The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) issued a “do not use” water advisory Thursday for an area served by the Walnut Bayou Water System in Madison Parish after a water line break on Highway 603 near Verhagen Road resulted in drinking water being exposed to the chemical paraquat.

LDH officials said the exposure occurred as a farmer was filling a tank and the low pressure in the water line created a backflow of chemicals from the tank. Some customers have reported a strong chemical smell and taste in tap water following the exposure, LDH said.

“LDH has worked closely with local officials to identify the impacted area, sample the drinking water, and assess risk for residents,” LDH said in a statement. “The map shows the area of concern for Walnut Bayou. Everyone in the green shaded area should not use the water.”

Paraquat is a toxic herbicide primarily used for weed control that should not be consumed. The chemical can also be absorbed by the skin, so individuals should avoid bathing, handwashing, and washing clothes with water that is contaminated with paraquat. Infants, children and people with respiratory illness are most at risk of harmful health effects of paraquat consumption or exposure. Paraquat must be flushed out of the water system before the advisory can be lifted.

A “do not use” advisory means:

• Humans and animals should not drink the water or use it in a way that could potentially be ingested, such as food preparation of any kind, washing dishes, or brushing your teeth.
• Dispose of the ice in your ice maker and discontinue use until the order is lifted.
• Humans and animals should not bathe (or swim) in the water, or use it to wash hands.
• Water should not be used to wash laundry.
• Tap water can be used for flushing toilets.

This advisory differs from a boil water advisory in that the water is not safe for use even if the water is boiled, because boiling the water will not remove the presence of paraquat.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) is coordinating with LDH and Madison Parish officials in communicating with residents and coordinating support in the affected area. Bottled water has been made available to area residents and GOHSEP is in the process of sending additional bottled water.

Water can be picked up at the Walnut Bayou Water Association Office at 1105 Highway 602, Tallulah. Madison Parish officials are coordinating personal water delivery for those who can’t get to the pick-up site. For additional support, staff can be reached at 318-574-2463. The public may also reach the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-574-1833 to request water delivery.