SULPHUR, La. — The City of Sulphur has issued a boil water advisory for customers in the Shady Lane and Crystal Lane area following a water main break that caused water pressure to drop below required levels.
City officials advised that anyone in the affected area who was without water should run their faucets until the water runs clear, then boil all water before using it for drinking or consumption. This includes water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, and washing foods like fruits and vegetables.
According to the city’s notice, residents should bring water to a rolling boil in a clean container and keep it boiling for one full minute. The one-minute timer begins only after the water reaches a steady, rolling boil, not when the burner is first turned on. Boiling is a standard safety step used by public water systems when there is a risk that pressure loss could allow contaminants, such as bacteria, to enter the water lines.
The city also provided guidance for improving the taste of boiled water, which can sometimes seem flat due to lost oxygen. To reduce this effect, residents may:
- Shake the cooled, boiled water in a clean bottle,
- Pour it back and forth between two clean containers, or
- Add a small pinch of salt to each quart of boiled water.
The advisory applies specifically to the Shady Lane and Crystal Lane area in Sulphur. No additional neighborhoods or nearby communities have been listed in this advisory based on the information released so far.
The City of Sulphur stated that the advisory will remain in effect until water samples from the affected area are tested and confirmed safe by the State Laboratory. Once clear sample results are received, the city will issue a follow-up notice lifting the advisory.
Until that official notice is given, residents in the advisory area are urged to continue boiling water before consumption as a precaution.
No timeline for when the advisory will be lifted has been released.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official City of Sulphur communications for updates on the status of the boil water advisory and confirmation when normal use can safely resume.