LAC 48:V.7801. Introduction

A. The Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health (OPH) is the state agency within Louisiana granted primary enforcement responsibility from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that Public Water Systems (PWSs) within the state are in compliance with state drinking water regulations which equal or exceed federal drinking water regulations adopted in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.). The SDWA Amendments of 1996 authorized a state revolving loan fund program to assist water systems in financing the costs of infrastructure improvements to facilitate compliance with and further the health protection objectives of the SDWA. B. In accordance with the Louisiana Constitution and authorizing legislation, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is assisting OPH in the financial administration of the Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund (the fund). Regulations governing the revolving loan fund program are promulgated by both OPH and DEQ.