Backflow Prevention
& Cross-Connection Control

Protecting the Water Supply is Everyone’s Responsibility!

Lafayette Utilities System (LUS), in compliance with Louisiana’s Department of Health’s (LDH) backflow prevention requirements of Water Systems, has a cross-connection control and backflow prevention program. The purpose of the program is to further protect the public drinking water system.

hand holding a cold glass of drinking water

Understanding the Basics

What is a Cross-Connection?
Cross-connections are an actual or potential connection between a potable water supply and a non-potable source. The connection could allow contaminants or pollutants to enter the drinking water supply. Lafayette Consolidated Government has enacted Ordinance O-201-2017 requiring the elimination of a cross-connection or the installation of approved backflow prevention assemblies.

What is Backflow?
Backflow is defined as the undesirable reversal of flow of fluids, gases, or other substances into a potable water distribution piping system as a result of a cross-connection.

Remember: “If you don’t want to drink it, don’t connect your water system to it.”

For Residents: Safety at Home

Seemingly harmless actions can create dangerous cross-connections. Backflow can occur if water pressure drops suddenly—such as during a water main repair or when fire hydrants are being used nearby—siphoning water (and whatever’s in it) back into your home.

Common Risks:

  • Submerging a garden hose in a soapy bucket or pool.
  • Using a pesticide sprayer attachment on a hose.
  • Using hand-spray attachments at sinks for pets or hair.

Irrigation & Sprinkler Systems

All irrigation systems require backflow protection because sprinkler heads sit at ground level, where they are exposed to fertilizers, pesticides, and bacteria.

Requirements:

  • Standard Systems: Require a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (if no injector pumps are used).

  • Pump-Injected Systems: Require a Reduced Pressure Assembly.

  • Permits: A plumbing permit is required for installation. Contact the Lafayette Consolidated Codes Division at (337) 291-8461.

For Businesses: Commercial & Industrial

In commercial or industrial situations, water often comes in contact with different types of hazardous substances for mixing, diluting, flushing, or cleaning. State law requires that certain businesses connections have proper backflow prevention assemblies installed.

Device requirements as found in the State Plumbing Code (Louisiana Title 51 Part XIV).

Property Surveys: What to Expect

In order to ensure compliance with LDH regulations, it may be necessary for LUS to perform a brief survey of the water uses on some properties.

  • The Site Visit: If your business requires a survey, we will contact you regarding a site visit to identify specific hazards and discuss requirements.

  • Duration: In most cases, the survey process should take approximately 15 minutes depending on the size of the facility.

  • Identification: The individual visiting will have the proper credentials identifying themselves as our representative to perform the survey.

wastewater testing

Maintenance & Annual Testing

Backflow prevention assemblies do a great job of protecting the water supply. Regular maintenance and annual testing ensures they are in proper working order because the springs, seats, rubber seals, and other moving parts will wear out over time.

Lafayette Utilities System requires backflow prevention assemblies to be tested on an annual basis.

Contact Us

If you have questions regarding the Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program, please contact:
LUS Water Distribution
(337) 291-5756 | zcastille@lus.org or jduplechien@lus.org