Land Use Planning and Its Land Use Planning and Its Effect on GroundwaterEffect on Groundwater

Louisiana Department of Environmental QualityLouisiana Department of Environmental Quality

2010 Envirothon Training2010 Envirothon Training

PROBLEMS/CONCERNSPROBLEMS/CONCERNS

Ground-water withdrawals are lowering water levels in Louisiana aquifers.

In certain areas, these withdrawals are creating conditions favorable for saltwater encroachment.

Major aquifers affected are the Sparta, Chicot, and Southern Hills aquifer systems.

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A R E A S W H E R E WAT E RL E V E L S IN O N E O R M O R EA Q U IF E R S A R E D E C L IN IN G1 F O O T O R M O R E P E RY E A R B A S E D O N T R E N D SO B S E R V E D AT D O T D /U S G S N E T W O R K W E L L S

Sparta Aquifer

Water-level decline in the Sparta aquifer

in northern Louisiana during the

period 1990 to 2000, based on

data from USGS/DOTD

water-level networks.

W e ste r n limit o f th e S p a rta a q u i fe r

A p p r o x im a te d o w n -dip

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Areal extent of freshwater in the Sparta aquifer system in Louisiana

Contours indicate approximate water-level declines at monitor wells, infeet per year, for the period 1990-2000. Dashed where indefin ite

Control point

Control point and well number for which hydrograph is shown

WITHDRAWALS FROM THE SPARTA AQUIFER IN LOUISIANA, 2000(68 MILLION GALLONS PER DAY)

Public supply55%

Industry40%

All Other Uses5%

Average UsageAverage Usage - - 70 MGD70 MGD

Sustainable UsageSustainable Usage - - 52 MGD52 MGD

Usage would have to be reduced Usage would have to be reduced by more than 18 MGD for the by more than 18 MGD for the water level in the Sparta to begin water level in the Sparta to begin to rebound.to rebound.

Sparta OverdraftSparta Overdraft

Management of Sparta•Creation of Sparta Commission

•Owners of each non-domestic well shall submit a monthly report showing the amount of water pumped on a monthly basis and the purpose for which it was used.

• Aggressive education program on conservation & protection

• Users of Sparta ground water shall vigorously seek alternate sources of potable water to alleviate excess usage of the Sparta Aquifer.

Alternate Sources of WaterAlternate Sources of Water

West Monroe – Graphics PackagingWater Re-use Project

•Convert gray water into potable water

•Pilot Project - 1 MGD

•Ultimate Goal - 10 MGD

Chicot Aquifer

Re c ha rg e a re a

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Areal extent of freshwater in the Chicot aquifer system in Louisiana

Re c ha rg e from the Atc ha fa la y a

Basin

G ulf o f M e xic o

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ALLEN

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C AM ERO N VERM ILIO N

AC ADIAJ EFFERSO NDAVIS

BEAUREG ARD

RAPIDES

ST. LANDRY

EVANG ELINE

ST. M ARTIN

IBERIA

AVO YELLES

Contours indicate approximate water-level declines, in feet peryear, for the period 1990-2000. Dashed where indefinite

Lafa

ye tte

Control point

Control point and well number for which hydrograph is shown

Water-level decline in the Chicot aquifer

system during the period 1990 to 2000, based on data from the USGS/DOTD

water-level network.

WITHDRAWALS FROM THE CHICOT AQUIFER SYSTEM, 2000(800 MILLION GALLONS PER DAY)

Public supply11%

Industry9%

Power generation2%

Other uses2%

Irrigation68%

Aquaculture8%

Management of Chicot

• Sabine River Diversion Channel Sabine River Diversion Channel and Distribution and Distribution System in Calcasieu ParishSystem in Calcasieu ParishSupplies water to numerous industries in the Supplies water to numerous industries in the

Sulphur areaSulphur areaSupplies water for irrigationSupplies water for irrigationLessens dependency on Chicot AquiferLessens dependency on Chicot Aquifer

• Attempts being made to establish Attempts being made to establish Chicot Aquifer Chicot Aquifer Stakeholders group Stakeholders group (similar to Sparta Commission)(similar to Sparta Commission)

Sabine River Diversion Canal

Sabine River Diversion Canal is completed and results in less ground-water pumpage

and water-level rebound

Hydrograph showing effect of Sabine River Diversion Canal

Southern Hills Aquifer System

E A S T B AT O N R O U G E PA R I S H

E A S T F E L I C I A N A PA R I S H

R E C H A R G EA R E A

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R E C H A R G EA R E A

Ind . D ist. LSU

Idealized cross-section showing aquifers in the Baton Rouge area.

WITHDRAWALS FROM THE SOUTHERN HILLS AQUIFER SYSTEM, 2000(290 MILLION GALLONS PER DAY)

Public supply49%

Industry39%

Power generation5%

Rural domestic6%

All other uses1%

Management of Southern HillsManagement of Southern HillsCapital Area Groundwater Conservation Commission

established.Reserves 1000-, 1500-, 1700-foot sands for public

supply.Limits pumpage in 2000-foot sand; moratorium on

wells in some areas.Connector well completed in 1999 – connects 800-

and 1500-foot sands to raise water level in 1500 ft sand and inhibit movement of saltwater

Land Use and Water Quality & Quantity

Groundwater Management in Urban Areas

OrdinancesSite plan reviewsReuse of waste water/gray waterHarvesting rainwaterDrip irrigation systemsWatering SchedulePublic education

Groundwater Management in Rural/Agricultural Areas

Irrigation managementAgricultural chemical best management practicesAquifer Storage Reservoirs (ASR)Tax incentivesEducation/Master Farmer ProgramNatural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

programs

Artificial Recharge Techniques

Ground Water Basin Recharge ProgramsAdvantages

– maintain water level in aquifer– reduce seasonal overpumping– good use for recycled water– landowner compensated for use of property– reduce subsidence caused by high pumping rates

Disadvantages– may be difficult to sustain long term– groundwater quality can be impacted– cost of maintenance– recharge area may be outside jurisdiction– cooperation from landowners