Forms & Resources
Water Well Notification (GWR-01)
Required before drilling non-domestic wells. Domestic wells: notify within 60 days after.
Download FormWell Registration (GW-1/GW-1S)
Required for every completed well. Due within 30 days. Short form available for simple wells.
Download FormAll LDNR Forms
- GWR-01: Water Well Notification (pre-drill for non-domestic; post-drill for domestic)
- GW-1: Water Well Registration (long form with geologic log)
- GW-1S: Water Well Registration (short form for simple domestic/irrigation)
- GW-2: Plugging and Abandonment Report
- Injurious Water Report: Report contaminated water found during drilling
Online Submission: Use the SONRIS database for electronic well log submission. You can also search existing well logs by location.
Licensing Requirements
Louisiana requires a C-13 Water Well Drilling License issued by LDNR for all well drilling work (R.S. 38:3098, Act 49 of 2003).
License Fees & Renewal
Qualification Requirements
License Lapse
Licenses expire June 30 annually. Late renewals incur a $5/month penalty. If your license lapses over 1 year, you may be required to re-take the exam.
Continuing Education
- Hours required: 6 hours per year (annual renewal cycle)
- Providers: LDNR-approved CE providers only
- Topics: Well construction, hydrogeology, safety, Louisiana regulations
- Record retention: Keep certificates for audit
Exam Information
After submitting your application ($100 fee) and attending the Advisory Committee meeting, you will take the LDNR Water Well Driller exam. Study Louisiana well construction standards (LAC Title 56) and LDNR guidance documents.
Reporting & Documentation
Well Registration Requirements (GW-1)
The well registration must include:
- Owner/location details (name, address, GPS coordinates)
- Depth and geologic log (lithology of strata encountered)
- Water-bearing zones and static water level
- Casing sizes, materials, depths, and joint types
- Grouting/sealing information (depth, material, method)
- Pump test data and estimated yield
Injurious Water
If you encounter contaminated water during drilling, you must file an "Injurious Water Report" with LDNR immediately.
Record Retention
Keep copies of all forms (well logs, plugging reports, notifications) for your files. The contractor retains a copy of the registration form. Best practice is permanent retention or at least 5–10 years. These records serve as proof of regulatory compliance and may be requested during LDNR audits.
Construction Standards (LAC Title 56, Part I)
Casing Materials & Installation
Per LAC 56:I-325, all casing must be:
- Metal pipe: API 5A, ASTM A53 (ASTM A134/A135/A211/AWWA C202/C203)
- PVC pipe: AWWA A100 & ASTM F480 (PVC 1120/1220). SDR/schedule must suit well depth/collapse rating
- Joints: Threaded or welded to be watertight
- Installation: Plumb, sealed to prevent non-potable zone entry
- Height: Extend casing ≥1 ft above ground or slab to prevent flood entry
PVC Casing
PVC casing is allowed to any depth if the collapse rating (SDR/schedule) is appropriate. No restrictions on depth for PVC in Louisiana, unlike some other states.
Annular Seal (Grouting)
Per LAC 56:I-329, annular sealing is mandatory for all wells:
- Materials: Cement-bentonite slurry (≤8% bentonite) or neat cement (≤5 gal water per sack)
- Method: Circulated or pumped through tremie from bottom to surface
- Packer: Set retainer at bottom to prevent loss
- Thickness: ≥1.5″ annulus for 4″ wells; ≥2″ for 6″+ wells
- Conductor pipe: If used, must also be cemented to surface
Grouting Depth by Well Type
Setback Requirements
Disinfection
Any new or repaired potable well must be disinfected per LAC 51:XII (State Sanitary Code) before use. After chlorination, a negative bacteriological test (LDH-certified lab) is required for all public-supply and domestic wells.
Drilling Conditions by Region
Louisiana's geology consists of unconsolidated sand/clay sequences from Gulf/Mississippi sediments. Major aquifers include Mississippi Alluvial, Gulf Coastal (Chicot/Evangeline), Sparta, and Southern Hills.
