March 5, 2026
Water pressure is returning to normal or near-normal levels across most of Shreveport on Wednesday, four days into a citywide crisis triggered by the rupture of a 42-inch transmission main, as overnight repair crews continue working toward a temporary bypass fix expected by Friday — though a voluntary boil advisory covering the entire city remains in effect.
Mayor Tom Arceneaux credited his water and sewerage team’s rebalancing of the distribution system for the widespread improvement. “Our team basically stabilized pretty much throughout the entire city, so everybody’s pressure is coming up — that has to do with the skill of the team rebalancing,” Arceneaux said.
Water and Sewerage Interim Director Brandon Snead said targeted valve adjustments have been key to the recovery, allowing crews to redirect flow to the areas with the greatest need while the permanent bypass is installed. Repair materials fabricated specifically for the 1979-era concrete main have arrived on site, and overnight construction continued Wednesday morning at the Thomas L. Amiss Water Purification Plant near Cross Lake.
Caddo Parish public schools reopened for in-person instruction Wednesday after two days of virtual classes. District officials confirmed water service was fully restored with stable pressure maintained throughout Tuesday. Students are being encouraged to bring bottled water from home, and campuses will provide a limited supply as a precaution while the boil advisory is in place.
The city updated its bottled water distribution network Wednesday morning. Four city-operated sites are now active: the Louisiana State Fairgrounds on Pershing Drive, Shreve City Shopping Center on Shreveport-Barksdale Highway, the former Brookshire’s lot at 6140 Greenwood Road, and Summer Grove Baptist Church on Jewella Avenue. Earlier sites at Huntington High School and Lee Hedges Stadium have been deactivated. A separate, community-organized distribution is also underway at the Walmart Supercenter off Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, though officials noted that effort is not affiliated with city operations.
The citywide voluntary boil advisory will not be lifted until the temporary bypass is removed, the system is fully stabilized and water samples are collected and confirmed safe by the Louisiana Department of Health. Residents should continue to boil water for one full minute before drinking, brushing teeth, making ice or preparing food.
The break has renewed scrutiny of Shreveport’s aging water infrastructure. The Louisiana Department of Health issued an administrative order in 2025 citing deficiencies dating to 2021, requiring repairs to flow meters, sensors and actuators and elevated tank repairs by April. Voters approved 2 million in water system improvements in 2024, though the failed main was not among lines slated for replacement. “Unfortunately, we didn’t get these improvements in the ground before this event occurred,” Arceneaux said. “The water system is old.”
For current distribution site hours and pressure zone information, visit shreveportlawater.gov.