Backflow Laws: Louisiana
Louisiana Backflow Prevention Laws, Regulations, and Compliance Requirements
Louisiana has a dual tester certification pathway: the Louisiana State Department of Health (LDH) and the State Board of Plumbing of Louisiana (SBPLA) both play roles, with the Water Supply Protection Specialist license from SBPLA authorizing backflow testing on certain systems. Louisiana's model cross-connection ordinance is referenced statewide. This guide covers Louisiana's dual regulatory pathway, the LDH Engineering Services program, and programs for New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board, Baton Rouge Water Company, and other major utilities.
Louisiana State Regulatory Framework
Louisiana’s backflow prevention requirements are administered by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Office of Public Health, through its Engineering Services division. LDH holds EPA primacy under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Cross-connection control programs are required for all public water systems under the Louisiana Safe Drinking Water Law.
Louisiana’s plumbing code — the Louisiana State Plumbing Code (LSPC) 2000 Edition — governs backflow prevention assembly installation requirements. Assemblies must be listed in ASSE Table 606 of the LSPC or approved by another testing agency recognized by the administrative authority. USC-FCCCHR approved assemblies are the primary standard. The LSPC’s Table D104 provides the containment device selection matrix and Table D104 also governs fixture isolation requirements.
Louisiana's Dual Tester Certification Pathway
Louisiana is distinctive nationally for its dual certification pathway. Backflow testers in Louisiana must navigate requirements from two separate agencies: the Louisiana State Department of Health (LDH) and the State Board of Plumbing of Louisiana (SBPLA). The Water Supply Protection Specialist license issued by SBPLA allows holders to test backflow preventers on certain systems. Testers must first complete and pass a state-approved backflow tester training course, then submit information to whichever organization applies to their practice type — LDH Engineering Services for health-department-administered programs, or SBPLA for plumbing-licensed contexts.
Recertification is typically required every three years. Property owners should confirm with their specific water utility which certification pathway is required for testers authorized to file results with that utility.
Louisiana Model Cross-Connection Ordinance
Louisiana’s LDH has published a Model Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Ordinance (the LDH Model Ordinance) that municipalities statewide use as the template for their local cross-connection control ordinances. Key provisions of the model ordinance include: all existing and new structures must implement and maintain adequate cross-connection control devices; new water services must incorporate backflow prevention analysis before activation; backflow assemblies for fire suppression systems — specifically regarding antifreeze systems — require inspection by a fire suppression specialist; and backflow assembly repairs must be reported to the Department of Inspections within 15 days. Assembly types must be on the USC-FCCCHR list or ASSE approved.
Louisiana's Fire Suppression Antifreeze Inspection Requirement
Under the Louisiana Model Ordinance, all existing fire suppression systems must be inspected by a fire suppression specialist to determine whether antifreeze has been used in the system — at the customer’s expense. If it cannot be certified that antifreeze has been used, a backflow prevention device must be installed per Table D104. This requirement reflects Louisiana’s climate, where antifreeze systems are less common than in colder states, but it creates a compliance obligation for older fire suppression systems that lack documentation of their antifreeze status.
Major Water Purveyors in Louisiana
Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans
The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) is Louisiana’s largest water utility, serving approximately 1.2 million people in Orleans Parish. SWBNO administers a cross-connection control program aligned with LDH requirements. Annual testing is required for covered assemblies. The post-Katrina infrastructure environment in New Orleans has increased attention on water system integrity including cross-connection control. SWBNO requires USC-FCCCHR approved assemblies.
Baton Rouge Water Company
The City of Baton Rouge’s water system and the Baton Rouge Water Company serve the state capital area. Cross-connection control programs aligned with LDH requirements apply. Industrial, commercial, and high-hazard connections require testable backflow assemblies with annual testing.
Shreveport Water and Sewerage
Shreveport’s municipal water system serves northwest Louisiana’s largest city. Annual backflow testing requirements apply to commercial and industrial connections. Testers must hold appropriate LDH or SBPLA credentials.
Entergy Louisiana Water Systems and Private Systems
Many Louisiana communities are served by smaller water systems, private utilities, and rural water associations. Each operates cross-connection control programs at varying levels of formality. The LDH Engineering Services division provides guidance and oversight to these systems.
Louisiana's Seasonal Climate Creates Irrigation Compliance Complexity
Unlike northern states where irrigation systems are winterized and shut down, Louisiana’s mild climate allows year-round irrigation in many areas. This means irrigation backflow assemblies in Louisiana may be in continuous year-round use — increasing wear and the importance of annual testing on schedule. Assemblies that never experience seasonal shutdown may develop debris fouling or rubber goods deterioration that annual testing would detect.
Property Owner Compliance Summary for Louisiana
Dual credential pathway: Confirm with your utility which LDH or SBPLA credential is required for testers authorized to file results.
Annual testing: Required for all covered assemblies. New assemblies must be tested before activation.
Assembly type: USC-FCCCHR or ASSE-approved assemblies required per LSPC Table D104.
Fire suppression: Existing fire suppression systems require antifreeze inspection; backflow protection required if antifreeze cannot be certified.
Repair reporting: Backflow assembly repairs must be reported to the relevant authority within 15 days per the model ordinance.
Find a Certified Backflow Tester in Louisiana
Find LDH/SBPLA-credentialed testers at getyourbackflowtested.com/backflow-testing-near-me/louisiana-backflow-testing — covering New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, and all major Louisiana markets.
Louisiana Regulatory Reference Links
| Resource / Agency | URL / Link Target |
|---|---|
Louisiana Department of Health — Engineering Services Backflow Prevention | |
LDH — Model Cross-Connection Control Ordinance | |
Louisiana State Board of Plumbing | |
Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans | |
Louisiana Safe Drinking Water Program |