CONVENT — St. James Parish President Timmy Roussel announced this week test results indicate St. James Parish East Bank Water Plant No 1 and West Bank Water Plant No 2 systems are free from ameba culture.

Roussel said the testing was conducted by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals — Office of Public Health on July 28.

“This verifies that both water systems meet state and federal requirements,” Roussel said.

“The water continues to be safe for consumption, making ice, brushing teeth, using for food preparation and bathing I would like to thank St. James Parish Utility employees for maintaining the quality of our water systems.”

The announcement follows similar positive news announced this month by St. John the Baptist Parish officials, who said the state health department confirmed results from water samples taken June 10 in Water District No. 1 tested negative for the presence of Naegleria fowleri ameba.

Water District No. 1 includes Reserve, Garyville and Mt. Airy.

“Our work is not done, but we are much better off than we were and are well on our way to making sustainable changes throughout the parish,” Parish President Natalie Robottom said.

Negative results were also obtained Dec. 19, 2014, ending precautions for residents initiated following notification of positive results on Aug. 27, 2014, according to parish officials.

The recent sampling was conducted during warmer weather as a precautionary measure.

Administrative staff, the Utilities Department and third party consultants have taken vigorous steps to eliminate the organism from the water system since testing positive for ameba, St. John the Baptist Parish officials said.

A chlorine burn was administered for 60 days in the impacted district, more than 20 automatic flushers were installed and all water lines were flushed with additional chlorine.

Water towers were also drained, treated and refilled.

Daily sampling and flushing will continue parishwide to ensure chlorine levels are in compliance with DHH’s Emergency Rule.