Water Works District No. 3 of Rapides Parish

News

16 Nov

Water Treatment Change Coming Soon

Water Treatment Change Coming Soon
Residents of Water Works District No.3 of Rapides Parish
Date: 11/16/2022

Water Works District No.3 of Rapides Parish monitors the disinfectant residual in the distribution system on a daily basis. This measurement tells us whether we are effectively disinfecting the water supply. The disinfectant residual is the amount of chlorine or chloramines in the distribution system. Chlorine and chloramines are common disinfectants used by water suppliers to kill bacteria in drinking water; therefore, if the disinfectant residual is too low, microorganisms can potentially grow in the distribution piping.
In order to provide the most effective disinfection process, Water Works District No.3 of Rapides Parish is making a temporary change in the type of disinfectant used in the water supply. It is typical for water systems that use chloramines to temporarily change to chlorine in order to clean water pipes and provide a reliable disinfectant residual throughout all points in the distribution system. Free chlorine is proven to be more effective in killing organisms within the pipes of the distribution system.
When is this switch scheduled?
The temporary switch from chloramines to free chlorine will occur 12/12/2022 through 2/22/2023. If a longer duration is required, then we will continue to use free chlorine as long as necessary.
What is being done?
We are going to change the distribution system disinfectant from chloramines to free chlorine. Although the level of disinfectant will remain the same, the type of disinfectant will change.
We will continue to monitor the chlorine levels throughout the water system.
What should I do?
You do not need to boil your water or take other actions. This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.
What can I do if I notice a chlorine taste or smell?
During the temporary switch, you may notice a chlorine taste and/or odor in your drinking water. Chlorine levels will continue to meet EPA standards and are not a health risk.

Run the cold water tap for several minutes when water is not used for several days.
Collect and refrigerate cold tap water in an open pitcher. Be sure to collect water after running the cold water tap for two minutes. Within a few hours, the chlorine taste and odor will disappear.
Water filters can reduce chlorine taste and smell. Be sure to use a filter certified to meet National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards and replace the filter cartridge as recommended by the manufacturer.

Who should take special precautions during the temporary switch to Chlorine?
Customers who normally take special precautions to remove chloramine from tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet owners, should continue to take the same precautions during the temporary switch to chlorine. Most methods for removing chloramine from tap water are effective in removing chlorine.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

Water System Contact name and Number: Jamie Timberlake 318.640.1379
https://bit.ly/treatmentchange2022

18 Oct

Phone Outage

We are currently experiencing phone issues at our main office. Please be patient as we work through this problem. Read more

20 Sep

Backflow

For those customers needing backflow testers and installers, please contact the office 640-1379 to request an email of the list. We will post the list on this site as soon as we can. Thanks. Read more

29 Jul

Flushing

Our crews will be flushing Highway 71 North beginning next week, August 1 - August 5. This area will include Country Club, Timbertrails, Sherwood and all side roads. Customers in these areas may experience low water pressure and/or discolored water. Your patience is appreciated. Read more

06 Jul

Rate Increase

Our Water Rates have been adjusted due to increased costs of production, treatment, and distribution of your water, effective July 1, 2022. The new rate structure is shown below:

Residential

0-3,000 gallons $29.50
All over 3,000 gallons 6.75

Commercial
0-5,000 gallons $37.50
All over 5,000 gallons 6.75

Industrial
0-50,000 gallons $187.50
All over 50,000 gallons 5.45

Governmental
0-50,000 gallons $187.50
All over 50,000 gallons 6.75

Water Districts
0-50,000 gallons $187.50
All over 50,000 gallons 6.00

Public Recreation Areas
0-3,000 gallons $27.25
All over 3,000 gallons 6.75 Read more

05 Jul

Public Hearing Proposed Rate Increase

Public Hearing to be held Wednesday, July 6th at 11:00 a.m. After a comprehensive study by the board of commissioners for the District on the cost of producing, treating and distributing water for Water Works District No. 3 of Rapides Parish, changes to the rate schedule have been proposed. These changes will help Water Works District No. 3 of Rapides Parish position itself to continue to meet the needs of its customers and cover accelerated costs due to economic changes. If given approval, these changes will go into effect on July 7, 2022. Read more

20 Jun

Holiday

Our office will be closed Monday, June 20th for the Juneteenth Holiday. For emergencies, dial 484-3115. We will reopen Tuesday, June 21st at 7:30 am. Read more

01 Jan

Rate Increase

Our Water Rates will be adjusted beginning 1/1/2022 for the Cost of Living Adjustment. The rate structure is shown below:

Residential

0-3,000 gallons $23.50
All over 3,000 gallons 5.45

Commercial
0-5,000 gallons $30.00
All over 5,000 gallons 5.45

Industrial
0-50,000 gallons $150.00
All over 50,000 gallons 4.35

Governmental
0-50,000 gallons $150.00
All over 50,000 gallons 5.45

Water Districts
0-50,000 gallons $150.00
All over 50,000 gallons 4.85

Public Recreation Areas
0-3,000 gallons $21.75
All over 3,000 gallons 5.45
Read more

20 Dec

Online payments

We are currently working on the problem with online payments. Please be patient. You can call the office to pay by phone. Read more

21 Oct

BOIL ADVISORY LIFTED

The boil advisory issued last week for Highway 165 has been lifted. Read more

14 Oct

Boil Advisory

A boil advisory has been issued for Water Works customers on the West side of Highway 165, from Ball Cutoff Road to Kitchens Creek Road. (Ball Cutoff is not under the advisory) Please see the FAQs section on our website to know how to deal with a boil advisory. We will post the release of the advisory here as soon as it is lifted. We apologize for this inconvenience. Read more

21 Dec

Holiday Closures

Water Works District No. 3 will be closed December 24 and December 25 for the Christmas Holiday. Also, December 31 and January 1 for New Year's. Our emergency number is 640-6644. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Read more

25 Nov

Thanksgiving Holiday

Water Works District No. 3 will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 26 & 27 for the Holiday. Emergency number is 318-640-6644.
Read more

06 Nov

Veteran's Day Holiday

Our office will be closed Wednesday, November 11th for the Veteran's Day Holiday. Read more

09 Oct

Office Closure

Water Works Office will be closing at noon on October 9th in anticipation of Hurricane Delta. We should reopen Monday, October 12th. Read more

08 Sep

Boil Advisory

Boil Advisory for Water Works District #3 has been lifted.
Read more

31 Aug

Boil Advisory

Water Works District 3 is currently under a boil advisory until further notice. Please see FAQ page for how to respond to a boil advisory. Read more

26 Aug

Office Closure

Our office will be closed Thursday August 27th due to severe weather threat. We will reopen on Friday August 28th if possible. Read more

31 Mar

PRESS RELEASE

Water Well - 8215 Highway 71 Read more

Water Well - 8215 Highway 71

PRESS RELEASE

   WATER WORKS DISTRICT NO. 3 OF RAPIDES PARISH

March 31, 2020

It is publically reported that the former Dresser Manufacturing plant site is being investigated by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for possible groundwater contamination. Water Works District No. 3 of Rapides Parish owns, operates and maintains a potable water well (Well No. 5) located at 8215 Hwy. 71, Pineville, La. The water well property is adjacent to the former Dresser Manufacturing plant site.

Well No. 5 was drilled in 1986 and has a depth of 1,060 feet. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is mainly concerned about contamination in the upper 50’ of the site.

All of the District’s water wells are routinely tested by the Louisiana Department of Health for several contaminants including the contaminant of concern, being Trichloroethene. Well No. 5 has never tested positive for Trichloroethene. The most recent samples collected on March 11, 2020, indicate that the water produced by Well No. 5 is free of Trichloroethene.

The District recently completed maintenance work on Well No. 5. This maintenance work is completely coincidental and has absolutely no connection to the groundwater investigations being conducted by the Department of Environmental Quality.

Water Works District No. 3 of Rapides Parish, does and always will, hold the health and safety of our customers as our number one priority.

