Drinkable water is a resource of increasing value in a nation where good water quality is becoming increasingly scarce. Ground water is the primary source of drinking water for 61 percent of Louisiana's residents.
Ground water is stored in aquifers.
These are permeable, saturated zones of rock, sand or gravel that contain sufficient water to yield usable amounts to wells. The potential for aquifer contamination is impacted by the depth to ground water below the surface, the depth and types of soils above the aquifer and other factors. Fortunately, many parts of Louisiana have surface clays of relatively low permeability which impede downward migration of contaminants into underlying aquifers. The purpose of Louisiana's ground water protection strategy is to protect the health and well-being of Louisiana citizens by safeguarding the ground water we drink and use. The goal of the state's program is to prevent contamination, identify, address and mitigate areas of concern and encourage state and local governments to work together to protect our ground water resources.