Water: The Lifeblood of Southwest Louisiana
Water is essential to life in Southwest Louisiana, shaping the region’s environment, economy, and culture. From the vast wetlands and bayous to the Gulf Coast, water sustains biodiversity, supports fisheries, and drives industries like shipping, agriculture, and tourism. It also serves as a natural barrier against storms and flooding, helping protect communities from extreme weather events.
However, this vital resource is under threat from pollution, saltwater intrusion, coastal erosion, and climate change. As wetlands disappear and water quality declines, both the environment and the livelihoods of residents are at risk.
Safeguarding Southwest Louisiana’s water means investing in conservation, sustainable management, and community-driven solutions. By protecting this precious resource, we ensure a resilient future for people, wildlife, and the ecosystems that depend on it.
Micah 6:8 Mission Salt Dome Intrusion Test
We understand residents are concerned about water quality and so are we. We are posting the data report on our website as well as information from Dr. Wilma Subra, who interpreted the information for us.
The testing was done because members of the community were/are concerned about the possible impact of the collapsing Sulphur Salt Dome on our drinking water and the Chicot Aquifer. We wanted to establish a baseline sample, so next year we could test again to see if any changes had occurred.
We asked for the tests that Dr. Subra recommended. We tested for hydrocarbons, a test that is not usually done for drinking water. We got some concerning results. The test found 197 ug/l of Diesel Range Organics in the Houston River Waterworks sample.
Which means more testing needs to be done, first. As awful as the idea of diesel range organics in our water is, it may be we collected the sample from a source that was incidentally contaminated, we just don’t know. Which is why we are going to pull another set of water samples and test again.
If you are concerned about the water, have questions, or want to make suggestions on what we should do next, please attend our meeting on this topic Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Sulphur library, 5:30pm.
Test Results can be found here.
Boil Advisories or low water pressure
Click on this link to learn how to protect yourself and your family when there is a boil advisory, or the water pressure drops.
More water information ….
In Sulphur, Louisiana, where we are located, a community member had her water tested and found that there were high levels of lead in the water she was drinking. We are waiting on tests we have done to come back. Once they have this page will have more information and updates on the situation.
The water tests came back and we have so many contaminants in our water! Lead, iron, manganese, aluminum, copper – and that is what is in the water at the office (home)!
We have gone to the Sulphur City Council meetings and highlighted the issue.
