Ground Water

DNR plans teaching tour to educate on ground water

Friday, March 5, 2010

Gov. Bobby Jindal has proclaimed March 7-13, as Ground Water Awareness Week in Louisiana this year.

The sponsors involved in promoting ground water conservation and protection are the Louisiana Ground Water Resources Commission, Sparta Ground Water Commission, and the state Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Conservation. The week is recognized nationally and is promoted by the National Ground Water Association, which stresses the importance of yearly water testing and well maintenance.

Throughout the week, a teaching tour is planned along with an exhibit and participation in the New Orleans Home and Garden show at the Superdome over the weekend.

Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Angelle, who serves as chairman of the state Ground Water Resources Commission, noted that in Louisiana, about 1.6 billion gallons of ground water is used every day and with just a few small changes in behavior, it is possible to reduce that usage significantly.

“Though our Ground Water Resource Commission and Office of Conservation have the official duty of managing our state’s ground water, it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to do our part to ensure we use water wisely,” Angelle said.

Angelle has been promoting education in the classroom on the topic of water conservation for several years. The department produced and distributed a free water video for science teachers in 2008, and last year, Angelle and members of his staff worked with schools, 4-H youth, YMCAs, and other student groups to bring home the importance of ground water in our state and the need to conserve.

This year, the teaching tour includes visiting a city a day, spelling out the word ‘water’. The schedule is

W is for Westlake, La. on Monday, March 8 at S.P. Arnett Middle School

A is for Arnaudville, La. on Tuesday, March 9 at Arnaudville Elementary School

T is for Tioga, La. on Wednesday, March 10 at Tioga Elementary School

E is for Epps, La. on Thursday, March 11 at Epps High School

R is for Ruston, La. on Friday, March 12 at I.A. Lewis Elementary School

Additionally, on Friday, March 5th, DNR Ground Water educator Tony Duplechin and Sparta Commission educator Lindsay Gouedy will kick-off the tour with a presentation to Westside Junior High School in Walker, La. for their Career Day.

DNR also works with the LSU Ag Center’s Cooperative Extension Service to help promote water conservation tips for families through its seven regional offices and parish offices across the state.

As part to the department’s water conservation education efforts, the ground water specialists will provide materials, brochures, and will be able to help citizens register new water wells at the upcoming annual New Orleans Home and Garden Show in the Superdome, the largest of its kind in the United States.  The show starts Thursday, March 11th and continues through Sunday. The Ground Water exhibit is scheduled Saturday and Sunday and will be located in the “Green Zone” on the floor near Gate A, along side the DNR Energy Office display and materials.

The Home and Garden Show draws tens of thousands of visitors and is sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans. This year, the Green Zone will promote the concept of building green and energy efficient.  The DNR Energy Office will be available to speak about the upcoming statewide programs with Energy Star appliances and the Home Energy Rebate Option program.

The average household spends as much as $500 per year on its water and sewer bill. By being more aware of water usage and by making a few adjustments (like installing water-efficient appliances or retrofitting water fixtures) a family could save about $170 per year, according to federal Environmental Protection Agency figures. In today’s lifestyle and economy, more and more Americans are finding ways to save, and the fact is that saving water can save energy and save money, too.

In Louisiana, ground water is found in eleven aquifers and water is withdrawn for use by the public, industry, power generation, farming, and farming purposes. In the Sparta aquifer area, including ten parishes in north Louisiana, there has been concern over water level declines and the ability of the aquifer to recharge. The commission is working on ways to manage the problems and find ways for industry to support best management practices.

Several members of the DNR education program Geaux Team will travel the state to meet with teachers and students throughout the week. The Office of Conservation’s website promotes a wide range of educational information at http://dnr.louisiana.gov/cons/groundwater/

Governor's Proclamation 2010
Education and Conservation
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