The Louisiana city of Tallulah prospered for many years, until the 1970s, when a large lumber mill closed down and the newly built Interstate 20 diverted east-west traffic around the community.As the local economy declined and the tax base dried up, critical infrastructure — water, wastewater and streets — fell into neglect. Failing lift stations led to flooding and sewer backups during rain events. The wastewater treatment facility frequently exceeded effluent permit limits. The drinking water treatment plant slowly deteriorated, requiring frequent repairs, and a breakdown in early 2014 left the community without water for 26 hours.Today, Tallulah’s water infrastructure
