LAC 33:IX.10101. 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 EPA to ensure that public drinking water systems within the state are in compliance with state regulations that are no less stringent than 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 and grants to assist water systems in financing the costs of infrastructure improvements to achieve compliance with the SDWA. B. In accordance with the Louisiana Constitution and authorizing legislation, the Department of Environmental Quality (the department) is assisting OPH in the financial administration of the Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund (the fund). Regulations governing the fund program are promulgated by both OPH and the department.