Shreveport Water Crisis? Interim Director Reveals Surprising Progress

Shreveport’s water and sewer system has faced intense public scrutiny over the past few years. From discolored tap water to skyrocketing rates, trust in the system has taken a hit. But according to interim director Brandon Snead, who’s spent nearly two decades in the department, there’s real progress being made, and he’s confident in where things are headed.

Rainfall a Rare Win for Water Quality

Recent heavy rains have helped stabilize the city’s primary water source, Cross Lake. “It’s actually going to benefit us,” Snead said, noting that the rainfall allows the city to avoid relying on alternative water sources like 12 Mile Bayou. With summer approaching, keeping Cross Lake at a healthy operating level is critical to maintaining water quality.

Tackling Manganese and “Dirty Water” Taste

Last year’s unprecedented manganese spike surprised even national experts. Snead explained that Shreveport’s water system had never seen those levels before, and protocols have since been overhauled. “We’ve ramped up testing,” he said, “and current levels are well below what would be noticeable to the human eye.”

The “muddy” taste some residents still report is linked to geosmin, a naturally occurring compound that thrives in warm weather. Snead pointed to the city’s reactivated carbon treatment system and ozone dosing improvements as key factors in addressing taste and odor concerns.

Lake Turnover and Strange Winter Surprises

Lake turnover, a natural process where cooler water from the bottom rises to the surface, typically isn’t a big issue. But this past winter was different. A warm December and an unusually strong algae bloom created a perfect storm. “We’d never treated for algae in winter before,” Snead said, “but now we are.”

Progress on Infrastructure and Consent Decree

The city’s aging infrastructure and a federal consent decree have created major financial and logistical burdens. What started as a $350 million project is now estimated at $1.5 billion. Still, Snead remains hopeful, saying negotiations with the Department of Justice are ongoing and positive.

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Shreveport’s water tower upgrades are also underway, with the Linwood tower already completed. The next projects include tanks on St. Vincent and in west Shreveport.

A Long Road, But a Steady Hand

While customer service has long been a sore spot, Snead acknowledged improvements, including efforts to make the phone system more user-friendly. “We are doing better, but there’s still room to grow,” he said.

With nearly 19 years in the department, Snead hopes to be appointed full-time director. “I feel like everything I’ve done here has prepared me for this role,” he said. Though the mayor doesn’t plan to make an official appointment before his term ends, he has expressed confidence in Snead’s leadership.