Annual hydrant flushing to begin next week

The Louisiana Water Company in New Iberia will be performing its annual hydrant flushing beginning Monday, March 28. Hydrants will be flushed over the course of a six to eight-week period with flushing operations occurring 24 hours per day, seven days per week until complete.

This will occur across Iberia Parish, including the city of New Iberia, Village of Loreauville, Lydia area, Port of Iberia area, Avery Island area, Rynella area, and the Acadiana Regional Airport area.

During this time, residents and businesses may experience a temporary drop in water pressure. Cloudy or “milky” water which is caused by undissolved oxygen in the water will dissipate within a few minutes. These conditions do not affect the quality or safety of the water, only its appearance, the water company said. The water is safe for all domestic purposes.

The water company asks the public to drive carefully when around and near any maintenance personnel, equipment, and any open hydrant flushing water. Parents are also asked to keep children away from hydrants and maintenance crew as work is being done.

To report any problems during the flushing process, contact the Louisiana Water Company’s service office at 337-365-0002.

Drive-thru COVID-19 testing

The Iberia Parish Health Unit will be hosting drive-thru COVID-19 testing today and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 715 Weldon St. in New Iberia.

There is no cost for the testing. There is no medical evaluation available, testing only. An email address is required for obtaining test results. Patients are asked to wear a mask.

To be eligible for testing, patients must be symptomatic for COVID-19 infection (mild symptoms, no medical evaluation available), have close contact with a known COVID-19 case, or if testing is required for travel.