Opelousas Under Boil Advisory, Mayor Asks Residents to Limit Water Use

The City of Opelousas is one of many area cities that are under a system-wide boil advisory.

This morning, Mayor Julius Alsandor asked residents to turn off faucets that may be dripping or running due to the sub-freezing temperatures.

Alsandor says that the water pressure is low and the city's water reserves at the water plant and at the city reserve tanks are nearly depleted.

"Please turn off NOW," he said. "We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. We thank you for your cooperation."

Yesterday, the city also asked residents to conserve water and limit use to reduce impact on the water pressure and levels in the city.

The city posted some of the following conservation tips on its Facebook page:

• LIMIT WATER USAGE; Do not to let the faucets drip; as water conservation, levels, and pressure at the water plant is affected which in turn affects flow throughout the City of Opelousas.
• Most importantly, conserve and limit water usage.
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses from water faucets; this will help prevent the faucets from freezing.

If your pipes rupture and water is entering your home, use your private shutoff valve to turn off the water. However, if you do not have a private shutoff valve, or if you cannot find it, call the City of Opelousas Water Distribution office at 337-948-2555 for an emergency turn off at the meter.