WATER/DRINKING WATER: Urges and requests the city of Shreveport to report quarterly updates to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment regarding the measures it has taken to address its failing grade for water issued by the Department of Health

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joy Walters

Shreveport would provide quarterly public and House Committee updates on steps to fix its failing LDH water grade (F) for three years starting Oct 2026.

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Health and Welfare.

Purpose of the bill

HR 318 is a House Resolution in the 2026 Regular Session of Louisiana.

Its central aim is to urge and request the city of Shreveport to provide quarterly updates to the Louisiana House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment, and to communicate these updates publicly, regarding measures taken to address Shreveport’s failing water grade issued by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).

Key provisions and requirements

Reporting obligation: If adopted, the resolution asks Shreveport to deliver quarterly reports to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.

Public updates: The measure also directs that the city provide public updates about its efforts to improve water quality.

Timeframe: The reporting would occur on a quarterly basis for three years, beginning in October 2026.

Scope of focus: Reports and updates should address actions to remedy deficiencies in the city’s water system, including steps to address the LDH-identified issues that led to the failing grade (F, 45/100 for 2026).

Context and background

LDH issued Shreveport’s water system an “F” grade for 2026, marking the third consecutive year of failing grades.

LDH has had an administrative order in place for several years directing Shreveport to correct deficiencies, ensure safe drinking water, enforce compliance, and protect public health.

Specific infrastructure challenges cited include deficiencies that impact the reliability and safety of drinking water, with particular mention of required repairs to flow meters, sensors, and actuators.

Comparatively, nearby Bossier City has earned an “A” grade, highlighting disparities in regional water system performance.

Who is affected

Primary: The City of Shreveport and its water utility operations (in terms of reporting and public communication requirements if the resolution is adopted).

Legislative framework: Louisiana House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment would receive quarterly reports and public communications.

Public: Residents of Shreveport would receive regular updates on progress and measures to improve water quality.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: As of the latest action, HR 318 was read by title and referred to the Committee on Health and Welfare. It is not a law by itself but a legislative urging.

Timing: If adopted, the reporting and public updates would commence in October 2026 and continue for three years (i.e., through approximately October 2029), with quarterly deadlines.

Transmission: The resolution requires a copy to be transmitted to the mayor of Shreveport.

Potential impact and considerations

The resolution creates a formal channel of oversight and transparency, increasing accountability for water system improvements in Shreveport.

It may encourage more timely and detailed information about capital upgrades (e.g., refurbishing water towers, replacing generators) and operational fixes (e.g., repairs to flow meters, sensors, actuators).

While non-binding, the measure signals legislative emphasis on public health and infrastructure remediation in Shreveport and could influence timelines and public perception.

The bill does not authorize new funding or impose penalties; rather, it mandates reporting and communication to the legislature and public.