The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has issued a “do not use” water advisory for residents in Madison Parish. The advisory, which was announced on August 15, warns residents not to use the water for any purpose, including drinking, cooking, bathing, or even brushing teeth, due to potential contamination. LDH Secretary Ralph Abrah says the advisory comes after reports of a significant drop in water pressure in the area, which raises concerns about paraquat, a toxic herbicide entering the water supply.
A farmer was pumping water into one of his farm tanks, when the line broke it created a negative pressure sucked some of that water out of that farm tank and got into the system.”
The LDH is working closely with the water district to conduct tests to ensure the water’s safety.
“Maybe the first part of next week at the latest we’ll get the test results back to see if the water still has some chemicals in it.”
Until the advisory is lifted, Abraham says residents are urged to use bottled water or other safe sources.
GOHSEP has brought in bottled water and some tankers just to allow the residents to have something to certainly drink and clean up with.”
GOHSEP and LDH are coordinating efforts to distribute bottled water to affected residents, and water can be picked up at the Walnut Water Association Office in Tallulah.
