Enterprise

Enterprise is an unincorporated community, with approximately 250 residents, located on the south bank of the Ouachita River in Catahoula Parish. In 2017, a group of scientists and researchers found high levels of bacteria, lead and other contaminants in Enterprise’s drinking water due to aging and unkept infrastructure (CNN 2018).

Residents reported going through multiple water heaters in a four year period, traveling far distances to do laundry in clean water, and having to buy bottled water due to frequent “boil water” notices. However, Enterprise is not able to apply for grants for communities with infrastructure issues related to water (CNN 2018).

In March of 2023, the village of Harrisonburg received a grant to merge water systems with Enterprise, meaning that the residents will be able to access clean and safe drinking water from their faucets (KNOE 2023).