LDH issues additional 'do not use' guidance for Walnut Bayou Water System after testing

The Louisiana Department of Health is continuing a "do not use" water advisory for an area served by the Walnut Bayou Water System in Madison Parish after drinking water was exposed to the chemical paraquat last week.

The exposure occurred as a farmer was filling a tank with paraquat after a water line break and the low pressure created from the water break allowed a backflow of chemicals.

Preliminary testing results have shown paraquat remains in one area of the water system that is at the system's end point.

Out of an abundance of caution, residents should continue to follow the "do not use" advisory that LDH issued on Thursday, August 15. Walnut Bayou Water System is continuing to conduct extensive flushing, and LDH is collecting another round of samples to determine remaining levels of paraquat. In the last round of testing, six out of seven samples showed non-detectable levels of paraquat. The one sample that showed detectable levels of paraquat showed a level of 14 ug/L, which is below the EPA health advisory level of 100 ug/L for short-term exposure to paraquat.

The sampling and testing process typically takes about five days due to the extensive process used in the laboratory method, including quality assurance measures.

Customers should flush their systems by running their water to ensure no paraquat remains.

• All customers should flush hot water taps for 15 minutes then cold water taps for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Flush ice makers, dishwashers and washing machines as well.
• After discarding any ice currently in the icemaker, allow the container to fill completely, discard ice and clean the container before replacing.
• If the refrigerator has a cold water dispenser, replace the filter and flush the dispenser for 5 minutes.
• For dishwashers and washing machines, after flushing hot water taps, allow dishwasher and washing machines to run for one hot cycle and one cold cycle while empty.

Paraquat does not cause corrosion or other damage to pipes and does not linger in the system after a flush occurs.

It is important that customers begin flushing their home plumbing now that Walnut Bayou Water System has been flushing the entire system. Home plumbing systems could still retain some paraquat contamination that remained in their home plumbing after the system flush occurred if customers have not been regularly running water through their home lines.

LDH continues to work closely with local officials throughout the sampling and testing process and in providing information to residents.

Paraquat is a toxic herbicide primarily used for weed control that should not be consumed. The chemical can also be absorbed by the skin, so individuals should avoid bathing, handwashing, and washing clothes with water that is contaminated with paraquat. Infants, children and people with respiratory illness are most atrisk of harmful health effects of paraquat consumption or exposure.

A "do not use" advisory means:

• 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.

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.

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, call 318-574-2463. You may also reach the Madison Parish Sheriff's Office at 318-574-1833 to request water delivery.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.