Louisiana § RS 33:3815.3 - Raw water intake regulations
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 33:3815.3 — Raw water intake regulations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 33:3815.3. Raw water intake regulations
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to abandon any vessel or object of any kind in the restricted area surrounding a raw water intake facility for any public water purification system or other public facility producing potable water supplies.
B. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, including but not limited to Civil Code Article 456, the various waterworks districts or local political subdivisions with water intake facilities within their territorial limits may regulate, restrict, or prohibit the use of the banks, batture, or shoreline of any water body, within such restricted area.
C. "Restricted area", as used in this Section, means that area of the bank, batture, or shoreline within a reasonable distance of not greater than five hundred feet on a river, stream, or bayou, or not greater than three hundred feet on a lake or reservoir from a raw water intake facility, as determined by the waterworks district or local political subdivision having jurisdiction over such water intake facility, to adequately protect the raw water intake facility and the potable water supply from physical damage, pollutants, or other circumstances which would endanger public health, safety, or welfare.
D. The waterworks district or local political subdivision shall clearly mark each such restricted area protecting a water intake facility with signs or other markings on the bank designating the limits of the restricted area. Such signs or markings shall be of a size or nature so as to be clearly visible and readable to adequately warn persons approaching the restricted area.
E. Any person who violates the provisions of this Section or any ordinance adopted pursuant hereto shall be subject to a fine of five hundred dollars or imprisonment not to exceed six months or both. Each day of continuing violation constitutes a separate offense.
F. Nothing in this Section shall apply to:
(1) Seagoing vessels anchored or moored in federally established anchorages.
(2) Docks and other facilities located in a restricted area on the Mississippi River on July 16, 1991, or on other water bodies on July 1, 2010.
Acts 1991, No. 601, §1, eff. July 16, 1991; Acts 2010, No. 312, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 33:3815.3
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 33:3815.3 cover?
Section RS 33:3815.3 ("Raw water intake regulations") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 33:3815.3?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 33:3815.3" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 33:3815.3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.