LDH issues ‘do not use’ water advisory for some Madison Parish residents

MADISON PARISH, La. (KNOE) – The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has issued a ‘do not use’ water advisory for Madison Parish residents who are served by the Walnut Bayou Water System.

LDH officials said a water line break on Highway 603 near Verhagen Road resulted in drinking water being exposed to paraquat – a toxic chemical widely used as a plant killer.

LDH said the following in a press release:

“The exposure occurred as a farmer was filling a tank and the low pressure in the water line created a backflow of chemicals from the tank. Some customers have reported a strong chemical smell and taste in tap water following the exposure.

LDH has worked closely with local officials to identify the impacted area, sample the drinking water, and assess risk for residents. The below map shows the area of concern for Walnut Bayou. Everyone in the green shaded area should not use the water.”
Louisiana Department of Health

Dr. Ralph Abraham, surgeon general of Louisiana, says if the chemical touches your skin, symptoms can include headache and nausea. He says to be sure that animals are not drinking or bathing in the tap water. The water would have a chemical smell and a blue tint.

Dr. Abraham says the community will need to rely on bottled water until the lab results come back that the water is safe to drink again. This could take 3-5 days or until next week.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does a ‘Do Not Use’ advisory mean?

• Humans and animals should not drink the water or use it in a way that could potentially be ingested, such as food preparation of any kind, washing dishes, or brushing your teeth.
• Dispose of the ice in your ice maker and discontinue use until the order is lifted.
• Humans and animals should not bathe (or swim) in the water, or use it to wash hands.
• Water should not be used to wash laundry.
• Tap water can be used for flushing toilets.

How is this different from a boil water advisory?

• This advisory differs from a boil water advisory in that the water is not safe for use even if the water is boiled, because boiling the water will not remove the presence of paraquat.

Where can I find water?

• Water can be picked up at the Walnut Bayou Water Association Office at 1105 Highway 602, Tallulah.
• Madison Parish officials are coordinating personal water delivery for those who can’t get to the pick-up site.
• For additional support, staff can be reached at 318-574-2463. You may also reach the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-574-1833 to request water delivery.

According to LDH officials, The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) is coordinating with LDH and Madison Parish officials in communicating with residents and coordinating support in the affected area.

A detailed map of the affected area can be found below: