KILLIAN —- Officials in Killian including the Mayor, Ronnie Sharp, provided a detailed update into the ongoing ‘water crisis’ in Killian in Livingston Parish on Saturday, April 27.
It comes after the town, parish and state declared a state of emergency due to the water system earlier in the week.
(From Town of Killian release)
Background on Killian water
In recent years, due to aging infrastructure, repairs to the Killian water system have become more common and instances of poor-quality water have plagued our town more frequently.
Within the last 12-month period, the town has been notified of numerous instances of brown water in various areas of the town. These instances have become increasingly common and culminated in a wide-spread incident in which thick, black water with sand and silt was identified in the town. Initially, this water was observed in the Riverside Ridge neighborhood on Hwy. 444 on the west side of town late in the evening on Monday, April 22nd.
On Tuesday morning, April 23rd, additional reports of similar water quality were found as far east as the Tickfaw Broadmoor subdivision on LA 22 and as far south as Austin St. on LA 22, at which time a boil advisory was issued for the entire town.
Because of the widening of the affected area and the flushing efforts seemingly not having an effect on the water quality, it was feared that the source of the problem could potentially be the town’s well itself. At that time, Mayor Sharp and Mayor Pro Temp Brent Ballard decided to issue a declaration of emergency, which was accepted by parish officials, who also issued their own declaration of emergency for the town.
Meeting & Plan
On Monday, April 29th deputies with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office are expected to go door-to-door to each home in Killian that uses the water system with a notification of a potential loss of all water pressure on Wednesday, May 1st.
On Wednesday, May 1st a detailed inspection of the well will happen. The inspection of the well will identify what, if any, problems there are within the well so that they can be adequately addressed. During this inspection process, there is potential for total loss of all water pressure to the system.
The results of the activities on Wednesday will ultimately determine the path forward. This path forward will be formulated in coordination with town officials, LOHSEP, GOHSEP, DHH, parish government, our state representatives, local officials, and our engineers.
Water Distribution ahead of May 1st
There are currently several pallets of water stored in the fire station at town hall that are being distributed to residents. Numerous pallets have been donated to the Town of Killian.
Residents can pick up two cases of water per person in the household per day from 8am to 8pm. Officials ask that you do not park in front of the fire station bays in case of an emergency. Additional water supplies are steadily coming in from numerous private sources.
Sick, Handicapped, Special Needs
Town officials are urging anyone who has special needs such as those who may be sick, unable to travel, compromised immune systems, or have another special case, to please contact town hall or any town official with your name, address, and needs as soon as possible. If you’re unable to get water yourself, town officials have people who will bring water to you.
Current Water System Use
We urge everyone to use their best discretion in using water provided by the water system. We are under a town-wide boil advisory and will be until further notice.
“We have a wonderful town full of resilient people. Together we have withstood and weathered many storms in our past. We have an administration working together to make the best decisions possible with the information available to us. Together, we will get through this. Thank you and God Bless,” said officials through a news release.
Download the Unfiltered with Kiran app from the Apple App Store and Google Play for any new developments.
Leave a Reply