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In all but the rarest instances, Terrebonne Parish water is flowing clean and clear from taps in homes and businesses, following several days of heavily discolored water due to changeovers in how it is piped.
The situation was not viewed as a safety threat, and no advisories for consumers to boil their water was issued. Consumers may, however, wish to check filters on their water heaters and other appliances in the event of any silt accumulation.
“It’s all running clear except for maybe one or two places,” said Terrebonne water director Mike Sorbert. “We tested immediately for residual impurities and bacteria and the tests were negative.”
Additional tests have been or-
dered to determine the full scope of minerals that may have been contained in sediment which normally adheres to the walls of old water pipes, but became stirred up during a process related to installing new main lines. Those tests, Sorbert said, take longer, but results should be in soon.
To meet drops in pressure during pipe shutdowns to accommodate tying into new lines, water pressure overall was increased. This caused the sediment to dislodge and travel with the water. Further investigation indicates that in the future a more gradual increase in pressure through segments of the system would be preferable.
While the sedimentation should not cause harm to appliances, Sorbert said, residents should follow regular manufacturer procedures for flushing them. Safety precautions, including closing natural gas lines before draining and flushing water heater tanks, should be followed.
In some cases this may involve replacement of a filter. But Sorbert noted it is likely that sediment has already built up over time. Flushing will require the due of additional water, but Sorbert estimated that any such cost would be negligible.
Addressing concerns about the discolored water last week, Sorbert allowed himself to be videotaped while drinking brown water that came from a Hollywood Road fire hydrant. It can be viewed at LINK.
The cost of flushing should not affect water bills, Sorbert said. The board that governs the district was scheduled to take up the question of how to address any complaints regarding bills Monday.
Last week, Terrebonne Parish water was brown for a few days. Even with the ugly color, officials said the water was always safe to drink.
