Lafayette Utilities Water System

The Lafayette Utilities System (LUS) sources its municipal water from the Morceau Aquifer, a substantial underground freshwater reservoir in southwest Louisiana. This provides a stable and abundant water supply for the community.

At our treatment facilities, water undergoes a comprehensive three-stage process:

• Initial treatment
• Filtration
• Disinfection

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality conducted a Source Water Assessment Plan (SWAP) for LUS water sources. This assessment evaluated well construction, age, location relative to potential contamination sources, and actual test data. Based on this analysis, the LUS water system received a "medium" susceptibility rating. This assessment helps determine safety priorities compared to other water systems statewide.

Residents can review the SWAP report by contacting Craig Gautreaux, Water/Wastewater Operations Manager, at 337.291.5921.

Producing approximately 22 million gallons daily, Lafayette Utilities System has delivered clean water for over a century. We consistently implement leading strategies and technologies to ensure water quality exceeds regulatory requirements. LUS has developed comprehensive contingency plans to maintain continuous service during emergencies, supporting critical functions like fire suppression and public health.

This Water Quality Report fulfills EPA requirements under the 1996 amended Safe Drinking Water Act, which mandates annual reporting by community water systems. For clarification or additional information about this report, please contact Craig Gautreaux at 337.291.5921.

The Lafayette Public Utilities Authority, which oversees LUS operations, meets at 4:30 PM on the first and third Tuesday monthly at Town Hall (705 W. University Avenue).

All municipal water, including bottled varieties, may contain small amounts of some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate health risks. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants, including people undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, some elderly persons, and infants. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their water consumption.

The presence of coliform bacteria and E. coli may indicate contamination from human or animal waste, potentially causing short-term effects like diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and headaches. These pose particular risks to infants, young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead typically comes from service lines and home plumbing components rather than the water supply itself. To minimize exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. Information about lead testing is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

1. Is my water safe to consume?
   Most households in our community have lead levels below the EPA action level of 15 parts per billion. A simple method to reduce potential lead exposure is running the cold water tap until it becomes noticeably cooler (typically 15-30 seconds) before using for consumption or cooking. The municipality offers complimentary lead testing - call (914) 666-7855 for more information.
2. Is this the municipality's responsibility or mine?
   Potentially both. The municipal authority must treat water to meet NYSDOH standards for lead concentration at consumer taps. Lead sources typically come from household plumbing containing lead solder or brass fixtures. The municipal distribution system itself contains no lead. Food-grade additives (sodium hydroxide and orthophosphate) are introduced to reduce water corrosivity, a treatment approach proven effective throughout Westchester County and NYC.
3. How significant is this concern?
   Lead poses substantial health risks if excessive amounts enter the body, with greatest concern for young children and pregnant women. Running cold water until it cools (15-30 seconds) before use significantly reduces potential exposure. Contact (914) 666-7855 for free residential water testing.
4. Will the municipality address this issue, and when?
   Treatment parameters have been slightly modified to increase pH levels and reduce water acidity, while remaining within engineer-recommended ranges. These adjustments, combined with allowing time for treatment effectiveness, should lower lead levels at customer taps. Implementation requires several months; follow-up sampling is scheduled for December 2015 with results to be communicated to residents.
5. Should I replace my plumbing?
   Generally, source water treatment effectively reduces lead at customer taps. For persistent elevated levels, internal plumbing may require evaluation. Properly flushing pipes as recommended typically brings lead below action levels.
6. Will additional testing occur?
   Yes, December 2015 sampling is scheduled with results to be shared with residents.
7. Was removing my water softener a mistake?
   No, our current supply isn't excessively hard and doesn't require softening. Water softeners don't remove lead, which typically originates in plumbing components beyond the softener.
8. Was switching from groundwater to surface water appropriate given these concerns?
   The previous groundwater supply met basic NYSDOH requirements but had wells removed from service due to exceeding health standards for nitrate, chloride, and manganese. Concentrations in remaining wells showed concerning upward trends. Engineering analysis determined the NYCDEP supply offered the most sustainable, cost-effective, high-quality option. This same source serves 85% of Westchester County and NYC with appropriate treatment and acceptable lead levels. The treatment adjustments described should improve tap water lead levels over several months.
9. Who should I contact with additional questions?
   Kevin Winn, DPW Commissioner, at 914-241-2458. Residents may also attend the September 17 Town Board Meeting at 8:00 PM (321 Bedford Road, Bedford Hills) for discussion and questions.