News Summary

Shreveport’s water and sewer system is making strides in improving water quality and infrastructure. Interim Director Brandon Snead highlights progress as the city’s primary water source stabilizes, reducing reliance on alternatives that have caused quality issues. With summer approaching, maintaining water quality is essential. Meanwhile, the city’s infrastructure challenges persist, with project costs soaring. The impact of the Libbey Glass Factory’s closure adds to the economic narrative, prompting discussions on redevelopment as the city navigates these complexities.

Shreveport Water System Sees Progress Amid Infrastructure Challenges

Shreveport’s water and sewer system is undergoing significant improvements, addressing long-standing issues regarding water quality and infrastructure. Interim director Brandon Snead reports that progress is being made as the city’s primary water source, Cross Lake, continues to stabilize following heavy rains. This stability allows for a reduced reliance on alternative sources, which have historically contributed to water quality issues.

As summer approaches, maintaining a healthy operating level in Cross Lake is crucial for ensuring optimal water quality. Last year, the system faced an unprecedented spike in manganese levels, which drew attention from both local and national experts. However, updated testing protocols have resulted in current manganese levels that are significantly below visible thresholds. Residents’ concerns about a “muddy” taste in tap water are attributed to geosmin, a naturally occurring compound that flourishes in warm weather.

In response to taste and odor complaints, the city has implemented several improvements. These include reactivated carbon treatment and ozone dosing to enhance water quality. Additionally, for the first time, winter treatment for algae has been escalated to combat lake turnover caused by warm weather and algae blooms.

Infrastructure Challenges

The water system’s infrastructure issues are daunting. Currently, Shreveport is under a federal consent decree that has led to soaring project cost estimates, which have climbed from $350 million to $1.5 billion. Despite these challenges, Snead expresses optimism regarding ongoing negotiations with the Department of Justice about needed upgrades.

Meanwhile, upgrades to water towers are progressing. The Linwood tower has already been completed, with new projects planned for locations in St. Vincent and west Shreveport. While customer service improvements have been acknowledged, Snead admits further enhancements are still necessary. He aspires to be appointed as the full-time director of the water department, confident in his readiness for the role, supported by the mayor’s endorsement of his leadership.

Impact of Libbey Glass Factory Closure

In a related economic narrative, Shreveport is grappling with the ramifications of the Libbey Glass Factory’s closure, which ceased operations on December 30, 2020, after nearly a century. The closure, driven by a decline in demand intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in the layoff of 450 employees and was part of a broader corporate restructuring after a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

Libbey Glass, which established its presence in Shreveport in 1922, has been a historic manufacturer and significant employer in the region. Its closure is a substantial loss for the city, removing a prominent manufacturing establishment located near Interstate 20.

Rumors regarding the site’s demolition have circulated, but interest in redevelopment is encouraging. As of late April 2025, the site is reportedly in the final due diligence phase for potential redevelopment. The North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) is moving forward with plans to purchase the property, marketing it for industrial reuse while aiming to preserve existing structures. Due to its location and robust infrastructure, the former Libbey Glass site is considered a strong candidate for future industrial operations.

The closure of the Libbey plant not only impacts employment but also alters public perceptions of Shreveport, especially for travelers on Interstate 20, where the factory was a prominent landmark.

The ongoing challenges faced by Shreveport’s water system and the economic impact of the Libbey Glass Factory’s closure highlight the city’s current landscape, as officials work to tackle these pressing issues and lay the groundwork for future development.

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Additional Resources

• 710 KEEL: Shreveport Water System Progress
• Wikipedia: Shreveport
• Shreveport Times: Libbey Glass Plant Closure
• Google Search: Libbey Glass Shreveport
• KTAL News: Libbey Glass Plant Demolition
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Shreveport
• Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Libbey Glass Plant for Sale
• Google News: Shreveport Water System

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.