Shreveport water pressure improving after 42-inch pipe break

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — Three days after a 42-inch pipe broke in Shreveport’s water system and caused low pressure across the city, leaders say most residents are starting to see normal or near-normal water pressure.

City crews have worked around the clock since the break, and the first critical repair materials have arrived at the site. Shreveport Water and Sewerage Interim Director Brandon Snead said valve adjustments have been key to the recovery.

“We were able to redirect and then isolate that line even further to where that pressure could go, where it was needed, which was to the main zone and the outlying areas,” Snead said.

Pressure stabilizing citywide

The mayor credited the water and sewerage team’s rebalancing efforts for the widespread improvement.

“Our team basically stabilizes pretty much throughout the entire city, so everybody’s pressure is coming up — that has to do with the skill of the team rebalancing,” Mayor Tom Arceneaux said.

Voluntary boil advisory extended through the weekend

Despite the progress, Mayor Arceneaux said a voluntary boil advisory remains in place and is expected to extend into the weekend.

“Because of the swiftness with which this has to be done, they won’t be able to disinfect all the parts, so there will be a voluntary boil advisory, and it will probably extend into the weekend,” Mayor Arceneaux said.

[WATER DISTRIBUTION SITES IN CADDO PARISH]

Some residents said the advisory has made them cautious about using the water at all.

“It’s not good to even bathe in, not good to drink, not even wash dishes because when you wash dishes, it’s still going into your mouth,” one resident said.

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