House Bill No. [insert bill number] introduced by Representative Marcelle aims to enhance the testing protocols for drinking water in Louisiana. The bill enacts a new provision under R.S. 40:5.6(C), which mandates that for every compliance sample taken by public water systems under the Lead and Copper Rule, a chlorine strip test must also be conducted using the same sample collected by the homeowner. This requirement is intended to ensure a more comprehensive assessment of water quality.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the results of both the chlorine strip test and the Lead and Copper Rule test must be submitted to the office of public health within the Louisiana Department of Health. This measure is designed to improve oversight and transparency regarding the safety of drinking water, aligning state practices with federal regulations. The proposed law retains existing provisions that require the office of public health to perform inspections and tests at no cost to municipalities or water systems, ensuring that the testing remains accessible and consistent with federal standards.