Extensive repairs, upgrades, and operational changes were carried out across Tallulah’s water treatment and distribution system throughout 2025 as state-appointed operators and contractors worked to stabilize infrastructure, address compliance issues, and restore system functionality.
Weekly reports submitted to the Louisiana Department of Health document work at the water treatment plant, ground storage tanks, elevated water tower, well field, clarifiers, filters, chemical feed systems, and throughout the distribution network.
Early work in the year focused on assessment of the water system. Operators cataloged assets, evaluated operability of equipment, and identified points of failure, including issues with the ground storage tank, elevated water tower, pressure filters, clarifiers, meters, valves, pumps, and chemical feed systems. Independent inspections were conducted on tanks and filters, and engineering firms reviewed plant operations and infrastructure conditions.
Multiple water main and service line leaks were repaired across the city throughout the year. Repairs included replacement of damaged pipe sections, use of clamps where required, and excavation to reach sound pipe material. In several cases, overlapping repair clamps were removed and pipe sections were replaced. Repairs were completed while maintaining system pressure when possible, and boil water advisories were issued and lifted following testing when pressure dropped below required thresholds.
Hydrant flushing occurred regularly across the system. Crews flushed hydrants manually and installed permanent and portable auto-flushers to assist with routine flushing and response to discolored water complaints. Operators tracked flushing activity to account for unaccounted-for water loss.
Work at the ground storage tank included removal of lime sludge, replacement of multiple valves, structural repairs, roof replacement, coating, and rehabilitation of clearwell penetrations. After repairs and testing, the tank was returned to service in April. Clearwells were cleaned and repaired, with sludge removal continuing throughout the year using mobile pumps.
The elevated water tower was inspected and cleaned by third-party vendors. Missing hatches were replaced, sludge was removed, and follow-up inspections were conducted. Operators flushed the elevated tank daily for extended periods to remove debris identified during inspections.
Chemical treatment systems underwent multiple changes. Operators repaired and replaced alum pumps, chlorine feed lines, and control panels. A new chlorine feed system was installed, and ongoing adjustments were made to address chlorine residual levels and iron oxidation. Preventive maintenance tasks were added to address repeated equipment issues.
Significant work was undertaken to transition the system from powdered lime to liquid lime. Issues with powdered lime buildup caused repeated failures of slakers, blowers, and low-service pumps. To address this, operators constructed concrete pads and containment walls, installed liquid lime tanks, ran new piping and electrical connections, and installed chemical feed pumps and pH meters in clarifiers. Temporary pumps were used while permanent equipment was ordered and installed. Operators began using liquid lime while continuing to monitor system performance.
Meters were replaced across the system, including raw water wells, high-service pumps, compound meters, service meters, and meters showing zero usage. Meter replacement work identified leaking service connections and damaged meter boxes, which were repaired or replaced. Operators maintained tracking logs for meter change-outs.
Remote monitoring equipment and computers were installed at the water treatment plant and elevated tank to allow operators to monitor tank levels, pump operation, amperage, flow rates, and daily production totals. Hydrant meters were used to track water loss during flushing.
Clarifiers and aerators required ongoing maintenance. Sludge was removed regularly using dobber pumps, and clarifier units were taken out of service for inspection and rebuilding. Aerators were cleaned and inspected, with overflow issues continuing pending installation of buffer manifolds and additional process modifications.
Ultrafiltration units were delivered as part of a contingency plan to maintain treatment capacity. Engineers reviewed tie-ins, electrical requirements, hydraulics, and discharge permits. Temporary units were sheltered while approvals and installation preparations continued. Storage and cleaning facilities for filters were designed, and permits for filter systems were submitted and approved.
Security improvements were made at the water treatment plant, including installation of an electric gate, fence repairs, tree removal, and preparation for surveillance measures following vandalism of auto-flushing devices.
Office, laboratory, bathroom, and control room spaces at the plant were rehabilitated. Lighting, piping, and interior finishes were addressed, and old equipment was removed where necessary.
Well field evaluations were initiated to assess aquifer sustainability. Engineers and hydrologists reviewed historical data, tested wells, inspected pump capacity, and evaluated flow rates. Some wells were removed from service for inspection due to water quality concerns, and others were restarted for cleaning and testing.
Engineering firms worked throughout the year on long-term planning, distribution system mapping, flushing program development, and hydraulic modeling. GIS-compatible base maps were developed to improve valve location, repair response, and system planning. Phase II project planning included evaluation of generators, electrical upgrades, pump replacements, buffer manifolds, lagoon maintenance, and additional distribution system improvements.
Permitting activity continued throughout the year. Disinfection permits, corrosion inhibitor permits, chlorine NOV forms, and filter-related permits were submitted, reviewed, revised, and approved by state regulators. Corrosion inhibitor feed system permits were approved in September, and installation of feed equipment was underway by October.
Customer service actions included meter cut-offs and disconnections for non-payment, installation of new service connections, and response to water quality inquiries. Operators attended community meetings to provide updates on system conditions and planned work.
Routine maintenance continued alongside major projects, including greasing pumps and motors, cleaning piping, maintaining pH meters, removing vegetation, mowing, housekeeping, and replacing laboratory supplies.
According to the reports, work on Tallulah’s water system is ongoing, with additional projects planned beyond 2025 to address remaining infrastructure needs, regulatory requirements, and long-term system performance.
