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 C&E 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 water well driller license for all well drilling work, except under the limited owner exemption described below (R.S. 38:3098(C)). Since October 1, 2025 the license application is filed with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Notifications, registrations and plugging reports still go to the Department of Conservation and Energy (C&E), formerly LDNR/DENR.
LSLBC License Needed for Well Jobs of $1 or More (Since July 1, 2026)
Subject to applicable exemptions, Act 481 of 2026 (R.S. 37:2156.5, effective July 1, 2026) requires the contractor (the business that bids, contracts for or does the job) to hold an LSLBC license for any work on a water well or environmental well with a project value of $1 or more: S.14 Water Well Drilling for water wells, S.17 Environmental Wells for environmental wells and holes. Employees and crew working under that licensed contractor's direction and personal supervision do not need their own license (R.S. 37:2157(A)(12), R.S. 38:3098(D)). Other exemptions include a farmer doing construction for agricultural purposes on owned or leased land (R.S. 37:2157(A)(4)) and the limited owner exemption for a water well on the owner's own or leased property intended for use only in a single-family house that is the owner's permanent residence, or only for watering livestock on the owner's farm, where the water is not intended for use by the public or any residence other than the owner's own (R.S. 38:3098(C)). The contractor must pass the exam, be registered with LSLBC, stay in good standing with C&E and keep its well registrations current. From August 1, 2026 the residential subcontractor exemption does not cover water well work. Act 458 of 2025 (effective October 1, 2025) moved the driller license application to LSLBC; a license C&E issued earlier stays valid until it expires. Source: LSLBC memo, July 13, 2026.
License Fees & Renewal
| License Type | Fee | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Water Well Driller License | $100 | Annual (renewal by June 30) |
| Domestic-Only Driller (<25 domestic wells/yr) | $50 | Annual (renewal by June 30) |
| License Exam | $10 | Per attempt (check or money order) |
| Late Renewal Penalty | $5/month | After June 30 |
Qualification Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years or older |
| Experience | 2 years drilling under a licensed driller |
| References | Application is notarized and names two licensed drillers familiar with your experience |
| Exam | Show your knowledge to the satisfaction of the LA State Licensing Board for Contractors (R.S. 38:3098.1) |
| Meeting | Attend Advisory Committee meeting |
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: 5 hours per year (R.S. 37:2156.5, effective July 1, 2026)
- Providers: board-approved (LSLBC) CE providers only
- Topics: Well construction, hydrogeology, safety, Louisiana regulations
- Record retention: Keep certificates for audit
Exam Information
After submitting your application to LSLBC ($100 fee) and attending the Advisory Committee meeting, you will take the water well driller exam. Under R.S. 38:3098.1 you show your knowledge to the satisfaction of LSLBC. Study Louisiana well construction standards (LAC Title 56) and C&E guidance documents.
Reporting & Documentation
| Document | Deadline | Submit To |
|---|---|---|
| Well Notification (GWR-01) | Domestic: within 60 days after; Non-domestic: 60 days before | Dept. of Conservation and Energy |
| Well Registration (GW-1) | 30 days after completion, with at least 2 wellhead photographs (since Sept 1, 2026) | Dept. of Conservation and Energy (mail, SONRIS or gwater@la.gov) |
| Plugging Report (GW-2) | 30 days after completion, with at least 1 photograph (since Sept 1, 2026) | Dept. of Conservation and Energy |
| License Renewal | Before June 30 annually | LSLBC: confirm the renewal form with the board, 225-765-2301 (late fee $5/month) |
| CE Certificates | 5 hours/year from a board-approved provider | Keep for audit |
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 C&E immediately.
Photographs Required (Since September 1, 2026)
Every GW-1 or GW-1S registration needs at least two color photographs: the sanitary seal and the cement surface seal in one image, and the well's surroundings in another (no pit, basement or building foundation; corner posts for rig-supply wells). Every GW-2 plugging report needs at least one photograph showing the cement-bentonite plug at the surface and the casing cut at or below grade (3 ft below in subsidence or farming areas). Take them at completion or within 7 days, with a placard showing your license number, the date and the well coordinates. Send them with the form within the same 30-day window to gwater@la.gov or the department's electronic delivery system. Forms without photographs may be rejected or trigger a field inspection.
