March 24 Update:
The City of Sulphur has announced that the boil advisory issued for the water main break near the intersection of US 90 and Huntington Street has been rescinded. According to the City of Sulphur, water samples tested by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals – Office of Public Health have tested negative for coliform bacteria.
March 22, 5:20 PM Update:
As of 5:20 pm on March 22, the City of Sulphur announced that the water main break near the intersection of Highway 90 and Huntington Street has been repaired and pressure is being restored.
Sulphur, Louisiana - Residents of Sulphur continue to experience water service disruptions following a significant water main break early Saturday morning. As of 3:45 p.m., many households still report low or no water pressure, and the city remains under a boil advisory.
The infrastructure failure occurred near the intersection of Highway 90 and Huntington Street, causing water pressure to drop below regulatory requirements throughout much of the municipal system. City officials responded by issuing a boil advisory as a precautionary measure to protect public health.
"Water pressure may have dipped below the required levels," a city spokesperson explained in an official statement. The temporary drop in pressure can potentially allow contaminants to enter the water distribution system, necessitating the advisory.
Residents who experience water outages are advised to run their faucets until the water runs clear before use. Additionally, all drinking water should be boiled for a full minute in a clean container. Health officials note that the one-minute boiling period should begin only after the water has reached a rolling boil.
For those concerned about the flat taste that can accompany boiled water, officials recommend several remediation techniques. These include shaking the water in a clean bottle, transferring it between clean containers, or adding a small pinch of salt to each quart of boiled water.
The advisory will remain in effect until water samples have been tested and cleared by the State Laboratory. City representatives will notify affected residents once the water supply has been deemed safe for consumption without boiling.
Municipal crews continue to work on repairs to the compromised water main, though no estimated completion time has been provided.