                                         Water Works District No. 3 of Rapides Parish
                                                                   P.O. Box 580
                                                           Tioga, Louisiana 71477
Jimmy French, General Manager

23 Mar

COVID-19

Until further notice, our main walk-in lobby will be closed. All transactions will be conducted through the drive through window, or payments can be left in our night drop. Read more

04 Feb

2020 Water Rate Increase

Water Rate Increase - 2020 Read more

30 Jan

Sexual Harassment Policy

Act 270 State Civil Service requirement Read more

Act 270 State Civil Service requirement

Water Works District No. 3 of Rapides Parish
Sexual Harassment Policy

Policy statement
Water Works District No. 3 of Rapides Parish (The District) is committed to providing a safe environment for all its employees free from harassment at work including sexual harassment. Our sexual harassment policy aims to protect men and women in our company from unwanted sexual advances and give them guidelines to report incidents. We will also explain how we handle claims, punish sexual harassment and help victims recover. The District will treat all incidents seriously and promptly investigate all allegations of sexual harassment. All complaints will be treated with respect and confidentiality. No one will be victimized for making such a complaint. Any person found to have sexually harassed another will face disciplinary action, up to and including termination from employment. The District will not tolerate sexual harassment in our workplace in any shape or form. Our culture is based on mutual respect and collaboration. Sexual harassment is a serious violation of those principles.
Scope
This policy applies to every person within the District, our employees, customers, vendors and regulatory members, regardless of gender, level, function, seniority, status or other protected characteristics. We are all obliged to comply with this policy. The District will not tolerate sexual harassment from inside or outside of the company. Employees, investors, contractors, customers and everyone interacting with our company are covered by the present policy.

Policy elements
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which makes a person feel offended, humiliated and/or intimidated. It includes situations where a person is asked to engage in sexual activity as a condition of that person’s employment, as well as situations which create an environment that is hostile, intimidating or humiliating for the recipient.
Sexual harassment can involve one or more incidents and actions constituting harassment may be physical, verbal and non-verbal. Examples of conduct or behavior which constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
Physical conduct

Unwelcome physical contact including patting, pinching, stroking, kissing, hugging, fondling, or inappropriate touching
Physical violence, including sexual assault
Physical contact, e.g. touching, pinching
The use of job-related threats or rewards to solicit sexual favors

Verbal conduct

Comments on a worker’s appearance, age, private life, etc.
Sexual comments, stories and jokes
Sexual advances
Repeated and unwanted social invitations for dates or physical intimacy
Insults based on the sex of the worker
Condescending or paternalistic remarks
Sending sexually explicit messages (by phone, email, or social media) or sharing of same

Non-verbal conduct

Display of sexually explicit or suggestive material
Sexually-suggestive gestures
Whistling
Leering

Anyone can be a victim of sexual harassment, regardless of their sex and of the sex of the harasser. The District recognizes that sexual harassment may also occurs between people of the same sex. What matters is that the sexual conduct is unwanted and unwelcome by the person against whom the conduct is directed. However, an outside observer of such conduct may also be considered a victim of the harassment, whether or not the offensive behavior was focused toward them.
All sexual harassment is prohibited whether it takes place within the District premises or outside, including social events, business trips, training sessions or conferences.
Complaint procedures
Anyone who is subjected to sexual harassment should, if possible, inform the alleged harasser that the conduct is unwanted and unwelcome. The District recognizes that sexual harassment may occur in unequal relationships (i.e. between a supervisor and his/her employee) and that it may not be possible for the victim to confront the alleged harasser.
If a victim cannot directly approach an alleged harasser, he/she can approach one of the designated staff members responsible for receiving complaints of sexual harassment. That person could be another supervisor, a member of the human resources department, etc.
When a designated person receives a complaint of sexual harassment, he/she will:

Immediately record the dates, times and facts of the incident(s)
Ascertain the views of the victim as to what outcome he/she wants
Ensure that the victim understands the District’s procedures for dealing with the complaint
Discuss and agree the next steps: either informal or formal complaint, on the understanding that choosing to resolve the matter informally does not preclude the victim from pursuing a formal complaint if he/she is not satisfied with the outcome
Keep a confidential record of all discussions
Respect the choice of the victim
Assure the victim that there will be no retaliation for bringing the complaint
Ensure that the victim knows that they can lodge the complaint outside of the company through the relevant legal framework

Informal complaints procedures
If the victim wishes to deal with the matter informally, the designated person will:

Give an opportunity to the alleged harasser to respond to the complaint
Ensure that the alleged harasser understands the complaint
Facilitate discussion between both parties to achieve an informal resolution which is acceptable to the complainant, or refer the matter to a designated mediator within the District to assist in resolving the matter
Ensure that a confidential record is kept of what happens
Follow up after to ensure that the behavior has stopped
Ensure that the above is done speedily and within 7 days of the complaint being made (if possible)

Formal complaints procedures
If the victim wants to make a formal complaint or if the informal complaint procedure did not lead to a satisfactory outcome for the victim, the formal complaint procedure should be used to resolve the matter.
The designated person who initially received the complaint will refer the matter to a senior member of staff to instigate a formal investigation. The person carrying out the investigation will:

Interview the victim and the alleged harasser separately
Interview other relevant third parties or witnesses separately
Decide whether or not the incident(s) of sexual harassment took place
Produce a report detailing the investigations, findings and any recommendations
If the harassment took place, decide what the appropriate remedy for the victim is
Follow up to ensure that the recommendations are implemented, that the behavior has stopped and that the victim is satisfied with the outcome.
If it cannot determined that the harassment took place, recommendations may still be made to ensure proper functioning of the workplace
Keep a record of all actions taken
Ensure that all records concerning the matter are kept confidential
Ensure that the process is done as quickly as possible and in any event within 7 days of the complaint being made (if possible)

Sanctions and disciplinary measures
Anyone who has been found to have sexually harassed another person under the terms of this policy is liable to any of the following sanctions:

Verbal or written warning
Adverse performance evaluation
Suspension
Termination

Implementation of this policy
Water Works District No. 3 of Rapides Parish will ensure that this policy is widely disseminated to all relevant persons. It will be included in the staff handbook. All new employees must be trained on the content of this policy and each year all employees must complete the sexual harassment prevention training as required by the State Civil Service. It is the responsibility of every manager to ensure that all his/her employees are aware of this policy.
Supervisors, managers and those responsible for dealing with sexual harassment cases will report on compliance with this policy, including the number of incidents, how they were dealt with, and any recommendations made. This will be done on an annual basis.

19 Dec

Water Treatment Change Coming

Water Works District No. 3 will be temporarily changing its type of disinfection process. Read more

Water Works District No. 3 will be temporarily changing its type of disinfection process.

Water Works District No.3 monitors the disinfectant residual in the distribution system on a daily basis. This measurement tells us whether we are effectively disinfecting the water supply. The disinfectant residual is the amount of chlorine or chloramines in the distribution system. Chlorine and chloramines are common disinfectants used by water suppliers to kill bacteria in drinking water; therefore, if the disinfectant residual is too low, microorganisms can potentially grow in the distribution piping.
In order to provide the most effective disinfection process, Water Works District No.3 is making a temporary change in the type of disinfectant used in the water supply. It is typical for water systems that use chloramines to temporarily change to chlorine in order to clean water pipes and provide a reliable disinfectant residual throughout all points in the distribution system.. Free chlorine is proven to be more effective in killing organisms within the pipes of the distribution system.
When is this switch scheduled?
The temporary switch from chloramines to free chlorine will occur 01/13/2020 through 03/15/2020. If a longer duration is required, then we will continue to use free chlorine as long as necessary.
What is being done?
We are going to change the distribution system disinfectant from chloramines to free chlorine. Although the level of disinfectant will remain the same, the type of disinfectant will change.
We will continue to monitor the chlorine levels throughout the water system.
What should I do?
You do not need to boil your water or take other actions. This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.
What can I do if I notice a chlorine taste or smell?
During the temporary switch, you may notice a chlorine taste and/or odor in your drinking water. Chlorine levels will continue to meet EPA standards and are not a health risk.

Run the cold water tap for several minutes when water is not used for several days.
Collect and refrigerate cold tap water in an open pitcher. Be sure to collect water after running the cold water tap for two minutes. Within a few hours, the chlorine taste and odor will disappear.
Water filters can reduce chlorine taste and smell. Be sure to use a filter certified to meet National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards and replace the filter cartridge as recommended by the manufacturer.

