Caddo Parish leaders cite multiple causes for water failures, praise relief response
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Summary
Commissioners discussed leaks, membrane and distribution failures affecting local water systems and praised rapid relief operations including portable showers and water distribution at 310 Savage Street. Administration said the parish funded part of a lighthouse project and is awaiting federal reimbursement.
Commissioners at a Caddo Parish Commission meeting described a series of problems that combined to disrupt local water service and outlined ongoing relief efforts.
CEO Bryant told the commission the parish had funded part of a separate "lighthouse" project and that the project team was seeking federal reimbursement for the remainder before completing work. "We have reached out and the status is that, we've funded a portion of the project, and they were, seeking, federal assistance with the other portion, and they're still waiting on an approval for that portion before they can begin the projects," Bryant said.
Commissioners pressed for details about whether emergency shelters used solar/battery power during recent cold weather; Bryant said she was not aware of any power losses at the facilities and that facilities were opened for people who lost normal power.
On water-system failures, Commissioner Atkins asked whether aging infrastructure was responsible for low pressure and breaks. Administration and other commissioners said a leak had been identified, but that the problems were multifaceted. Commissioner Craigman described additional causes and mitigation: membrane issues at the water plant, distribution and pumping failures, and an incident in which a contractor bored into two lines. "There's multiple problems going on other than infrastructure," Craigman said, noting ongoing conversations with state officials about replacements and improvements.
Craigman praised the parish's relief operations, thanking public works staff, mayors Sheryl Driscoll and Ty Gordon and volunteer Tony LeBlanc for mobilizing water and hygiene services. He said crews had delivered pallets of bottled water, and that portable showers and wash stations were set up and operational at 310 Savage Street in Old City, with washers, dryers and shower stations available to affected residents.
Commissioners said relief efforts were "impeccable" and that coordination had involved local mayors and public works. They also noted the need for continued communication with state agencies and contractors as repairs proceed.
The commission did not take a new formal action on water repairs at the session; members said follow-up discussions and committee work would continue.
