Shreveport Water Department Tackles Unprecedented Manganese Levels
Concerns Raised Over Water Quality
In Shreveport, residents are urged to remain calm as the local water department addresses **historic levels of manganese** detected in the city’s water supply. Despite the challenges, officials assure the public that the water remains safe for consumption.
Efforts Underway to Clean the Water Supply
On Tuesday, July 30, representatives from the Shreveport Department of Water and Sewerage organized a media tour at the T.L. Amiss Water Purification Plant. Here, they showcased ongoing efforts to tackle the **high manganese levels**. Qiana Maple-Lars, the superintendent of water purification, emphasized, “The removal of manganese is taking place.”
Understanding Manganese
**Manganese** is a natural mineral that exists in the environment and is generally an important nutrient in small amounts. However, elevated levels can pose risks, particularly for infants, elders, and those suffering from liver disease. William Daniel, the director of Water and Sewerage, explained, “Manganese is the most common mineral on the planet, so it could be coming from anywhere.”
Persistent Challenges in Water Treatment
The water department is actively filtering out the manganese, with current measurements showing levels at **0.07**, slightly above the standard of **0.05**. This has led to visible discoloration in the water. Daniel noted the complexity of the situation, stating, “This plant was not designed to process manganese. We’ve had to reroute a bunch of our systems to treat it.”
A Glimpse into the Treatment Process
During the media visit, attendees observed the settling basin at T.L. Amiss, which was noticeably covered in black manganese. The department reported dredging the basin for the third time in the last two months to manage the situation effectively.
A Historical Challenge
Reflecting on the unprecedented nature of this issue, Daniel stated, “This is a **historic event**. We’ve never had this issue before. Nobody’s ever had manganese in their water in Shreveport before, so this is something we could not have planned for.”
Community Reassurance
The Shreveport Water Department is committed to maintaining water quality, monitoring manganese levels **around the clock** to ensure public safety. As they navigate through this unexpected challenge, residents are reminded that their water is still safe for drinking and everyday use.
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.
