City of Lorain

Lead in residential plumbing is a significant concern, particularly for expecting mothers and young children if present at elevated levels. While we provide high-quality municipal water, we cannot control materials used in household plumbing systems. If water has been sitting in pipes for several hours, reduce potential lead exposure by running your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption or cooking.

If concerned about lead content, consider having your water tested. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and exposure reduction is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/lead.

Important Health Information
Some individuals may have greater vulnerability to water contaminants than the general population. Those with compromised immune systems—including cancer patients undergoing treatment, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, elderly individuals, and infants—may face increased infection risks. These individuals should seek medical advice regarding their water consumption. Guidelines from the EPA/CDC on minimizing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Potential Water Contaminants
To ensure tap water safety, the EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection. All drinking water sources (including bottled water) can reasonably contain small amounts of certain contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate health risks.

Water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals, sometimes radioactive materials, and substances from animal or human activity. Potential source water contaminants include:

• Microbial Contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, or wildlife
• Inorganic Contaminants: Naturally occurring salts and metals, or those resulting from urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides/Herbicides: From agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic Chemical Contaminants: By-products of industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive Contaminants: Naturally occurring or from oil/gas production and mining

For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

What is the customer service phone number? LUS Customer Service can be reached at (337) 291-8280. Customers residing outside of Lafayette can use our toll-free line at 1-800-935-2LUS.

Where should I send my LUS payment? Mail your LUS payment to Lafayette, Louisiana 70502.

What are the residential electrical rates? As of February 1, 2019 meter readings, standard in-town residential electric rates are 9.964 cents per kWh (kilowatt-hour), approximately $99.64 monthly for 1,000 kWh usage. Out-of-town residential rates are 10.520 cents per kWh, approximately $105.20 monthly for 1,000 kWh usage. (A monthly customer fee of $8.00 for in-town and $8.80 for out-of-town customers applies to each bill.)

What are the monthly water rates? LUS provides some of Louisiana's cleanest, best-tasting water. For readings since November 2017, in-town residential customers are billed using seasonal rates:

1. Winter months (December-April): $1.70 per 1,000 gallons based on actual usage.
2. Summer months (May-November): Two-tier system:
   • Tier 1: $1.70 per 1,000 gallons (based on average winter usage or actual consumption, whichever is lower)
   • Tier 2: $2.70 per 1,000 gallons for usage exceeding the winter average

Out-of-town residential rates follow a similar structure but at $3.40 per 1,000 gallons for winter and tier 1, with tier 2 summer rates at $5.40 per 1,000 gallons.

What is the source of LUS water? We draw water from the Chicot Aquifer, a vast underground natural reservoir covering a 15-parish area in southwest Louisiana. LUS maintains 18 deep water wells (400-650 feet deep) producing up to 2,800 gallons per minute each for treatment and distribution.

How can I locate my water meter and shutoff valve? Water meters are typically installed at property lines adjacent to public right-of-ways. Customer shutoff valves, which you own and maintain, are usually about 18" behind the water meter box.

How can I prevent pipe damage during freezing weather? To prevent freezing damage: First, store clean water for essential use in the refrigerator. Then turn off water at the shutoff valve. Open all indoor and outdoor faucets to drain pipes, and leave them open to accommodate expansion. Review manufacturer instructions for your water heater, as some types require special precautions when water supply is disconnected.