Southwest Ouachita Waterworks (SWOW) in West Monroe, Louisiana, has secured a $6.34 million loan through the Louisiana Department of Health’s Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund (DWRLF) to enhance its water system infrastructure. The project will replace outdated customer meters and upgrade over 90,000 linear feet of pipeline, improving water pressure, quality, and system efficiency for over 3,500 customers across a 17-mile service area.
The upgrades include modern meters with emergency cutoff valves and larger pipelines to enhance hydraulic flow. Additionally, pipeline loops will be created to eliminate dead ends, reducing sediment buildup and pressure issues. These improvements aim to position the system for future growth while addressing current inefficiencies.
The funding, supported by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes $3 million in principal forgiveness and a low 2.45% interest rate. Administered by the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Public Health, the DWRLF program provides low-interest loans to improve drinking water systems statewide.
"Safe drinking water is fundamental to community health," said LDH Chief Engineer Amanda Ames. This initiative ensures access to reliable, high-quality water without imposing significant financial burdens on communities.