Water Source and Seasonal Variation in Terrebonne Parish
Water supplied to households in Terrebonne Parish comes from surface water sources managed by the SCHRIEVER WATER TREATMENT SERVICE AREA (EPA system ID LA1109002). This system serves over 116,000 residents through more than 38,000 connections. Surface water sources are known to fluctuate with seasons, with natural organic materials like tannins often more prominent during certain times of the year due to runoff and decaying vegetation. While the public system’s records do not include monitoring data for tannins, their presence is typically higher in surface waters following rainy seasons or during periods of increased organic material runoff.
Effects of Untreated Tannins Over Time
When tannins remain untreated in residential water supply, they can gradually impart a yellow to tea-like color to the water. Over years, this coloration may stain plumbing fixtures, glassware, and laundry, although tannins themselves are not harmful. Their accumulation can also lead to reduced aesthetic appeal and customer dissatisfaction. Unlike minerals that cause hardness, tannins are organic compounds, so the impact is primarily visual and related to stains rather than scale buildup.
Fixtures and Appliances Most Affected by Tannins
Fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs, and toilets often show staining from tannin-rich water first, since their surfaces come into frequent contact with tannin-containing water. Laundry appliances may also experience discoloration of fabrics over time. Water-using appliances that do not rely on visible water clarity, like water heaters, are less impacted by tannins directly but may still show staining externally if leaks occur.
Differences Between Public System Records and Private Well Testing
The public water system record for Terrebonne Parish confirms no health-based violations and a treatment process that includes multiple steps (codes 160|200|220|345|380|403|447) designed for general water quality management, but it lacks tannin-specific monitoring data. Private wells draw from different sources and may have highly variable tannin concentrations that can only be confirmed through direct testing. Therefore, the public system record does not provide specific information about tannin levels at any individual household.
Information to Gather Before Considering Tannin Treatment
Before selecting a treatment method, document your household’s average daily water use and note visible water quality concerns such as yellow discoloration or staining patterns. Also, obtain a comprehensive water analysis that includes tannin concentration, measured in color units or similar scales. This information is essential for choosing the appropriate treatment capacity and verifying the extent of tannin presence.
Estimating Treatment Capacity for Household Needs
Water treatment devices designed for tannin removal must match the household’s daily water demand to ensure effective performance and lifespan. Consider the number of residents, water usage habits, and peak water use times when evaluating capacity. A treatment system that is too small may require frequent maintenance, while an oversized system can be inefficient.
Recommended Water Test and Deciding on Treatment
The key step to confirming tannin presence and deciding on treatment is ordering a tannin-specific water test from a certified lab. This test measures tannin concentration in the water and differentiates it from other organic compounds. A measurable concentration that correlates with visible discoloration would justify using a specialized treatment solution such as the Pentair Yellow, Tea-Colored Tannin Water Filter. This system ships ready to configure and addresses tannin removal effectively when tannin levels are confirmed by testing.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-12-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA SDWIS record for SCHRIEVER WATER TREATMENT SERVICE AREA (LA1109002), surface water supply, serving 116460 people: 0 health-based violations of 6 total; lead 90th percentile 0.001 mg/L
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