No doubt the quality of Shreveport water will be a subject of coffee table talk, social media commentary and Shreveport mayoral campaigns this fall.
The just released Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) rating for Shreveport of “F’ has sparked discussions that have no easy answers due to the long-neglected infrastructure issues that can be traced back for many, many years and mayoral administrations.
But the question of “quality” depends on definition—is it clarity, taste, contaminants, or just perception?
One online website US WATER Grade reports that “Shreveport maintains excellent water quality with all 9 tested contaminants well below EPA safety limits.”
“The water quality in Shreveport, Louisiana has been comprehensively evaluated using data from the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Information System and local water utility reports. Our analysis examines 9 distinct contaminants across multiple categories including inorganic chemicals, disinfection byproducts, microorganisms, and radionuclides. With an overall score of 93 out of 100 (Grade A), Shreveport’s water supply demonstrates strong compliance with federal drinking water standards."
The same website grades Bossier City water as a B plus, with a score of 81/100. LDH rated Bossier City with an “A”.
The website notes that infrastructure affects water quality and that tap water quality can differ from the treatment plant due to distribution system conditions.
Unsurprisingly, the website recommends filtration systems for removing trace contamination and improving water taste and clarity.
A big caveat is that online information in websites is only as reliable as the unknown person(s) programming them. So take this report from US Water Grade with a grain of salt, in a splash of water or your favorite beverage.
No doubt the just-released “F” report will spark advertising campaigns for water filtration systems and “purified” bottled water, all without a caveat of “the consumer beware.”
