Shreveport Water Main Break Could Cost City Up To $2 Million

Shreveport city leaders say repairs to the major water main break near the Thomas L. Amiss Water Treatment Plant could cost the city between $1 million and $2 million, according to Mayor Tom Arceneaux. The massive break triggered a citywide voluntary boil advisory earlier this week and forced crews to work around the clock to stabilize the water system.

System Pressure Nearly Back to Normal

Brandon Snead, Director of Water and Sewerage for Shreveport, says the water system has largely recovered.Snead reacently told KEEL News that most residents are seeing normal pressure again.

“Everything looks great. We've stabilized the system. Everybody has resumed to pretty much normal pressure,”Snead said. “I would say more like 95% to 96%.”

Sneed said some higher elevation areas may still notice slightly lower pressure, but overall the system is operating normally again.

The city remains under a voluntary boil advisory while crews complete repairs and conduct water quality testing.

Permanent Repair Work Continues this Weekend

Parts needed for the permanent repair of the concrete water main have already arrived and crews have started installation. Mayor Tom Arceneaux says workers have been operating around the clock to speed up repairs.

City leaders initially believed the broken section of pipe was underwater in a ravine, which complicated repairs. However, crews were able to isolate the line and remove water from the area so work could continue more efficiently.

Once the repair is finished, the city will flush the system and conduct water testing before the boil advisory can be lifted.

Why Repairs Are So Expensive

Mayor Tom Arceneaux told KEEL News on Friday that the complexity of the break and its location are driving the high cost.

“We’re looking at somewhere between one and two million dollars,” Arceneaux said during the interview.

READ MORE: Water Main Repair to Close Roads

The mayor explained the break occurred in a difficult location and required specialized contractors and equipment to complete the repair.

“This is a very complicated repair in a difficult spot,” Arceneaux said, noting that emergency contractors were brought in to help complete the work.

Due to the unexpected cost, the city may have to delay some equipment purchases planned for the water department this year.

Testing Required Before Advisory Ends

Once the permanent repair is complete, water will be run through the line and tested. Results must be approved by the Louisiana Department of Health before the boil advisory can officially be lifted.

City leaders say testing could take only hours once the repair is finished, meaning residents could see the advisory lifted quickly if results come back clear.