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Fire hydrant tests stirred up sediment in Livingston Parish water lines, utility company says
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INDEPENDENCE - Some residents in Independence reported brown water flowing from their taps over the weekend. The water company points to recent fire hydrant tests as the cause.
Residents told WBRZ, however, the water issues span decades.
The Fourth Ward Water Association said the recent water discoloration impacted between 300 and 400 customers, and the water company started receiving reports on Thursday.
"Fourth Ward’s maintenance team has been actively flushing water lines in the affected areas and continued those efforts throughout the weekend. We have followed up with a number of residents in the affected areas after flushing was completed, and the majority have confirmed that their water has returned to normal," a Fourth Ward spokesperson wrote in a statement issued to WBRZ.
Livingston Parish District 11 Fire Chief Scott Whiddon said the fire hydrant tests may have impacted water levels, but are not the sole cause for the issues.
"Old lines weren't really designed for fire suppression. It was built for a rural community water system. By having fire hydrants in place, we're required to test them," Whiddon said.
Right now, Whiddon said, the department is trying to raise its protection classification with PIAL, or the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana, which impacts property insurance rates for residents in the area. The department has a score of 10 at the time of this article, which is the lowest possible score. The department is waiting for its scores to return.
Whiddon says the fire department will coordinate with the water company in the future to ensure the water system is flushed as hydrant tests are conducted, lowering the chances of water discoloration for customers.
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