KNOW WHEN TO WATER

SO THERE’S ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE

LAWN WATERING SCHEDULE

Watering permitted between the hours of midnight & 2 PM

Water Conservation Ordinance is in effect

UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30

Schedule applies only to automated watering systems and sprinklers, not handheld hose watering.

WHERE DOES YOUR WATER COME FROM?

The Lafayette Utilities System (LUS) water source is the Chicot Aquifer, a large, natural underground “lake” in Southwest Louisiana. It is a stable and plentiful freshwater supply. Once water reaches the plants, it is cleaned through a three-stage process that includes (1) softening, (2) filtering, and (3) disinfecting before it reaches your tap.

As part of the Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP), the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality conducted an assessment of LUS’s water sources. The purpose of the assessment was to determine what sources, if any, are vulnerable to contamination from surface sources. The program considered well age and construction, location of the well in relation to potential sources of contamination, and actual test data. According to the report, the LUS water system had a susceptibility rating of “medium.” This analysis was used in comparison with other water systems in the state to establish priorities and protection activities. LUS’s SWAP report is available for review by contacting Craig Gautreaux, Water/Wastewater Operations Manager, at 337-291-5921.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE

CHICOTAQUIFER

1 WHERE IS THE CHICOT AQUIFER?

The Chicot Aquifer is located under all or parts of 15 parishes in Southwestern Louisiana and parts of East Texas.

2 HOW MUCH WATER IS USED DAILY?

Recent data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicates that more than 800 million gallons of water are withdrawn from the aquifer on an average day.

3 WHO USES THE AQUIFER?

The aquifer is the source of drinking water for virtually every person living in Southwest Louisiana. It also serves as the primary water supply for most commercial, industrial, institutional, and agricultural uses.

WATER QUALITY REPORT

2020

WATER QUALITY REPORT 2020

No Violations Occurred in the Calendar Year of 2020

MONITORED BEFORE ANY TREATMENT

*Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate was detected only once in source water before any treatment and not within the distribution system. It was subsequently retested the same quarter, at the same sample point, with no detectable level. Sampling from the following quarter also yielded no detectable levels.

MONITORED AT THE TREATMENT PLANT

MONITORED IN THE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

No detected results were found in the calendar year of 2020.

MONITORED AT CUSTOMER’S TAP

Lead is sampled triennially. Results are from 2019 testing. Lead has not been detected in LUS’s source water, records do not show any lead pipes in the distribution system.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, but their presence does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s, Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800- 426-4791). Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants

in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants, can be particularly at risk for infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791). Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. Some people who drink water containing di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in excess of the MCL over many years may have problems with their liver, or experience reproductive difficulties, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water primarily comes from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. LAFAYETTE UTILITIES WATER SYSTEM is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead

in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http:// www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

WHAT ARE CONTAMINANTS ANYWAY?

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals. In some cases, water can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or human activity, as well as radioactive materials. Contaminants that may be present in water before any treatment include:

MICROBIAL CONTAMINANTS, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or may result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil or gas production, mining, or farming.

ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.

PESTICIDES AND HERBICIDES, which may come from a variety of sources, such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.

RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINANTS, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

To ensure tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health.

LOOKING AHEAD LUS is excited about this opportunity to reach our customers and is always staying abreast of new technologies to better serve you. We urge you to call us at 337-291-5921 or visit us online at lus.org/contact-us if you have any questions concerning water quality.

DEFINITIONS

ACTION LEVEL (AL)

The concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

LOCATIONAL/RUNNING ANNUAL AVERAGE (LRAA/RAA) The average of testing results for the last four quarters at a specific location or systemwide.

MAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVEL (MCL)

The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible, using the best available treatment technology.

MAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVEL GOAL (MCLG)

The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

MAXIMUM RESIDUAL DISINFECTION LEVEL GOAL (MRDLG) The amount of disinfectant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected health risk.

MAXIMUM RESIDUAL DISINFECTANT LEVEL (MRDL) Highest level of disinfectant allowed. EPA cites convincing evidence of the need for disinfectant for controlling microbial contaminants.

PARTS PER BILLION (PPB)

Equivalent to one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000

PARTS PER MILLION (PPM)

Equivalent to one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000

PICOCURIES PER LITER (PCI/L)

A measure of radioactivity.

REPORTING LIMIT (RL)

The lowest concentration of a chemical that can be reported by a laboratory.