Plaquemines Parish issues drinking water advisory for Pointe a la Hache Water System - WDSU New Orleans

Plaquemines Parish issues drinking water advisory for Pointe a la Hache Water System

Plaquemines Parish continues to battle its saltwater intrusion, parish officials issued a release Thursday afternoon:

"Plaquemines Parish is issuing a DRINKING WATER ADVISORY effective immediately for the Pointe a la Hache Water System (Phoenix to Bohemia area).

"The Plaquemines Parish water systems are experiencing higher levels of sodium and chloride from a saltwater wedge that is moving up the Mississippi River.

"The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies contaminants in two categories: primary (those that have a known health threat) and secondary (those that are not a threat to health). Chloride is considered a secondary contaminant, meaning it is not a threat to health, but it could affect the taste, odor, and color of drinking water.

"EPA’s secondary maximum contaminant level for chloride is 250 mg/L. The levels at the Pointe a la Hache Water Treatment Plant have exceeded those levels. These levels will fluctuate based on the saltwater wedge’s movement.

"The EPA does not classify sodium as a primary or secondary contaminant, but individuals who are on a low-sodium diet for other health reasons such as high blood pressure or kidney diseases should pay special attention to sodium levels in their drinking water.

"The EPA recommends that drinking-water sodium not exceed 20 mg/L for individuals on a very low sodium diet (500 mg/day). Individuals who are on these diets should consider the sodium level of their drinking water as part of their daily intake and should check with their doctor or health care provider for specific guidance about how much sodium per day is appropriate for them to consume.

"The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) recommends that people receiving drinking water through systems in this parish who are on dialysis and/or low-sodium diets check with their health care providers related to the levels of chloride and sodium in their drinking water.

"Plaquemines Parish is actively monitoring the situation and is investigating possible ways to lower the sodium and chloride levels.

"LDH is actively working with the system regarding this issue.

"Plaquemines Parish is working to set up a bottled water distribution site for this area."