Drilling in Louisiana - A Comprehensive Guide

Water Well Drilling in Louisiana: Geology, Regulations, and Best Practices

Louisiana Geology & Aquifers: Louisiana’s geology features a diverse set of aquifers that supply groundwater across the state. In the alluvial plains along the Mississippi River, the Mississippi River Alluvial Aquifer consists of Pleistocene-age sands and gravels underlying about 5,000 square miles of northeastern Louisiana. This aquifer is shallow (water table often <30 feet below ground) and high-yield – large irrigation wells near Tallulah (Madison Parish) have produced up to 7,000 gallons per minute (gpm). Farther west in south-central Louisiana, the Chicot Aquifer System of the coastal prairies (parts of the Gulf Coast Aquifer) is the state’s most heavily pumped groundwater source, providing on the order of 350–400 million gallons per day for rice farming, industry, and city supply. The Chicot is a multi-layered aquifer (commonly described by depth, e.g., “200-foot,” “500-foot,” “700-foot” sands) and can support large municipal and irrigation wells; many wells yield several thousand gpm. In north-central Louisiana, the Eocene-aged Sparta Aquifer (Sparta Sand) dips from outcrops in upland parishes (e.g. Bienville, Winn) into the subsurface toward the southeast. Individual Sparta wells typically yield on the order of 100–500 gpm, with some high-capacity wells reaching around 1,200 gpm. Table 1 below summarizes these and other major aquifers’ typical depths and yields.

State & Local Well Permitting: Louisiana’s water well construction is regulated primarily by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) Office of Conservation – Ground Water Resources Program. State law (Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 38:3098) requires that any person or company drilling water wells (including irrigation, public-supply, industrial, monitoring, and geotechnical wells) must be a licensed water well contractor'. The only exception is that a landowner may drill a well on their own property for a single-family home or for livestock, without a license, if the water is not for public use – but even in this case, the well must still be constructed to meet all state standards'. In practice, most wells are installed by Louisiana-licensed drillers, and all new wells must be registered with the state after completion. Louisiana administrative rules (LAC Title 56:I) mandate that the driller (contractor) submit a completed well registration log (called Form GW-1) within 30 days of finishing any well or borehole. This registration requirement applies to every water well – regardless of use or yield (including domestic, agricultural, public, test holes, and monitoring wells).

Before drilling, certain wells also require a state notification and approval. The LDNR Office of Conservation generally requires a 60-day prior notification for planned water wells (submitted by the well owner or driller) for most high-capacity or non-domestic uses. For example, wells for industrial, public supply, irrigation, power generation, or dewatering purposes must be reported to the state 60 days in advance, allowing regulators to evaluate potential impacts on the local aquifer. The state provides a Water Well Notification Form (GWR-01) for this purpose. Some categories of wells are exempt from pre-drill notification – notably domestic (household) wells, oil/gas rig supply wells, drought-relief wells, and replacement wells can instead be reported within 60 days after completion. (Even for these, a post-construction notification is required.) In all cases, a licensed driller should ensure the proper notification/permit has been filed and approved before drilling begins.

In addition to state requirements, Louisiana has parish-level and regional oversight for groundwater in certain areas. The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and its Office of Public Health enforce public health rules for water wells – often through parish health units. For instance, the state sanitary code (LAC Title 51:XII) requires that new potable water wells be properly located and constructed to protect water quality. The LDH (state health officer) must be consulted on well siting relative to sources of pollution, and new public-supply wells must be tested for bacteria and chemicals with results submitted to LDH before being placed into service. Many parishes also require permits or approvals for private wells, usually handled by parish environmental or health departments in conjunction with septic system permits. For example, parish ordinances often ensure a water well is a safe distance from on-site sewage systems, and some parishes (e.g. St. Tammany Parish’s Environmental Services) oversee inspections of private water systems. In the Baton Rouge area, a special regional body – the Capital Area Ground Water Conservation Commission – regulates groundwater withdrawals in the Southern Hills aquifer to prevent land subsidence and saltwater intrusion. Likewise, in north Louisiana, a Sparta Groundwater Conservation District works to protect the Sparta Aquifer. Drillers should check if a local groundwater district or parish ordinance imposes any additional permitting, especially in sensitive aquifer areas.

Key Agencies and Contacts: Water well drillers in Louisiana will interact with several agencies:

• Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) – Office of Conservation, Ground Water Resources Section: Primary agency for well registration, drilling notifications, and driller licensing. LDNR oversees the implementation of Louisiana’s water well regulations (LAC 56:I and R.S. 38:3098) and has broad authority to enforce well construction standards and compliance. LDNR’s Ground Water Resources Program maintains an online database (SONRIS) of registered wells and provides forms and guidance for drillers. Key LDNR forms include the Water Well Notification (GWR-01), Water Well Registration (GW-1 for standard wells, or GW-1S for small domestic wells), and Well Plugging Report (GW-2). (See “Forms and Resources” below for direct links.)
• Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) – Office of Public Health (OPH): Oversees drinking water safety. Through the state sanitary code, LDH regulates how water wells supplying potable water are constructed and located. LDH sets minimum sanitary standards (e.g. required well seals, disinfection, and water quality testing) for public water supply wells and enforces separation distances from contamination sources. Parish health units (OPH local offices) often handle site approvals for private domestic wells, ensuring compliance with these standards. LDH also runs the Private Water Well Testing program, encouraging owners to test their well water quality regularly.
• Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ): LDEQ is involved in groundwater protection and monitoring. Through its Aquifer Sampling and Assessment (ASSET) program, LDEQ periodically samples about 200 wells across 14 major aquifers to monitor ambient groundwater quality statewide. LDEQ also administers the state’s Drinking Water Protection Program focusing on preventing contamination of community water wells'' (formerly the Wellhead Protection Program). While LDEQ does not issue water well drilling permits, drillers may interact with LDEQ on issues like remediation wells or if water quality problems (e.g. industrial contamination) are encountered during drilling.
• Local Groundwater Conservation Districts & Parish Agencies: In some regions, special districts or commissions manage groundwater. The Capital Area Ground Water Conservation Commission (around Baton Rouge) and similar bodies have authority to require permits for large wells or to limit pumping rates to protect the aquifer. Parish governments (through environmental or utilities departments) may have by-laws on well installation, especially for non-residential wells or wells on public property. Always check the parish’s requirements: for example, Jefferson Parish’s code mandates permits for any well drilled on parish-owned land, and other parishes may require notifying the parish before drilling a water well. Additionally, local 911 address coordinators or permit offices often ask to be informed of new well locations for emergency and utility mapping purposes.

Well Logs, Forms & Standards: Louisiana provides official forms and detailed standards to guide well drillers:

• Well Construction Standards: Technical standards for water well construction are codified in the Louisiana Administrative Code Title 56, Part I (Water Wells). These regulations cover every aspect of drilling and completing a well – from casing material and minimum casing heights, to grouting, screens, and plugging of abandoned holes. For instance, the rules require that well casing extend at least 1 foot above the ground surface or concrete slab' (to prevent floodwater entry) and that the annular space be sealed with grout to a specified depth. They also prohibit certain outdated practices (like open well pits or below-grade well heads). Drillers must ensure aquifers are protected during drilling (no cross-contamination between zones) and that any “test hole” or pilot hole not immediately completed as a well is properly plugged within 30 days.
• Health-Based Standards: The LDH sanitary code (LAC 51:XII) sets additional requirements for wells used as potable water sources. A key reference is Section 12:Groundwater (¶169), which lists minimum separation distances to potential pollution sources and requires sanitary well seals. By code, a new well must be located on high ground not prone to flooding and at a safe distance from sources of contamination. Table 2 highlights some of these required minimum setbacks for water wells. Furthermore, every new drinking water well must be disinfected and then sampled for microbiological quality (and sometimes chemical tests) with results approved by LDH before use. It’s also mandated that potable wells not be completed in pits or basements below ground – the wellhead should be above grade for sanitary protection (this prevents contamination and allows proper ventilation of the well casing).
• Official Forms and Logs: After drilling, the contractor must file the well log with LDNR. The standard Water Well Registration Form (GW-1) is used to report well construction details and geology. A shorter form GW-1S is available for domestic and irrigation wells that meet certain depth/yield criteria (to simplify reporting). If a well is plugged and abandoned, the driller must submit a Well Plugging & Abandonment Form (GW-2) detailing the methods and materials used to seal the well. All these forms can be obtained from LDNR’s website or by contacting the Ground Water Resources Program. It is advisable to keep copies of submitted logs and any state approvals as part of the driller’s project records.

Utility Clearance (“Call 811”): Before any drilling or excavation for a well, Louisiana law requires that drillers ensure no underground utilities will be damaged. The state’s “Dig Law” (R.S. 40:1749.11 et seq.) makes it illegal to excavate without first notifying the regional notification center (Louisiana One Call) and waiting the required time. In practice, drillers or excavators must contact Louisiana 811 at least 48 hours (two working days) before digging, excluding weekends and holidays. With one free call (or online ticket request), Louisiana 811 will alert all member utility operators in the vicinity of the site. Utility companies then have 48 hours to mark the locations of any underground lines (water, gas, electric, telecom, pipelines, etc.) at the drill site with color-coded paint or flags. Drillers should always observe these markings and maintain a safe clearance of at least 18 inches from marked utility lines when drilling. If the proposed well site is near utilities, it may be necessary to hand-excavate (“pothole”) to expose lines and avoid damage. Louisiana 811 services are free to use, and doing so not only complies with the law but prevents potentially catastrophic accidents and liability. (Note: Certain governmental entities can opt out of the one-call system, but virtually all major utilities are members. If working on a site with known non-member owners, they must be notified directly.) In summary – “Call before you drill” is as important as “call before you dig” to ensure a safe drilling operation.

