HLS 14RS-1010 ORIGINAL
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE BILL NO. 580
BY REPRESENTATIVE GEYMANN
DISTRICTS/WATERWORKS: Limits the powers granted to the governing authorities of
waterworks districts located in the parishes of Beauregard and Calcasieu
AN ACT1
To enact R.S. 33:3815.5, relative to the parishes of Beauregard and Calcasieu; to provide2
relative to waterworks districts located within such parishes; to provide relative to3
the powers and duties of the governing authorities of such districts; to limit the4
powers granted to such governing authorities with respect to the adoption of5
regulations governing the installation of backflow preventers and water meters and6
the use of water wells; and to provide for related matters.7
Notice of intention to introduce this Act has been published8
as provided by Article III, Section 13 of the Constitution of9
Louisiana.10
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:11
Section 1. R.S. 33:3815.5 is hereby enacted to read as follows:12
ยง3815.5. Waterworks districts; parishes of Beauregard and Calcasieu; limitations13
on powers14
A. No rule or regulation adopted by the governing authority of any15
waterworks district located within Beauregard Parish or Calcasieu Parish shall16
require any person who owns a residential dwelling, building, or other structure that17
is located within the boundaries of any such waterworks district to install a backflow18
preventer or a second water meter on the property on which such dwelling, building,19 HLS 14RS-1010 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 580
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or other structure is situated if there are only two or fewer residential dwellings,1
buildings, or other structures located on such property.2
B. No rule or regulation adopted by the governing authority of any3
waterworks district located within such parishes shall require any person who owns4
an inhabited dwelling, building, or other structure that is located within the5
boundaries of any such waterworks district to connect any such dwelling, building,6
or other structure to a water system owned or operated by a waterworks district.7
C. No rule or regulation adopted by the governing authority of any8
waterworks district located within such parishes shall prohibit any person who owns9
an inhabited dwelling, building, or other structure that is located within the10
boundaries of any such waterworks district from using water from any well located11
on his property for the purpose of supplying water to such property; however, the use12
of water from a well located on any such property is subject to all applicable federal13
and state laws, rules, and regulations.14
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Geymann HB No. 580
Abstract: Relative to waterworks districts located within the parishes of Beauregard and
Calcasieu, limits the powers granted to the governing authorities of such districts.
Present law generally authorizes parishes to create waterworks districts to oversee the
installation, operation, and maintenance of waterworks systems. Provides that each
waterworks district is governed by a board of five commissioners, with certain exceptions.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides for the powers and duties of the waterworks districts, including the
authority to expropriate property for any purpose that it may find necessary in the operation
of its waterworks system, and the authority to acquire by donation or purchase any existing
waterworks system in the district. Authorizes the districts to acquire all machinery
necessary for the purpose of affecting the object for which they are formed. Authorizes the
districts to cooperate with other districts within their respective parishes and with private
individuals, associations, corporations, or municipalities. Present law additionally authorizes
waterworks districts that own property in an adjoining parish to expropriate property within
their respective districts, to acquire by donation, purchase, exchange, lease, or otherwise, any
property or facilities located at any location which affects the object for which the districts
were formed, and to supply water services to other waterworks districts or fire districts in
an adjoining parish, with certain exceptions. HLS 14RS-1010 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 580
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are additions.
Proposed law retains present law but provides limits on the powers granted to the governing
authorities of waterworks districts located in Beauregard Parish or Calcasieu Parish.
Prohibits any regulation adopted by such governing authorities from requiring a person who
owns a residential dwelling to install a backflow preventer or a second water meter if there
are only two or fewer residential dwellings located on the property.
Proposed law additionally prohibits the governing authorities from requiring a person who
owns an inhabited dwelling to connect the dwelling to a water system owned by a
waterworks district. Further prohibits the governing authorities from prohibiting the
property owner from supplying water to his property from a well located on his property.
Provides that the use of well water is subject to federal and state law.
(Adds R.S. 33:3815.5)