The concerns about Caddo Lake and the withdrawal of water are real.
Currently Blanchard has the authority from the State of Louisiana to process up to 5 million gallons of water per day for its water plant. This authorization could be increased if the water plant is expanded.
When the Blanchard water plant is up and running, Blanchard withdraws approximately 3.5 million gallons a day during the peak summer months of water usage. The average withdrawal in non-peak months is 2.5 million gallons.
The impact on Caddo Lake of a substantial withdrawal per day over and above 3.5 million gallons per day is unknown.
There are NO current studies on the lake’s water capacity which has certainly decreased due to siltation and dead Salvina that did not flow over the dam.
Commission president Greg Young needs to assign this topic to some committee, and soon.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.