Rapides Parish Waterworks District 3

We're proud to present our annual water quality report covering January 1 through December 31, 2016. In just a few decades, municipal water has become significantly safer and more reliable than at any previous time in history. Our dedicated team works tirelessly—24/7—to deliver the highest quality water without interruption.

Despite future challenges, we believe that through continuous investment in community education, advanced treatment technologies, system upgrades, and staff training, we can continue providing reliable, high-quality tap water to you and your family.

This past year, the Board of Commissioners approved over $9 million in system improvements, including:

• Replacement of two steel storage tanks with new 750,000-gallon concrete tanks at our water purification plant, reducing long-term maintenance costs
• Installation of new color-removal treatment vessels at two Camp Beauregard wells (completion expected September 2017)
• Near completion of a new 8-inch water main along Robertson and Springhill Road for improved water supply and fire protection
• Installation of new water mains on Adams Drive, Connie Drive, Moser Drive, Clifton Drive, Davis Drive, Arlene, and Kenny to replace outdated infrastructure
• Ongoing replacement and upgrades of water mains on Cooley Drive

To ensure tap water safety, the EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA regulations set limits for bottled water. All drinking water, including bottled varieties, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Our water sources (both surface and groundwater) can contain substances including:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, or wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like naturally occurring salts and metals or those resulting from urban runoff and industrial processes
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from energy production activities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to visit the office to apply for service?
   No, you can download the SERVICE REQUEST FORM from our website, sign it and return via fax (601-428-6431) or email (water@laurelms.com). Include a copy of your lease/rental agreement listing all occupants and a photo ID. Our customer service team will process your information and contact you for deposit payment.
2. How quickly can service be connected?
   For payments received before 4 PM, we typically connect service by 5 PM the same day. Later payments may be processed the following business day depending on our workload.
3. Must someone be home during service activation?
   No, but please ensure all faucets are turned off. If our technician detects running water when activating service, they'll turn it off and leave a door tag. You can then turn on the service at the meter (it won't be locked) and check for running water inside.
4. Can my deposit be added to a later bill?
   No, deposits must be paid before service activation.
5. How do I restore service after an interruption?
   Make a full payment of the outstanding amount plus any late fees. For online payments, call our office during business hours to notify us, as our system doesn't automatically alert us to online payments.
6. Are online payments available?
   Yes, after your first month's payment. Visit our online payment portal through the City of Laurel homepage. A 3% surcharge applies to electronic payments. Direct deposit (auto-draft) options are also available.
7. How do I terminate my water services?
   Call or visit our office. You'll need to confirm the last four digits of the social security number on the account and provide your desired termination date.
8. Who do I contact for emergencies?
   For water main breaks or sewer issues: 601-428-6459 during business hours or 601-428-6464 after hours. For meter tampering reports, use the same numbers.