Office of Conservation

Environmental Division >> Ground Water Resources Program >> Areas of Ground Water Conerns

Areas of Ground Water Concerns

In 2001, Act 446 gave the state authority to regulate ground water usage on a statewide basis. The Sparta Groundwater Conservation District submitted a petition to the state to have areas of the Sparta Aquifer evaluated because of studies that showed water levels in the aquifer had declined.

The Office of Conservation reviewed, evaluated, and documented water usage and water levels which resulted in the issuance of the order on April 28, 2005 by the Commissioner of Conservation identifying three areas within the Sparta which were experiencing excessive water level declines.

On August 15, 2005, Commissioner of Conservation Jim Welsh declared “Areas of Ground Water Concern” in north Louisiana within the Sparta Aquifer. Following that designation, the department’s program began to expand including the development of a statewide ground water resources management program. Emphasis on evaluation of alternative supplies and technologies are key to the future of the state’s management plan.