Everything You Need to Know About Jefferson Parish Water: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Jefferson Parish is located in southeastern Louisiana and is home to over 430,000 residents. The parish is served by the Jefferson Parish Water Department (JPWD), which provides water to over 95% of the population. The JPWD is committed to providing safe, clean, and affordable water to its customers.

Water Quality

The JPWD regularly tests the water quality of its drinking water to ensure that it meets all federal and state standards. The water quality data is published online and is available to the public.

In 2020, the JPWD conducted over 100,000 water quality tests. The results of these tests showed that the water quality in Jefferson Parish met all federal and state standards.

Water Sources

The JPWD gets its water from two sources: the Mississippi River and groundwater. The Mississippi River water is treated at the Behrman Water Treatment Plant, which is located in New Orleans. The groundwater is treated at the LaBranche Water Treatment Plant, which is located in Jefferson Parish.

The Mississippi River water is the primary source of water for Jefferson Parish. The river water is treated to remove impurities and to make it safe to drink.

Water Treatment

The water treatment process at the Behrman Water Treatment Plant includes the following steps:

Coagulation and Flocculation

Chemicals are added to the water to cause the impurities to clump together.
Sedimentation
The water is allowed to sit so that the impurities can settle to the bottom.
Filtration
The water is passed through filters to remove the remaining impurities.
Disinfection
Chlorine is added to the water to kill any bacteria or viruses.
Fluoridation
Fluoride is added to the water to help prevent tooth decay.

Water Conservation

The JPWD encourages its customers to conserve water. There are many ways to conserve water, such as:

• Fixing leaky faucets
• Taking shorter showers
• Watering the lawn less often
• Using low-flow appliances

Water Rates

The JPWD water rates are based on the amount of water used. The rates are divided into three tiers:

• Tier 1: 0-10,000 gallons per month
• Tier 2: 10,001-20,000 gallons per month
• Tier 3: 20,001+ gallons per month

The rates for each tier are as follows:

Tier|Rate
---|---|---
Tier 1: $1.50 per 1,000 gallons
Tier 2: $2.00 per 1,000 gallons
Tier 3: $2.50 per 1,000 gallons

Customer Service

The JPWD is committed to providing excellent customer service. The department has a 24/7 call center that is available to answer questions and resolve problems. The department also has a website that provides information about water quality, water conservation, and water rates.

Conclusion

The JPWD is committed to providing safe, clean, and affordable water to its customers. The department regularly tests the water quality of its drinking water to ensure that it meets all federal and state standards. The department also encourages its customers to conserve water.

Stories and Lessons

Story 1: The Great Flood of 2005

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused widespread flooding in Jefferson Parish. The floodwaters overwhelmed the JPWD's water treatment plants and caused widespread water shortages.

Lesson: It is important to have a backup plan in place in case of a natural disaster.

Story 2: The Lead Crisis

In 2016, it was discovered that lead levels in the water in some Jefferson Parish homes exceeded federal safety standards. The JPWD quickly took action to address the problem and replaced all of the lead pipes in the affected homes.

Lesson: It is important to test the water in your home for lead if you live in an older home.

Story 3: The Boil Water Advisory

In 2018, a water main break caused a boil water advisory to be issued for Jefferson Parish. The advisory was lifted after the JPWD repaired the water main and tested the water quality to ensure that it was safe to drink.

Lesson: It is important to follow the instructions of the JPWD in the event of a boil water advisory.

Effective Strategies

• Use a water filter. A water filter can remove impurities from your water and improve its taste.
• Fix leaky faucets. A leaky faucet can waste a lot of water. Fix any leaky faucets in your home as soon as possible.
• Take shorter showers. Showers account for a significant portion of household water use. Take shorter showers to save water.
• Water the lawn less often. Watering the lawn too often can waste water. Water your lawn only when it needs it.
• Use low-flow appliances. Low-flow appliances use less water than standard appliances. Install low-flow appliances in your home to save water.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not drink the water during a boil water advisory. Boiling the water will kill any bacteria or viruses, but it will not remove the impurities that caused the advisory.
• Do not use a water softener if you have lead pipes. Water softeners can increase the concentration of lead in the water.
• Do not flush unused medications down the toilet. Unused medications can contaminate the water supply. Dispose of unused medications properly.
• Do not pour grease or oil down the drain. Grease and oil can clog the pipes and cause problems at the water treatment plant.
• Do not connect a garden hose to your faucet and leave it running. This can waste a lot of water.

FAQs

1. What is the source of the JPWD's water?

The JPWD gets its water from two sources: the Mississippi River and groundwater.

2. How is the water treated?

The water is treated at the Behrman Water Treatment Plant and the LaBranche Water Treatment Plant. The treatment process includes coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and fluoridation.

3. What are the rates for water?

The rates for water are based on the amount of water used. The rates are divided into three tiers:

• Tier 1: 0-10,000 gallons per month