Additional Guidelines for Drillers in Louisiana: A few other points and best practices to note:

• Driller Licensing & Renewal: A water well contractor’s license in Louisiana is obtained through LDNR’s licensing program (under the authority of R.S. 38:3098). Applicants must have at least two years of relevant drilling experience, submit notarized application and reference forms, appear before the Advisory Committee, and pass a written exam. Once licensed, drillers must renew annually by June 30, including completion of 6 hours of continuing education'. The annual license fee is $100 (or $50 for those drilling <25 domestic wells per year)'. Drillers should carry their license information and be prepared to show proof of licensure on job sites if requested by inspectors or clients. Operating without a required license can lead to penalties.
• Well Tagging: Louisiana issues unique state identification numbers (e.g., LDNR log numbers or “GW#”) for registered water wells. It’s good practice for drillers to affix a durable tag or mark on the completed well (or pump house) with this state ID and the drilling company’s name. Though not mandatory statewide for water wells, tagging helps with future identification. (Monitoring wells may have specific labeling requirements in some regulatory projects.) Keeping the well’s GPS coordinates and parish well ID (if any) in your records is also recommended.
• Construction Best Practices: Adhere to the minimum construction standards: use NSF-approved (or safe) materials for any well in potable use (e.g. safe grout, well casing that meets ASTM/API specs''). Always install a sanitary well seal on top of the casing to prevent surface contaminants or insects from entering the well'. Extend the grout (cement or bentonite) up to ground surface or at least a specified distance (often 20 feet or more for public supply wells) to seal the annulus. Louisiana’s rules also stress that if multiple aquifer zones are penetrated, the well should be constructed to produce from one zone and seal off others to prevent commingling. Upon completion, disinfect the well thoroughly (typically with chlorine) and advise the owner to perform bacteriological testing, even for private wells. The LDH Private Well Program can assist homeowners with testing kits and interpreting results.
• Site Considerations & Setbacks: Plan the well location on the property to meet all setback distances (see Table 2). If space is limited, consult with the state health officer – in some cases exceptions can be granted (for example, a reduced distance to a sewer line if certain protective measures are taken). It’s much easier to adjust the drill site beforehand than to attempt variances after a well is drilled. Also consider accessibility: state inspectors or parish officials may need to inspect the well, and the owner will need access for maintenance and eventual pump replacement, so avoid placing wells in confined or inaccessible spots.
• Groundwater Zones & Aquifer Data: Drillers are encouraged to use available data when planning a well. The LDNR’s SONRIS database allows searching of nearby well logs, which can provide insight into expected geology (strata depths, water-bearing zones, etc.) and typical water quality. Knowing the target aquifer (for example, drilling in the “Sparta Sand” vs. the overlying shallow alluvium) can guide casing setting depth and screen placement. Louisiana’s Geological Survey and USGS publications (such as aquifer bulletins and hydrologic atlases) are excellent references for regional aquifer characteristics. For instance, USGS reports describe the Sparta’s sand composition and thickness variations, or the Chicot’s subdivision into upper and lower sand units. Being familiar with these resources can help drillers anticipate challenges (like encountering a clay confining layer or potential sulfur water at depth).
• Water Quality and Testing: Louisiana does not require private domestic wells to adhere to drinking water standards, but owners often test their wells for safety. Drillers should inform clients of the importance of testing for bacteria, nitrates, and common contaminants, especially in shallower aquifers. The state recommends annual testing of private wells for bacteria and every few years for a broader panel of chemicals. For public supply wells, extensive testing is mandated and a well must meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards (or the water must be treated). Some areas of Louisiana have naturally occurring water quality issues – e.g., high iron in the Mississippi Alluvial aquifer or saltier water at the base of certain aquifers. Thus, well design (screen depth) might be adjusted to avoid poorer-quality zones. It’s wise to consult LDEQ’s triennial aquifer summary reports which list typical water quality parameters by aquifer (pH, iron, chloride, etc.).

Water well drillers working in Louisiana must navigate a complex but well-documented regulatory environment. By understanding the state’s unique geology and abiding by the permitting rules and construction standards, contractors can ensure successful well projects that yield clean and sustainable groundwater. Always stay up-to-date with any changes in state law or local regulations – and don’t hesitate to reach out to LDNR’s Ground Water Resources staff or the Louisiana Ground Water Association for guidance. With proper planning, compliance, and workmanship, drillers will continue to play a crucial role in managing and developing Louisiana’s valuable groundwater resources.

References and Resources:

• Louisiana Department of Natural Resources – Ground Water Resources Program: Official Website (regulations, forms, and contacts).
• Louisiana Department of Health – Center for Environmental Health: Private Water Well Program (guidance on well disinfection and testing).
• Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality – Aquifer Summaries: Ambient Groundwater Monitoring Reports (water quality data for major aquifers).
• Louisiana One Call (LA 811): Dig Law and Locate Request Portal (statewide utility notification center).
• Capital Area Ground Water Conservation Commission: CAGWCC Website (rules for Southern Hills aquifer in Baton Rouge region, including Title 56 Part I – Water Well regulations).
• USGS Publications Warehouse: Search for “Louisiana aquifer” (e.g., WRI 86-4150, WRI 94-4085) for detailed geologic and hydrologic reports.