Dry conditions, hot temps, increased water usage and aging pipes contribute to increased water leaks to systems across the nation, and it’s happening in Sulphur where the Louisiana Department of Health gave the city’s water system an “A” earlier in the summer.

“It happens just about every year at this time of year. The ground hardens and shifts during the dry months, and that causes distribution lines to crack or break,” said Sulphur Mayor Mike Danahay, “and we increase our crews to handle the work in a timely manner.”

Add increased water usage for watering lawns and keeping pools operational during the hottest period of the year to the scenario, and the result is a mandatory water conservation. Sulphur issued the order Aug. 23 to Aug. 28.

This helps us in the processes of treatment and distribution of water in these times of greater demand.

There is plenty of water, the mayor said; however, late afternoon and evening water use causes water pressure to decrease. When water levels drop, corrosive elements become more concentrated. Fluctuating pressure and line work can cause some water discoloration. Water conservation can help.

The best time of the day to water grass in hot weather is between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. because it allows the water to seep down into the soil before it evaporates.

“Water discoloration has been drastically reduced since the installation of filter tanks at both water plants in 2021 and 2022,” Danahay said.

The city does receive calls and the mayor calls the cases isolated, “usually associated with the age of the structure’s plumbing or the distribution line is located on a dead end.”

In response to these cases, water lines are flushed until it runs clear.