Blanchard Water System

Our Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) is available from our office. This assessment evaluates areas surrounding our water sources where contaminants could potentially migrate into our water supply. It includes an inventory of possible contamination sources and determines our water system's vulnerability to these potential threats.

According to the assessment, our water system received a 'high' susceptibility rating. We invite our customers to review the Source Water Assessment Program by contacting our office. The EPA establishes limits for contaminants in public water systems to ensure safety, while FDA regulations set standards for bottled water that provide similar public health protections.

We encourage our valued customers to stay informed about their water service. If you have questions about this report, wish to attend scheduled meetings, or want more information about your water, please contact Mayor John Galambos at (318) 929-7593.

If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health concerns, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While Blanchard Water System provides quality water, we cannot control plumbing component materials. When water sits unused for several hours, you can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned, consider having your water tested. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and minimizing exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Blanchard Water System conducted monthly source water monitoring for Cryptosporidium from January through December 2017. Of twelve samples, Crypto was detected in five, with levels ranging from 0.0 to <0.1 Oocyst per liter. Though filtration removes Cryptosporidium, standard filtration methods cannot guarantee complete removal. Ingestion can cause cryptosporidiosis, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. While most healthy individuals recover within weeks, those with compromised immune systems face greater risk of severe illness.

Some people may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised individuals, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, transplant recipients, those with HIV/AIDS, elderly people, and infants should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

We thank you for allowing us to provide your family with clean, quality water this year. System improvements are sometimes necessary to maintain safe and reliable service. We at BLANCHARD WATER SYSTEM work around the clock to deliver high-quality water to every connection and ask all customers to help protect and conserve our water resources.

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