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As of Oct. 1, 2025, the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) has become the Department of Conservation and Energy (C&E). We appreciate your patience as we transition over the coming months. If you cannot find the information needed on this website, please visit our DENR Archive Website or contact us at info@la.gov.
Water Administration
Public welfare, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity are the guiding principles of the Water Administration Division. Housed within the Department of Conservation and Energy's Office of State Resources, the Water Administration Division is one of many State entities with a role in managing Louisiana's rich water resources. Collaboration and innovation with all interested parties – other regulatory entities, groundwater users in all forms, and resource champions - is imperative for a sustainable future.
Louisiana's Aquifer System
There are approximately 11 aquifers/aquifer systems that are commonly used in Louisiana. The Carrizo-Wilcox and Red River Alluvial aquifers dominate northwest Louisiana. The Sparta Aquifer dominates north central Louisiana, and the Mississippi River Alluvial Aquifer dominates northeast Louisiana. In addition to those four dominant aquifers, the Upland Terrace, Catahoula and Cockfield aquifers are localized secondary groundwater sources.
In Southwestern Louisiana, the Chicot Aquifer System is dominant, with the Evangeline Aquifer, Jasper Aquifer System and Catahoula Aquifer as secondary sources. In southeastern Louisiana, the Southern Hills Aquifer System (SHAS) is dominant, with the Mississippi River Alluvial Aquifer as a secondary source. The Catahoula Aquifer is found below the Southern Hills Aquifer System, and can also be used as a secondary source of groundwater. The Southern Hills and Chicot aquifer systems were designated “Sole Source Aquifers” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1988.
The Chicot Aquifer System (CAS) is composed of primarily three sand layers sloping toward the Gulf which were deposited in the deltas of Red and Mississippi Rivers. The CAS is a prolific aquifer primarily used by agriculture for irrigation. Groundwater in the CAS is fresh but become saltier with depth and proximity to the Gulf. The CAS is in direct contact with the Atchafalaya Alluvial Aquifer to the east. Groundwater in the Atchafalaya Alluvial Aquifer is saltier. The recharge area for the CAS is in Vernon and Rapides parishes.
The Mississippi River Alluvial Aquifer (MRAA) is composed of primarily one thick sand and gravel layer deposited by the Mississippi River primarily within its channel. It can be found in the parishes west of the current river location. The MRAA is a prolific aquifer primarily used by agriculture for irrigation. The recharge area for the MRAA is local. The MRAA is primarily used as a source of fresh groundwater north of Baton Rouge as it become saltier closer to the gulf.
The Southern Hill Aquifer System (SHAS) is composed of ten principal sand layers that slope toward the Gulf. Known for its clean, naturally filtered soft water, the SHAS was deposited in the delta of the Mississippi River. Groundwater in the SHAS is fresh north of the Baton Rouge Fault System and salty to the south. Many of the SHAS sand layers are prolific and are used primarily for industrial and public water supplies. The recharge area for the SHAS is located between Jackson, MS and the northern Florida Parishes.
Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District
Within the Southern Hills Aquifer System, the Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District (CAGCD) was formed by the Louisiana Legislature in 1974 to regulate groundwater resources in East and West Baton Rouge, East and West Feliciana, and Pointe Coupee Parishes to address concerns with water level decline and saltwater intrusion. Ascension Parish was added by the Louisiana Legislature in 2019 by ACT 200 of the 2019 Regular Session, effective August 1, 2019. During the 2025 Regular Session, legislators voted to transfer CAGCD into the Department of Conservation and Energy as part of the broad reorganization of the Department. The authority granted tasks the Department of Conservation and Energy with overseeing the use of groundwater within the CAGCD. This includes evaluating to approve or deny the installation of new groundwater wells, require pumpage reporting to effectively monitor the aquifer, audit groundwater users, and assess charges for non-exempt groundwater users.
Questions? Reach out to Capital Area via phone (225-219-5775) or email (caginfo@la.gov).
The Sparta Aquifer System (SAS) is composed of intertwined sand layers sloping toward the south and east, which were deposited in the deltas of the Mississippi Rivers. The SAS is a prolific aquifer primarily used in Louisiana for public water supply and industry, and to a lesser degree for agriculture. Groundwater in the SAS is fresh but become saltier with depth and toward the south and east. The recharge area for the SAS is in Northeastern Louisiana and Arkansas. Due to its overuse and water level decline, the SAS received a designation of 'areas of groundwater concern' around three pumping centers in 2005.