12 Nov

PUBLIC HEARING

There will be a public hearing at the Water Works District 3 main office at 1306 Third Street in Tioga on November 26, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. for the consideration of a rate increase. Read more

01 Oct

ReConnection Rate Increase

Beginning October 1st, reconnection fees will increase from $25 to $35 during normal business hours. After hours rates will increase depending on the time. Read more

29 Jul

Office Closing

Our office will be closing at noon on Thursday, August 8th for a computer upgrade. We will reopen Friday, August 9th at 7:30 am. Read more

14 Sep

Water Treatment Change

Water Works District No. 3 is making a temporary change in the type of disinfectant used in the water supply. Read more

21 Aug

New Emergency Phone Number

We have changed our after hours emergency number. Please note the new number:
640-6644. This will reach our answering service and be forwarded to our personnel on call. Read more

01 Jun

Water Rate Increase

New water rates became effective 6/1/2017 Read more

Did You Know?

Fight Fraud, Waste & Abuse
You can check your home for hidden leaks. Simply turn off all taps and water-using appliances. Check your meter. Then, after 15 minutes check it again. If it has moved, you have a leak.
Automatic dishwashers use 15 gallons for each cycle, regardless of how many dishes are loaded. Always run a full load in your dishwasher.
Even a slow leak or dripping faucet can waste 15-20 gallons of water per day. If you get it fixed, you’ll save up to 6,000+ gallons per year.
We provide toilet tablets to check for leaks in your toilet. Add a couple of these tablets to the tank of your toilet. Wait a few minutes to see if the color shows up in the bowl. If it does, your toilet is leaking, and could result in an additional 100 gallons of water flowing through your toilet each day.

UNDERSTANDING
YOUR BILL

Learn more about your water bill

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Faqs

1.
How do I respond to a BOIL ADVISORY?

If we experience a leak in our system that results in a loss of water pressure, our water may be of questionable microbiological quality. and you may be placed under a BOIL ADVISORY. It is recommended that all consumers disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing foods by the following means:
Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The one minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle or pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)

Upon notification from the Office of Public Health's State Regional Laboratory that the samples collected from our water supply have been found to be safe, the advisory will be rescinded and you will be notified that the water has been found to be safe.
2.
How is my water meter read?

Water Works District No. 3 reads the majority of its meters electronically through radio frequency technology. This technology allows us to collect the reading while simply driving down your street, eliminating the need to stop, get out, and open each meter box. The result is greater accuracy of the reading and more meters can be read in less time.
3.
Where does my water come from?

Water Works District No. 3 distributes water from seven groundwater wells and a surface water structure on Big Creek, near Pollock, Louisiana.
4.
How much water should I expect to use per day?

American families use 183 gallons of water per day, on average, for cooking, washing, flushing, and watering purposes. The average family turns on the tap between 70-100 times daily. About 74% of home water usage occurs in the bathroom, about 21% in the laundry room, and the other 5% in the kitchen.
5.
Is it okay to use hot water from the tap for cooking and drinking?

No! ALWAYS use cold water. Hot water is more likely to contain rust, copper, and lead from household plumbing and water heaters. These harmful substances can dissolve into hot water faster than they do into cold water, especially when the faucet has not been used for an extended period of time.
6.
Why do water pipes tend to break in winter?

Liquids generally contract when frozen and become more dense; however, the unique qualities of water cause it to expand by up to 9% when it freezes. That is why water pipes burst when temperatures reach the freezing mark.

Water Works District No. 3

News

Water Treatment Change Coming Soon

Phone Outage

Backflow

Flushing

Rate Increase

Public Hearing Proposed Rate Increase

Holiday

Rate Increase

Online payments

BOIL ADVISORY LIFTED

Boil Advisory

Holiday Closures

Thanksgiving Holiday

Veteran's Day Holiday

Office Closure

Boil Advisory

Boil Advisory

Office Closure

PRESS RELEASE

COVID-19

2020 Water Rate Increase

Sexual Harassment Policy

Water Treatment Change Coming

PUBLIC HEARING

ReConnection Rate Increase

Office Closing

Water Treatment Change

New Emergency Phone Number

Water Rate Increase

Did You Know?

Faqs

How do I respond to a BOIL ADVISORY?

How is my water meter read?

Where does my water come from?

How much water should I expect to use per day?

Is it okay to use hot water from the tap for cooking and drinking?

Why do water pipes tend to break in winter?