FRENCH SETTLEMENT, La. – French Settlement residents received notices in June informing them that their water provider violated state health regulations for failing to maintain minimum disinfectant levels during March and April, raising concerns about delayed notification and potential health impacts.
The Louisiana Department of Health violations occurred when more than 5% of water samples collected during March 1-31 and April 1-30 contained less than 0.5 milligrams per liter of chlorine residual, below the minimum level required in treated water. The system was reportedly back in compliance by May, but customers weren't notified until early June.
The delayed notification has frustrated residents like Kristy Poche, whose daughter began experiencing stomach issues in March, coinciding with the violation period, according to Unfiltered with Kiran. Since then, they've visited multiple doctors and made two emergency room trips for symptoms including nausea and abdominal pain.
"No one can figure out what's wrong," Poche told Unfiltered with Kiran. "I can't help but wonder if it's something with the water. I can't prove that, but it's just kind of funny that it all started at the same time."
Poche also told the news outlet that the water has stained her family's clothing and left residue in their bathtub and washing machine, requiring multiple flushes of their water heater due to sediment buildup.
The notice warned that "inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms," including parasites, bacteria, and viruses, advising customers with health concerns to consult their physicians.
Water quality problems have plagued French Settlement for over a year, according to Unfiltered with Kiran. Since August 2024, pipe repairs have been underway following widespread complaints of discolored tap water. In September, Nexus engineers attempted a process called "ice pigging" to clean the lines, but suspended the effort due to unsatisfactory results.
In March 2025, construction began on a new well on Highway 16, which required temporarily isolating the well from the system and caused additional water discoloration for customers. Even before the work started, residents were already reporting discolored water that left noticeable residue.
The utility has undergone ownership changes during this period. On June 1, the French Settlement Water Company officially merged with Utilities Inc. of Louisiana, which sent the violation notices to residents.
According to the notice, the well on Aydell Lane is now equipped with a new liquid sodium hypochlorite treatment system, repairs are underway on faulty chlorine equipment, and the company is monitoring chlorine levels daily. Utilities Inc. has outlined additional system improvements including new filtration units, additional wells, and upgraded pumping systems.
Residents expressed frustration with what they see as poor communication from water providers throughout the ongoing issues.
"I'm angry," Poche told Unfiltered with Kiran. "This could all have been prevented if we'd known they were working on the lines. At least then, we could've prepared."
This story includes reporting from Unfiltered with Kiran.
