(The Center Square) – The 2026 Legislature voted to recreate a local Clean Water Task Force that will examine Shreveport’s aging infrastructure and water quality concerns before issuing recommendations in November.
Rep. Joy Walters, D-Shreveport, sponsored House Resolution 367 to study the city’s public water system. It does not have the authority to spend public funds or mandate construction projects.
The task force meets Wednesday, July 29, at 5 p.m. in Government Chambers located on the first floor of Government Plaza on Travis Street in Shreveport.
The resolution says the goal of the state’s Safe Drinking Water Program is to prevent illness and death that can occur from waterborne disease outbreaks or chemical exposure associated with contaminated drinking water.
The Louisiana Department of Health, who administers the Safe Drinking Water Program, issues the Community Drinking Water Accountability grades, referred to as the state’s drinking water report cards.
“Shreveport’s water system has been facing a series of issues, including a failing grade for the third consecutive year due to aging infrastructure, manganese levels and algae blooms,” the resolution said.
It further states, “These issues have led to taste and odor problems, as well as water discoloration; the task force shall do all of the following: review water quality reports, boil advisory history and public health concerns.”
Wednesday’s meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed on the city’s Youtube page. The public will be given an opportunity to make comments.