Northern Louisiana (Mississippi Alluvial)
- Shallow alluvial sands (50–200 ft)
- High water tables, may flood easily
- Loose sands (risk of cave-ins)
- Watch for nitrates near farms
Central Louisiana (Sparta Aquifer)
- Eocene sands (200–800 ft typical)
- Artesian conditions near recharge areas
- Interbedded clays (may cause swelling/smearing)
- Good yields generally
Southern Louisiana (Gulf Coastal Aquifers)
- Thick sand units separated by clays (200–800+ ft)
- Chicot/Evangeline aquifers in southwest LA
- Watch for arsenic (delta sediments)
- Saltwater intrusion in coastal areas
Baton Rouge Area (Southern Hills)
- Deep sands (1,000–2,000 ft for municipal wells)
- Good yields but requires deep drilling
- Confined aquifers (artesian possible)
- Parts threatened by saltwater intrusion
Seasonal Considerations
Louisiana rarely sees frost (no freezing issues). Heavy winter/spring rains raise water tables and can flood pits – use pit liners or extra mud. Hurricane season (late summer/fall) brings flooding risks – secure equipment and avoid if possible. Summer drought can drop static levels, affecting yield tests.
Common Drilling Challenges
- Swelling clays: Can smear screens or cause borehole collapse. Use proper mud weight.
- Loose sands: Risk of cave-ins or mud loss. Install casing promptly.
- Artesian flow: Possible in confined aquifers (Sparta, Southern Hills). Use control valves.
- Corrosive water: Iron, hydrogen sulfide common in Gulf Coast sands. Use resistant materials.
- High water tables: Swampy/coastal areas may complicate footing and pit work.
Resources & Contacts
Professional Associations
- Louisiana Ground Water Association (LGWA): State chapter of NGWA. Provides training, networking, and CE courses.
- National Ground Water Association (NGWA): National association with Louisiana directory and resources.
- Groundwater Management Districts (GWD): Capital Area GWC (Baton Rouge), Sparta GWD (north LA). Contact for regional rules.
Regulatory References
- Louisiana R.S. 38:3098 – Water well driller licensing (Act 49, 2003)
- LAC 56:I-315 – Setback requirements from contamination sources
- LAC 56:I-325 – Casing standards and materials
- LAC 56:I-329 – Annular sealing and grouting methods
- LAC 56:I-331 – Well development and disinfection requirements
- LAC 56:I-117 – Water well registration (long form)
Frequently Asked Questions
Renew annually before June 30. Fee is $100 for regular drillers ($50 for <25 wells/year). You must complete 6 hours of LDNR-approved continuing education before renewal. Late renewals incur a $5/month penalty. Lapses over 1 year may require re-examination.
6 hours of LDNR-approved continuing education annually. Courses must be from DNR-approved providers covering well construction, hydrogeology, safety, etc. Keep certificates for audit.
Within 30 days after completion. Submit Well Registration (Form GW-1 or GW-1S short form) to LDNR Office of Conservation via mail (P.O. Box 94275, Baton Rouge) or online through SONRIS. Provide owner a copy and retain one for your files.
50 ft from septic tanks and sewer lines (30 ft if watertight). 100 ft from cesspools, absorption fields, landfills, and feedlots. 25 ft from other wells. 50 ft from drainage ditches/canals/ponds (measured to high-water edge). See LAC 56:I-315 for full details.
Looking for Homeowner Information?
Check out our Louisiana well guide for homeowners covering costs, notification, and water quality.
Louisiana Homeowner Well GuideSources & References
- GWR: For Water Well Drillers | LDNR
- Louisiana R.S. 38:3098 - Water well driller licensing
- LAC Title 56 PUBLIC WORKS Part I - Water Wells | LDH
- LAC 56:I-325 - Casing Standards
- LAC 56:I-329 - Annular Sealing and Grouting
- LAC 56:I-315 - Setback Requirements
- LAC 56:I-331 - Well Development and Disinfection
- LAC 56:I-117 - Water Well Registration
- LDNR Forms (GWR-01, GW-1, GW-2) | LDNR
- Drilling in Louisiana - Aquifer Guide | DrillerDB
- GWR: Program Page - FAQ | LDNR
- Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors