Utilities
La Rural Water Association Field Technicians and Office
Louisiana Utility Systems,
Effective immediately, Louisiana Rural Water Association will be following the National Rural Water Associations’ federal guidelines. LRWA has resumed our on-site visits for our field staff. If your system has an emergency, please contact the LRWA office or field staff immediately. We will evaluate the situation and if deemed necessary a field technician will go to your facility to provide hands-on assistance.
LRWA is here for our members during this time of uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time our office will remain open Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm & Fridays 8am-12pm to receive phone calls at 800-256-2591 and emails at lrwa@lrwa.org. We will continue to monitor any changes of the COVID-19 pandemic and adhere to additional State directives as they are issued.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact the LRWA office; Pat Credeur, LRWA Executive Director (cell #337-230-8446) or Rusty Reeves, LRWA Deputy Director (cell #337-247-2132).
Please stay safe!
Critical Infrastructure Worker Template
Louisiana Frontline Workers
Critical infrastructure workers responding to Louisiana’s COVID-19 public health emergency may qualify for a one-time rebate of $250.
Public/Open Meetings and Public Records
LRWA is sharing this information regarding Public Meeting Laws and Public Information Requests relative to the Governor’s Executive Orders and the Attorney General’s Guidance as it applies to Public Entities such as Municipalities or Political Subdivisions during the COVID 19 Pandemic.
Please read and the review the PDF documents to the right carefully as they may apply to your water and/or wastewater system.
MEMORANDUM ON IDENTIFICATION OF ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKERS DURING COVID-19 RESPONSE
As the Nation comes together to slow the spread of COVID-19, on March 16th, the President issued updated Coronavirus Guidance for America. This guidance states that:
“If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule.”
Click to the left to read the notice from Department of Homeland Security.
STATE OF LOUISIANA EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT PROCLAMATION #JBE 2020-30
Louisiana Governor declared a Public Health Emergency in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. The full proclamation details can be found in the PDF to the left.
You can also find a link to the left to the Office of the Governor for all updated information regarding COVID-19.
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION INFORMATION
The following links provide information regarding COVID-19 pandemic from PSC.
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - SAFE DRINKING WATER PROGRAM
Dear Owner/Operators of Public Water Systems,
The LDH Safe Drinking Water Program remains fully functional during the response to COVID-19. We will continue to provide essential services such as the collection and analysis of bacteria and chemical samples. In order to prevent further transmission of COVID-19, our staff will follow Social Distancing (minimum of 6 feet from others) while onsite at water system facilities.
At this time, based on discussions with some of the main chemical distributors for water systems in the state, there appears to be no issue with acquiring bulk chemicals for water treatment. LDH will work closely with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) to monitor chemical supplies. Please notify LDH in the event there is a risk of disruption of water treatment and/or water service for your system.
Please see below for some FAQs:
| Q1 | Will LDH continue to collect and analyze my water system samples? |
| A1 | Yes, LDH will continue to collect and analyze the routine monthly bacteriological samples.
Yes, LDH will continue to collect and analyze the routine quarterly disinfection by-product (TTHMs/HAA5) and metals (arsenic) as applicable. |
| Q2 | Will the closure of some state and local government buildings affect where I bring my boil advisory samples? |
| A2 | In most cases, samples can still be dropped off at the depots, but will require coordination with staff to receive the samples. Contact the regional office for more details:
Region 1 and 3 – D1safe.water@la.gov | Region 2 and 9 – D2safe.water@la.gov Region 4, and 5 – D3safe.water@la.gov | Region 6, 7, and 8 – D4safe.water@la.gov A map of the regions, districts, and contacts for LDH Engineering is located at http://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Center-EH/engineering/Engineering_Map.pdf |
| Q3 | Where do I find approved bleach for water disinfection? |
| A3 | Bleach (Chlorine) that meets NSF60 Standard is approved for water disinfection. Typically, products will list the NSF60 seal on the label or the packaging. To be sure, you should check the NSF website.
See NSF link for listing of manufacturers of NSF60 Bleach/Chlorine – http://info.nsf.org/Certified/PwsChemicals/ |
| Q4 | Will the April Operator Certification Exam be cancelled? |
| A4 | To be determined. For updates, see the Operator Certification Program Website – http://www.ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/416 |
For information concerning COVID and drinking water and wastewater, see below guidance from CDC, EPA and ASDWA links.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html
https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-drinking-water-and-wastewater
https://www.asdwa.org/covid19/
LDH will continue to update you of any operational changes that occur due to COVID-19.
Best wishes during this unprecedented time.
Amanda Ames, P.E.
Chief Engineer
LDH/OPH/Engineering Services
628 N. 4th Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Office: 225-342-8138
Fax: 225-342-7303