Washington Parish President Richard Thomas would like to advise all citizens that the water advisory for the Bogue Chitto River has been lifted!

Recreational Water Advisory Lifted
September 23, 2016
Baton Rouge, La. – State health and environmental officials report that residents can resume use of the Bogue Chitto River in Louisiana for recreational purposes.

Officials in Mississippi have also lifted a similar advisory for the portion of the river in Mississippi.

This updated advice follows water testing results that show bacteria levels to be below the threshold of concern of 400 cfu/100 ml (colony-forming unit per milliliter) in the Louisiana sections of the river south of the site of a levee breach at the City of Brookhaven’s wastewater treatment plant last Friday.

The breach resulted in the discharge of approximately 1.3 million gallons of storm water-diluted sewage to the river.  Earlier this week, Mississippi officials corrected the estimated size of release from six million gallons to 1.3 million gallons.

Results from water samples taken at six sites in Louisiana by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality this week, as well as tests conducted by the Mississippi DEQ during the week, showed bacteria levels to be below the level of concern for water contact.

MT HERMON BOIL WATER NOTICE:

The Mount Hermon Water District of Washington Parish is issuing a Boil Water Advisory (BWA) as a precaution to portions of the water District... due to a drop in pressure in some areas because of a contractor breaking a water line on Hwy 438. Affected areas are North of Silver Creek, specifically along Hwy 438, Hwy 1055, River Road, Bill Simmons Road, Holmesville Road and Frankie Miller Road. This BWA does NOT affect the Mount Hermon School. Affected customers should consider boiling their water for 1 minute prior to human consumption. This BWA will be in effect until samples can be collected and analyzed by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. Samples will be collected on Friday September 23, 2016 and, if samples are negative for bacteria, the BWA will automatically be rescinded by 4:00 P. M on Saturday September 24, 2016. Should the samples fail, the BWA will continue and news media will be notified.

CAUTION -  BOGUE CHITTO RIVER UNDER "WATER CONTACT ADVISORY"

WWLTV.com , WWL 6:58 AM. CDT September 19, 2016 
 


WASHINGTON PARISH -- A levee breach released approximately six million gallons of storm-water-diluted sewage into the East Branch of the Bogue Chitto River.

The Bogue Chitto River is now under a "water contact advisory" for it's entire length in Louisiana according to the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

The release occurred at the City of Brookhaven's sewage plant in Mississippi. The release is under control, according to officials, and no more sewage is expected to flow into the river. Scientists with the DEQ estimate that the contaminated river water will reach Louisiana by Sunday. 

“Because of this release of raw sewage into the river, we are advising citizens that contact with the water could present a health risk,” Louisiana State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry said. "Although all waterways will have some level of contamination, this sewage release has the possibility of elevating the levels of bacteria. People should take precautions to lessen their chance of getting sick from exposure to the water.”

Microorganisms can enter the body through the mouth, nose, eyes and ears, as well as cuts and wounds. Illnesses associated with poor water quality include diarrhea, sore throats, stomach cramps or vomiting. Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune system are at a greater risk of getting sick.

The Department of Health offers these additional guidelines that should always be observed:

Do not swim near a drainage pipe or in a ditch, or near runoff or littered areas.
Do not swim in areas with warnings against swimming.
Avoid swimming after heavy rains.
Avoid ingesting or swallowing the water.
Minimize immersing your head when swimming.
Avoid swimming with an open cut or wound.
Shower after exposure to the water.

(© 2016 WWL)

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 8-25-16 Please be advised that Lonnie Duncan Road is still CLOSED AT BRIDGE


  FOR MORE INFORMATION ON STATE HIGHWAY CLOSURES GO TO DOTD Website: hb.511la.org

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Welcome to Washington Parish and all that it has to offer.

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                                                     Richard "Ned" Thomas, Jr. - Parish President

Recent News..........

Administering the Oath of Office is the Honorable Judge William J.”Rusty” Knight of the 22^nd Judicial District Court while Linda Thomas, wife of Parish President Richard N. Thomas, Jr. is holding the bible as the  Oath of Office was given to the Parish President

Councilman taking Oath of Office on January 11, 2016  administered by the Honorable Judge William J. “Rusty” Knight of the 22^nd Judicial District Court.

Left to right:  Perry Talley, David Anthony, Levi Lewis, Michael Fussell, Pete Thomas, Chris Workman and Reginald McMaster.

Parish President 302 - Road Department 307 - Accounts Payable 304 - Payroll 305

Director of Public Works 312 - Director of Finance 301 - Comptroller 306 - Council Clerk 313 

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