Legal Question in Environmental Law in Louisiana

Yes. An improperly drilled water well could contaminate the water supply of several parishes, possibly even several states, depending on the source of the groundwater (the Kentwood spring, for example, is the size of several states). You must get a permit and follow very strict guidelines.

DOTD handles water wells in Louisiana. Here is the contact information you need, along with a small bit of information from the DOTD website:

Water Well Registration Program

Legislative Authorization:

R.S. 38:3091-3098.8

Contact Person:

George Chike (225) 274-4127

Purpose / Description:

Construction and plugging standards are required by the Ground To provide for the efficient administration, orderly development, and protection of the State's groundwater resources, and the statewide inventory and registration of water wells, to assure safe and abundant supplies of water for domestic, industrial, agricultural and other purposes. Since 61% of the State's population relies on groundwater for their domestic needs, the protection of this valuable resources is not only essential for public health, but is vital to the future economy of our State.

By requiring that all water wells be registered with the State, this program (1) helps to ensure that these wells are properly constructed; (2) provides a means for the State to collect, catalog, store, and disseminate water well construction and drilling data; (3) helps the State to gather hydrologic data and manage its water resources, for the benefit of and use by its citizens.