A water contamination incident in Madison Parish, Louisiana, has left about 200 residents without safe water due to the presence of a toxic herbicide.
Wesley Muller reports for Louisiana Illuminator.
In short:
- Paraquat, a toxic herbicide, entered the Walnut Bayou water system after a water line break caused backflow from a farmer’s tank.
- A “do not use” advisory has been issued, warning residents not to use the water for any purpose, including bathing and washing clothes.
- The water system is being flushed, but paraquat remains in some parts, prompting residents to flush their home plumbing systems.
Why this matters:
Exposure to paraquat is extremely dangerous, especially for children and people with respiratory issues. Ensuring the safety of the water supply is critical to preventing severe health consequences.
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