Water Main Break Causes Splash in Shreveport
SHREVEPORT, La. — If you’ve been out and about in the South Highlands area this week, you might have noticed a surprising fountain springing to life on Ontario Street! Early Wednesday morning, residents were greeted with the sight of water shooting up from a broken underground main line, creating quite the unexpected spectacle.
Waterworks Gone Wild
The drama began around 5:00 a.m. when a severe break developed, sending a torrent of water gushing from a 2-foot hole right in the middle of the ground. It wasn’t until about 8:35 a.m. that city crews were finally able to shut off the flow. Neighbors were left scratching their heads as they witnessed the scene unfolding right outside their doorsteps.
One resident, Marion Marks, who lives just across the street, thought he was experiencing an intense rainstorm as he backed out of his driveway. “I finally realized it was water bursting up from below, not rain!” Marks quipped, chuckling at the mix-up. “It’s an old system, it’s an aged system—this is why we passed that bond issue!” He emphasized the community’s hopes for improved infrastructure in the future.
What’s Causing These Breaks?
City officials aren’t surprised by the increase in water main breaks lately. Jeffrion Smith from the Water and Sewerage Department explained the science behind the situation. “With the recent weather conditions, we’re seeing the ground shifting due to freeze-thaw cycles. That’s really taking a toll on our water mains,” he remarked. “Essentially, just like any vehicle, things break over time. Wear and tear leads to weak spots, and eventually, they give out!”
A Community Concern
As the operatives rushed to fix the issue, they couldn’t even estimate how many gallons of water had escaped during those three chaotic hours. But passersby could clearly see the impact, with the water creating a small temporary river along Ontario Street. Drivers slowed down to navigate the soggy scene carefully, but thankfully, it seemed that neighboring homes were spared from any serious damage.
Hopes for the Future
As these water main issues continue popping up in the area, community members like Marks are holding onto their hopes for better days ahead. Many are hopeful that the investments made through that recent bond issue will lead to a more reliable and dependable water system, sparing them from leaks and breaks that have become a somewhat regular occurrence. “We’re just looking forward to those improvements,” Marks added hopefully. “This is a great community, and we all want to take care of it!”
Stay Tuned!
For those living in Shreveport, this water debacle serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing maintenance and improvement of essential services. The planners and workers of this city are on it, tackling these challenges with all their might. If you’re in the area, keep an eye out for updates about street closures and repairs to ensure you’re not caught unaware by any further water shenanigans!
As the situation unfolds, residents can expect their local water crews to be putting their best efforts into getting everything back on track – the next round of repairs should be just around the corner. Stay tuned for updates and, as always, keep your eyes peeled for any more unexpected springs in Shreveport!
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.
