The resolution urges the Louisiana Department of Health to conduct a comprehensive review of the health and environmental impacts of chlorine levels in public water systems. It highlights concerns regarding the elevated chlorine concentrations mandated by the department, which were increased in 2013 to address public health issues related to harmful microorganisms. The current chlorine levels are significantly higher than previous standards and exceed recommendations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The resolution points out that prolonged exposure to chlorine byproducts, specifically trihalomethanes (THMs), has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, raising concerns about the long-term health risks for Louisiana residents.

Additionally, the resolution calls for the Department of Health to revise its regulations to align with current scientific evidence and federal guidelines, while also considering the distinct treatment needs of surface and ground water. It emphasizes the importance of consulting with independent scientists, environmental health experts, and local water authorities to develop updated disinfection guidelines that ensure microbial safety without imposing undue health and economic burdens on local water systems, particularly those that are small or under-resourced.