Why is fluoride added to drinking water?
State law requires the Louisiana Office of Public Health, Department of Health and Hospitals, to promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the EPA relative to the fluoridation of public water systems, including but not limited to maintaining levels of fluoride in public water systems within the optimal range for the purpose of protecting the oral health of the citizens of this state. The guidance issued by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is to maintain fluoride concentration in the range of 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million. We set our target at 0.85 ppm and sample every day to confirm.
Fluoride-containing compounds are used in topical and systemic fluoride therapy for preventing tooth decay. They are used for water fluoridation and in many products associated with oral hygiene. Originally, sodium fluoride was used to fluoridate water; however hexafluorosilicic acid (H2SiF6) and its salt sodium hexafluorosilicate (Na2SiF6) are more commonly used additives, especially in the United States. The Waterworks utilizes hydrofluosilicic acid for fluoride addition and optimization. The fluoridation of water is known to prevent tooth decay and is considered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.” Find more information on the CDC’s community water fluoridation page at http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/index.htm.
How do you read a water meter?
Each revolution of the red sweep hand indicates 10 gallons. The numbers around the face are gallons and the marks are one tenth of a gallon. All readings taken by the waterworks are in hundreds of gallons, meaning we read from left to right all but the last two numbers, including the fixed zero. Any consumption shown on the bill are also in hundreds of gallons. To convert to gallons add two zeros to the end.
What should I do regarding my water service if I will be out of town for an extended period?
If you will be out of town for extended periods of time, you may want to turn off your shutoff valve to avoid possible damages due to unexpected leaks.
My water pressure is low. What are the possible causes?
Possible causes:
- Waterworks flushing distribution system
- Broken Water Line or Main
- Home water treatment device
- Customer piping clogged
- Fire Department using water for a fire in the area
My water has been shut off. Why?
Possible Causes:
- Locked off for nonpayment of bill or NSF.
- Outside shut off valve turned off.
Every attempt is made to notify customers of planned water turn off, but Waterworks is not responsible for unplanned water outages.
I need information about water leaks.
Distribution Leaks:
Waterworks attempts to give prompt repair to all leaks. Sometimes a customer may want a minor leak repaired immediately when other leaks in the distribution system must be given priority. A judgement must be made by the waterworks on minor leaks during off hours concerning the cost of repair and support services required versus the loss of water.
Customer Leaks:
Customers are required to have their own shut off valve. Waterworks will charge $30 to turn water off and/or back on at customer’s request.
My water has a strange taste or odor. What could be the problem?
- To eliminate chlorine taste and odor, allow water to stand before use.
- Ice cubes usually contain off taste or odor from refrigerator or freezer.
- Home water purifiers often cause off taste or odor.
- Sink or lavatory drains can expel odor when water flows into them.
- Garden hoses can back up water with off taste or odor into customer’s system.
- Electric hot water heater anodes (dip tubes) can deteriorate and cause off taste or odor.
- Algae from water supply can produce off taste or odor during clear river water season.
I think my water meter must be wrong.
Meters are very accurate and are designed to “under” register with wear.
Is it against the law to charge NSF fees, connect fees or reconnect fees?
No. All fees charged to customers are in compliance with the law.
My neighbor’s bill is less than mine.
Each family has different usage habits.
My water bill seems too high.
Here are some reasons why your bill could be higher:
- Other utilities are on the bill.
- Consumption periods may vary.
- Comment posting may indicate that a leak was detected.
Waterworks did not read my meter because I put something on the lid and it’s still there.
All meters are read each and every month. Meter readers are not provided previous readings so they cannot guess at the readings. Meter readers are instructed to place all items found on top of the meters back in the same place after the meter is read.
Waterworks did not read my meter.
All meters are read. Consumption is estimated only if the meter cannot be read after several attempts or problems are detected with the meter. Meter readers are not provided previous readings so they cannot guess at the readings.
What is the La DHH Fee on my bill for?
Each community water system will be responsible to collect $12.00 per year per active account for the Safe Drinking Water Program. This fee is mandated by Act 605 of the 2016 Regular Session of the State Legislature.
The Department of Health and Hospitals Office of Public Health was first authorized to assess Safe Drinking Water Fees by Act 125 of the First Extraordinary Session of the 2000 Louisiana Legislature.
Do I need to be home to have water turned on?
Water Connection Requirements:
- Customers should have their shut-off valve visible for the technician to leave the water off at this valve. Customers will have access to turn their water on from their shut-off valve when they arrive at the property.
- Customers should have all faucets turned off and no leaks present. If the needle stops turning, the technician will leave the water on.
If these conditions cannot be met you will need to be home to turn the water on.
Customers that are not home at the time of connection:
- The technician cannot leave the water on if the needle does not stop turning and will leave the water off in the meter box.
- The customer will then have to call the office and give a window of time when they can be met by a technician to turn on service.