Louisiana § RS 38:218 - Diversion of natural drain prohibited
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 38:218 — Diversion of natural drain prohibited, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 38:218. Diversion of natural drain prohibited
A. No person diverting or impeding the course of water from a natural drain shall fail to return the water to its natural course before it leaves his estate without any undue retardation of the flow of water outside of his enclosure thereby injuring an adjacent estate.
B. Upon request of the Department of Transportation and Development, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, or the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board, if the area is located within the coastal area, as defined in R.S. 49:214.2, and involves integrated coastal protection, as defined in R.S. 49:214.2, the state police shall issue a citation to any person who is in violation of this Section. Every person who is convicted of a violation of this Section shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not less than ten days nor more than thirty days, or both.
C. Every fine imposed pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be collected by the court and forwarded to the state treasurer for deposit in the state treasury.
Acts 2010, No. 233, §1; Acts 2012, No. 601, §1, eff. June 7, 2012; Acts 2016, No. 430, §4.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 38:218
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 38:218 cover?
Section RS 38:218 ("Diversion of natural drain prohibited") 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 38:218?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 38:218" (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 38:218 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.