Shreveport Mayor Has Questions About New Water Tower Streaking

The City of Shreveport is in the first phase of going through and completely refurbishing each of the city's three water towers.

Original Project Details

The comprehensive project includes structural repairs, painting/coating of the exterior and interior of the tanks, electrical upgrades, disinfection system upgrades, and site restoration. The following sites are included:

• St. Vincent Elevated Storage Tank (2 MG, built in 1946) – Adjacent to I-49 near Pierremont Rd. / Hollywood Ave (Exit 203), adjacent to the Caddo Heights Park.
• Linwood Elevated Storage Tank (2 MG, built in 1994) – Adjacent to I-49, south of Bert Kouns Industrial Loop (Exit 199), near Flournoy Lucas Rd.
• West Shreveport Elevated Storage Tank (2 MG, built in 1979) – Adjacent to I-20, west of US 80 / LA 526 Industrial Loop (Exit 8), next door to Wonder Oasis Waterpark.

Schedule and Cost

The total project is expected to take three years, with construction at each site taking approximately six months. The staggered schedule ensures that only one tank is out of service at a time to maintain water pressure across the city. The original schedule was listed as follows:

• St. Vincent Tank: Start in November 2024, exterior painting in early 2025
• Linwood Tank: Start in Fall 2025, exterior painting in early 2026
• West Shreveport Tank: Start in Fall 2026, exterior painting in early 2027

READ MORE: Shreveport Water Tower Art Contest Winners

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux told KEEL News on Wednesday morning that the recently completed tower in South Shreveport is "dirty."  Arceneaux said, "The main purpose of the work, was not to paint it, but it refurbish it. So it was cleaned inside and out, and repainted outside, and then the artwork was applied."

Arceneaux said the price tag to clean the tower would be "somewhere north of $75,000," and is not scheduled at this time. The mayor emphasized, "They are outdoor towers. They will get dirty."

The mayor presented his list of questions to Clean Water Shreveport who responded to each question.  As to the streaking of the newly painted tower:

Has the contractor or paint manufacturer been contacted to assess whether the paint performance is consistent with expectations?

Yes, both the contractor and paint supplier have been made aware of the issue and participated in a meeting to evaluate the observed streaking. The original tank manufacturer, Landmark Tank of Forth Worth, TX, was also consulted. Their assessment noted that streaking or staining can occasionally occur on recoated tanks due to environmental factors such as airborne dirt and pollen. They advised that this is more common in certain settings depending on local surroundings and added that, in most cases, the discoloration can be effectively removed with a pressure was using a bleach soap solution

Appearance Issues and Streaking

What is the nature of the streaking (e.g., discoloration, residue, mildew, rust)?

The streaking has been identified as a result of naturally occurring airborne particulates such as dirt, pollen, and other environmental debris that have settled on the steel surface. Per the tank coating experts, this streaking is indicative of a cosmetic issue that is common on outside structures.

When did the streaking first appear, and has it worsened over time?

The streaking became visible shortly after the coating work was completed and has gradually become more pronounced over time due to the accumulation of airborne dirt and environmental debris.

Have samples or photos of the affected areas been analyzed by paint experts or the manufacturer?

Yes, the paint supplier has reviewed photographs of the affected area and also conducted an on-site visit to inspect the tank in person. Dunham Engineering has also been informed of the issue. Similar streaking was observed on the ground storage tanks at 70th Street and Pines Road. To demonstrate the nature of the discoloration, a small section was wiped by the Clean Water Shreveport Construction Manager, confirming that the streaking is surface-level and removable.

Could the streaks be caused by environmental factors such as runoff, pollution, or nearby construction?

Yes, the environmental factors such as airborne dust, pollen, and other particulates are likely contributors to the streaking observed on the tank. These naturally occurring elements can settle on the surface over time, especially in outdoor environments, and may be influenced by weather conditions.

Are similar issues present on other water towers or painted structures in the area?

Yes, the Contractor recently encountered a comparable case in Mobile, AL, that was also determined to be airborne particulates that settled and eventually washed down the sides of the tank.