
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate
- KSLA News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Quality
- Google News: Shreveport Water Grade
