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Safe Drinking Water Emergency Response
Disasters and emergencies can impact a public water utility’s ability to produce, treat and/or deliver safe drinking water to the customers (homes, medical facilities, and businesses) they serve. Emergencies may be natural or man-made, and may include hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, winter weather, chemical spills, explosions involving nuclear or radiological sources, and many other hazards. No matter the nature of the incident, the primary objective of the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Safe Drinking Water Program is to ensure public safety from potential water contamination. During an event, LDH staff perform assessments to identify infrastructure damage and the operating status of water utilities located in the affected areas. Information gathered is used to generate and report water outages and boil water advisories to the media, parish leaders, state agencies, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), critical customers (hospitals, dialysis centers, nursing homes, etc.) and the general public.
The resources provided below are intended to support drinking water system owners, administrators and operators. The tools and guidance documents contain information on the steps water systems can take before, during and after an event to improve the resiliency of their water system.
Standby Power Requirement (LAC 51:XII.319.D.2 [§135.A, §169.B.3, & §223.F]) – effective 8/1/2018
Dedicated standby power shall be provided by all community water supplies, and any non-community water supply serving a hospital so that water can be treated and/or pumped to the distribution system during power outages to meet the average daily demand during the month of maximum water use.
Continual Drought Conditions and High Demand Water Usage
Due to the current drought conditions and increased water demand (i.e., increased lawn and garden irrigation, etc.), water systems throughout the State are beginning to run into supply issues. We ask that you monitor your systems carefully to ensure your systems production continues to keep up with demand.
Key Recommendations:
- Monitor Demand Closely: Please be vigilant in monitoring your water system's demand and supply balance. Regularly review your demand forecasts and real-time consumption data.
- Prepare for Water Conservation Notices: If you determine that demand might surpass supply or that your system is nearing its operational limits, be prepared to issue water conservation notices to your consumers promptly.
- Educate Consumers: Even if a water conservation notice is not immediately necessary, we recommend proactively educating your consumers on the importance of water conservation and providing them with tips and practices to help reduce their water consumption.
- Communication: Make sure you contact your local LDH Regional Engineering Office if you have to issue a water outage or boil water advisory.
Emergency Reporting - Water Outages and Boil Water Advisories
No Storm Related Boil Advisories or Outages are currently being tracked.
Preparedness
- Know your LDH contacts - Engineering Services
- Know your OHSEP contact - OHSEP Directors
- Boil Water Advisories Issuance and Template
Response
- EPA - Communication During Emergency Response for Water Utilities
- EPA - Drought Response and Recovery Guide for Water Utilities
- EPA – Chemical Suppliers and Manufacturers Locator Tool
Recovery
- Funding
- Federal Funding for Water and Wastewater Utilities
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
- Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
- Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants