Brown Water Facts

The Jaycees-Meet the Candidates forum last week highlighted the fact that the mayoral election in Ponchatoula  is really heating up.  Three of the new candidates have jumped on the issue of the dreaded ‘brown water’ as part of their campaign mantra.

The brown water in the Ponchatoula water system is caused by a chemical reaction between the pipes’ inner surfaces and the higher levels of the chlorine additive that were mandated by the state after brain eating ameba was discovered in three of its parish water systems.   Additionally, the brown water problem is not unique to the Ponchatoula system but also plagues other water systems throughout the state.

Contrary to the delusional beliefs of some Ponchatoula residents, which are being fueled by political misinformation, the brown water is not the result of outside contaminates entering the water system through breaks in the pipes.   It is a pressurized system and that is not possible.   New Orleans is a perfect example of that proof considering over 60% of its water does leak out through broken pipes and their water is still safe to drink.  Again, the Ponchatoula problem is caused by a chemical reaction within the pipes themselves not breaks or cracks.

Additionally, none of the mayoral candidates has a magic wand that will undo the actuality of the chemical reactions inside the pipes and permanently solve the problem.

The only sure permanent solution would be to replace all the water mains in the system; the cost of which is prohibitive and realistically not possible.  Some have also suggested the use of some sort of filtration system; the cost of which is excessive coupled with little guarantee that it will actually solve the issue.

In fact, most experts agree that the present action of periodically flushing the system is the most cost effective and realistic approach to the problem.

If the residents of Ponchatoula really want to get serious about improving their drainage and water system infrastructures maybe they should consider generating more funds for these projects by paying for the amount of water they actually use.  They should request the city council to authorize the installation of water meters at each small business location and homeowner’s residence.

 

However, that fantasy idea does not seem very likely.

It’s time for a reality check for Ponchatoula residents.   Any of the three aspiring mayoral candidates that claim that they can totally eliminate the sporadic incidents of brown water are purposely deceiving their supporters to get votes.   Just ask any chemistry teacher you know why total elimination cannot be guaranteed.

Be Wisw Not Petty

Well it’s crunch time for the voters of Ponchatoula.  They have to decide if they are going to vote for the benefit of the overall city or vote adhering to what I term the “I’ll show you” self-interest paradigm.

Ponchatoula is one of a very few cities and municipalities state-wide that has no budget deficient.  Its police force has law enforcement facilities and equipment that are leaps and bounds ahead of some of its surrounding communities.  The same can be said about its maintenance department, fire department and EMS responders.

It is truly noteworthy that Ponchatoula is still able to get grant monies for infrastructure improvements from the Feds and state with all the recent cutbacks in that type of funding.  This was mainly due to its ability to attract large tax generating businesses like Walmart, RaceTrac and the new Jani King expansion which all help provide enough matching funds to secure such grants.

Now voters must decide who will continue to guide the city.

Unfortunately some will choose to ignore the broad picture and cast a “I’ll show you” vote because they or someone they know had a personal experience with one of the candidates in which they felt patronized , or partially ignored in a request for service.  Basically they weren’t treated like they expected or didn’t get what they wanted.

 As a knee jerk response they will now cast a vote for another candidate as pay back, ignoring that candidate’s lack of abilities to successfully manage the city.

  

Voting is not a personality or popularity contest.  You are not voting for the king and queen of the senior prom. You are not voting for someone who is just always a ‘nice guy.'  It encompasses a far greater boundary than just you.  It is about the greater good for all who live in Ponchatoula.

All the residents need to decide who will successful guide Ponchatoula for the next four years in terms of continued fiscal responsibility and infrastructure management coupled with the pursuit of a high quality of life?  Which candidate possesses the credentials to succeed at these? 

 

It will take a lot of maturity  to rise above your personal biases and objectively evaluate each candidate’s mayoral qualifications, but there is too much at stake not to!