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 C&E 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
| Well Type | Grouting Depth | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Community Public Supply | Full depth (top of aquifer to surface) | LAC 56:I-329(C)(1) |
| Non-Community Public Wells | ≥50 ft to surface | LAC 56:I-329(C)(2) |
| Industrial/Power Wells | Full depth (top of aquifer to surface) | LAC 56:I-329(C)(3) |
| Observation Wells | ≥50 ft to surface | LAC 56:I-329(C)(4) |
| Irrigation/Agricultural | ≥10 ft to surface | LAC 56:I-329(C)(5) |
| Rig-Supply Wells | ≥50 ft to surface | LAC 56:I-329(C)(6) |
| Monitoring Wells | Entire casing length | LAC 56:I-329(C)(7) |
| Dewatering Wells (not drive-point) | ≥50 ft to surface | LAC 56:I-329(C)(8) |
| Domestic Wells | ≥10 ft to surface (with shale trap) | LAC 56:I-329(C)(9) |
Setback Requirements
| Contamination Source | Minimum Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Septic tanks | 50 ft | LAC 56:I-315 |
| Storm or sanitary sewer | 50 ft | 30 ft if cast iron with leaded joints or Schedule 40 plastic with water-tight joints |
| Cesspools, outdoor privies, oxidation ponds, absorption fields, pits | 100 ft | Domestic wells: 50 ft |
| Landfills/feedlots/manure/dumps | 100 ft | Per LAC 56:I-315 |
| Other wells | 25 ft | Minimum separation |
| Drainage canals, ditches, streams, ponds, lakes | 50 ft | Measured from the water edge at the highest level in a 10-year period |
| Levees | 250 ft from the land-side toe | Within 1,500 ft of a state or federal levee, get levee board permission first (LAC 56:I-317) |
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
C&E Groundwater Resources Program
Forms, well registration, plugging reports, technical guidance
C&E Licensing Specialist (Jessica Stowe)
Specific licensing and regulation questions
LA State Licensing Board for Contractors
Driller license applications (since Oct. 1, 2025) and the contractor license needed for water well work of $1 or more unless an exemption applies (since July 1, 2026)
LA Dept. of Health (LDH) Safe Drinking Water
Sanitary code, public water well regulations
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; application filed with LSLBC since Act 458 of 2025)
- Louisiana R.S. 37:2156.5 – the contractor's LSLBC license for water well (S.14) and environmental well (S.17) work of $1 or more, subject to applicable exemptions (Act 481 of 2026, effective July 1, 2026)
- 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
How do I renew my Louisiana driller license?
Renew annually before June 30. Fee is $100 ($50 for drillers who drill only domestic wells and fewer than 25 a year). You must complete 5 hours of continuing education a year from a board-approved provider (R.S. 37:2156.5, effective July 1, 2026). Since October 1, 2025 the license is handled by the LA State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC); confirm the renewal form with LSLBC at 225-765-2301. Late renewals incur a $5/month penalty. Lapses over 1 year may require re-examination.
What are the CE requirements for Louisiana drillers?
5 hours of continuing education a year from a provider approved by the LA State Licensing Board for Contractors (R.S. 37:2156.5, effective July 1, 2026). Courses cover well construction, hydrogeology, safety, etc. Keep certificates for audit.
How soon must I file the well registration?
Within 30 days after completion. Submit Well Registration (Form GW-1 or GW-1S short form) to the Department of Conservation and Energy, Attn: Groundwater Resources, by mail (P.O. Box 94275, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9275), by e-mail to gwater@la.gov, or online through SONRIS. Since September 1, 2026 the form must come with wellhead photographs (see the photo requirement below). Provide owner a copy and retain one for your files.
What are the setback requirements in Louisiana?
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 | DENR archive
- 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
- Office of Permitting and Compliance Forms (GWR-01, GW-1, GW-2) | C&E
- Drilling in Louisiana - Aquifer Guide | DrillerDB
- GWR: Program Page - FAQ | DENR archive
- Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
- Changes to Contractor Licensing Laws (Acts 458/2025 and 481/2026) | LSLBC memo, July 13, 2026
- R.S. 37:2157 - Exemptions | Louisiana Legislature
- R.S. 38:3098 (as amended by Act 458 of 2025) | Louisiana Legislature