Water Conservation Ordinance

Check Before You Water!

Annually from May 1st – September 30th, Lafayette Utilities System and the Lafayette Consolidated Government enact a water conservation ordinance to combat low water pressure due to automated lawn watering during the peak hours of late afternoon and evening.

LUS Lawn Watering Schedule
sprinkler

Customers and Communities Affected

The ordinance applies to LUS residential, commercial and City of Youngsville, City of Broussard, Milton Water System, City of Scott, Water District North, Water District South customers using automated watering systems and sprinklers. Fines* are cumulative and stay on record for three years.

Even when the ordinance is not active, LUS encourages all customers to follow simple water efficiency practices to help conserve water and maintain water system performance.

Exceptions to the Schedule

  • Hand-watering (hose held by hand and equipped with a shut-off nozzle)
  • Soaker hoses (drip irrigation)

  • Newly-planted sod, landscaping and ground cover. Conditions: 30-day exemption, daily watering during designated time of midnight to 2 p.m. ONLY Property owner must contact LUS at (337) 291-8165 for approval.

  • Customers using a water supply other than LUS (such as private wells or ponds)
  • Businesses that require water to operate such as plant nurseries and commercial car washes

To report a watering violation, contact LUS Water Distribution at (337) 291-8165.

*Fines Issued

  • First offense: written warning

  • Second offense: $50 fine

  • Third offense: $100 fine and publication of name in a legal journal

  • Fourth offense: $200 fine and publication of name in a legal journal

  • Fifth offense: $500 fine and publication of name in a legal journal

Fines will be added to the offender’s utility bill. LUS water operations personnel will enforce this ordinance. Persons cited can appeal within 15 days. Appeals will be heard at the Parking Adjudicator’s office.