WHAT IS THE LAW?
Louisiana Administrative Code 51:XII & 17:I, requires public water suppliers to protect their water systems from cross-connections and prevent backflow situations. Public water suppliers must evaluate any cross-connection hazards posed by their customers. If a customer has a cross-connection hazard, the customer will be required to eliminate the hazard and/or install a backflow prevention device.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
In Louisiana, the responsibility for preventing backflow is divided. In general, state and local plumbing codes have authority over plumbing systems within buildings, while Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals regulates protection of the water distribution system.
WHY IS OUR WATER SYSTEM ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE?
Our water system is particularly vulnerable to backflow contamination because most people are unaware of the dangers associated with backflow issues.
Lawn sprinkler systems with sprinkler heads installed below the ground level can also allow water, that has been in contact with fertilizers and weed killers, to drain into the public water distribution system when pressure is lost.
It is illegal to directly connect a private well or auxiliary water system to a public water supply, even if a gate valve or check valve is used to separate the two.
