Residents in Roseland remain under a boil water advisory as the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality continues to investigate a potential chemical spill.
Friday marks nearly a week without clean drinking water. Cieon Evans is tired and frustrated and mostly concerned about her children.
“When they got home, they said they couldn’t flush the toilet; they had to use the bathroom on top of the other kids using the bathroom.” Evans said, “They couldn’t flush the toilet, that’s nasty, because it got poo in the toilet.”
Her children attend Roseland Montessori School, and just like the rest of the town, students there are going throughout their school day without being able to wash their hands with soap and water.
“It needs to be figured out before Monday because if it’s not figured out before Monday my kids are not going to school, because that’s nasty, that’s very nasty.” Evans said, “Germ X can only do so much.”
WDSU reached out to Tangipahoa Parish Schools, and a spokesperson said the division sent this message to families:
“Out of an abundance of caution, we are providing bottled water for all students and staff, and our cafeteria is using bottled water exclusively for meal preparation. Additionally, we have supplied ample hand antibacterial sanitizer to ensure proper hygiene after restroom breaks, before meals, and as needed throughout the day.
Looking ahead, we are exploring long-term solutions to reduce our reliance on the municipal water supply. We remain committed to maintaining a safe, sanitary environment and appreciate your continued patience and support.”
Right now, the officials in Roseland are not sure when residents will be able to drink the water again, at one point this week, the town didn’t have water at all.
Mayor van showers confirmed, the damaged pipe had chemical burns that may have been
linked to a chemical spill at a Smitty’s subsidiary back in February.
Which residents were not notified about.
“A few things in this world are sacrosanct, and that’s good drinking water and a good environment,” said State Rep. Nicholas Muscarello, “So the fact that the people are denied their basic resources of water clearly that’s concerning for me.”
Muscarello said he is now working on reviewing the law to see if there is legislation on the books that requires the public to be notified if there is a chemical spill.
“These situations usually bring legislation,” Muscarello said.
Roseland town leaders say they intend to give out free water cases to impacted residents at city hall until the boil water advisory is lifted.
READ MORE:Lawmakers and families react to chemical spill in Roseland
