OFFICE OF CONSERVATION
Environmental Division >> Ground Water Resources Program >> Emergency Ground Water Order Updates
Emergency Ground Water Order Updates
| Conservation Order of Ground Water Remains in Place in South Caddo Parish >> |
| Date: May 10, 2013 Notice from DNR Office of Conservation, Commissioner James Welsh |
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On August 19, 2011, the Office of Conservation declared a temporary ground water emergency for two areas of South Caddo Parish due to exceptional drought conditions resulting in higher than normal withdrawal of ground water without sufficient offsetting aquifer recharge. These conditions resulted in ground water levels in the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifers dropping to levels which caused several shallower water wells in the two areas to go dry at the end of July 2011. To prevent further water level decline and reduce stress on the aquifers in these two areas, Conservation ordered water conservation measures and ground water use restrictions. Details are provided in the August 2011 Memorandum and Emergency Order No. ENV-2011-GW014. Since issuance of the Emergency Order, Conservation staff has continued to monitor hydrologic data in the region provided to our agency courtesy of the LSU Shreveport Red River Watershed Management Institute and from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) starting in September 2011. Water level data collected from the LSU-Shreveport monitoring wells located in the Areas of Interest indicate that water levels have shown recovery in all wells since June 2012. Water level data from additional observation wells measured and reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) from November 2011 through April 2013 generally reports near similar conditions as seen with the LSU-Shreveport monitor wells, i.e., water levels gradually receded through August 2012 from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012, with a gradual increasing trend through March 2013. Results of USGS observation well water levels can be viewed here and below. U. S. Drought Monitor Reports for Louisiana dated May 7, 2013 reported conditions in the areas to be "abnormally dry". The current U.S. Drought Monitor Report for Louisiana may be viewed here. The Louisiana Office of State Climatology rainfall data for the area south of Shreveport indicates monthly rainfall totals for June through October 2011 to be well below respective average monthly rainfall with the month of October 2011 reported to be 65% below the monthly average. The rainfall total for the month of November 2011 was reported to be within 9% of the monthly average and continued improvement was noted for December 2011 with a 73% increase of rainfall above the normal average. Rainfall in the area has generally improved from summer and fall 2011 rainfall totals to date. January 2013 measured rainfall was approximately 3% the average rainfall for the area, however both February, March, and April 2013 measured rainfall totals fall below each month's historic average. Since November 2011 to present, measured rainfall in the area is trending nearly consistent with the same monthly average trend shown on the graph at the link provided below. In summary, rainfall and groundwater levels have all improved during January 2013, however, rainfall during February, March and April 2013 has been reported to be less than the respective monthly rainfall averages for the area. Based on hydrologic and groundwater level results reported and evaluated during the past 18 months, the increase in groundwater levels throughout the areas of interest during January and February 2013 was expected as evidenced by similar conditions and data results reported during last winter. As also evident with past data, in the absence of any significant abnormal environmental condition(s), groundwater levels are expected to again decrease during the spring and summer. This cyclical water level rise and fall, or seasonal variation, is normal for aquifer systems such as the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace where the volumetric groundwater use is dominated by public supply and domestic purposes. Considering aquifer characteristics and predominate use, water consumption generally trends upward during months with greater hours of daylight and warmer temperatures compared with months with fewer daylight hours and cooler temperatures. The greatest uncertainty for the area is the amount of rainfall, or lack thereof, hence the possibility of the return of drought conditions in the region. Considering that rainfall averages during the past three months have fallen below respective averages and the northwest region of the state is now listed as "abnormally dry", the agency has determined that all restrictions and conditions set forth in the Emergency Order shall remain in full effect.
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| Conservation Order of Ground Water Remains in Place in South Caddo Parish >> |
| Date: April 5, 2013 Notice from DNR Office of Conservation, Commissioner James Welsh |
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On August 19, 2011, the Office of Conservation declared a temporary ground water emergency for two areas of South Caddo Parish due to exceptional drought conditions resulting in higher than normal withdrawal of ground water without sufficient offsetting aquifer recharge. These conditions resulted in ground water levels in the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifers dropping to levels which caused several shallower water wells in the two areas to go dry at the end of July 2011. To prevent further water level decline and reduce stress on the aquifers in these two areas, Conservation ordered water conservation measures and ground water use restrictions. Details are provided in the August 2011 Memorandum and Emergency Order No. ENV-2011-GW014. Since issuance of the Emergency Order, Conservation staff has continued to monitor hydrologic data in the region provided to our agency courtesy of the LSU Shreveport Red River Watershed Management Institute and from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) starting in September 2011. Water level data collected from the LSU-Shreveport monitoring wells located in the Areas of Interest indicate that water levels have shown recovery in all wells since June 2012. Water level data from additional observation wells measured and reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) from November 2011 through February 2013 generally reports near similar conditions as seen with the LSU-Shreveport monitor wells, i.e., water levels gradually receded through August 2012 from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012, with a gradual increasing trend through February 2013. Results of USGS observation well water levels can be viewed here and below. U. S. Drought Monitor Reports for Louisiana dated April 2, 2013 reported conditions in the areas to be "abnormally dry". The current U.S. Drought Monitor Report for Louisiana may be viewed here. The Louisiana Office of State Climatology rainfall data for the area south of Shreveport indicates monthly rainfall totals for June through October 2011 to be well below respective average monthly rainfall with the month of October 2011 reported to be 65% below the monthly average. The rainfall total for the month of November 2011 was reported to be within 9% of the monthly average and continued improvement was noted for December 2011 with a 73% increase of rainfall above the normal average. Rainfall in the area has generally improved from summer and fall 2011 rainfall totals to date. January 2013 measured rainfall was approximately 3% the average rainfall for the area, however both February and March 2013 measured rainfall totals fall below each month's historic average. Since November 2011 to present, measured rainfall in the area is trending nearly consistent with the same monthly average trend shown on the graph at the link provided below. In summary, rainfall and groundwater levels have all improved during January 2013, however, rainfall during February and March 2013 has been reported to be less than the respective monthly rainfall averages for the area. Based on hydrologic and groundwater level results reported and evaluated during the past 18 months, the increase in groundwater levels throughout the areas of interest during January and February 2013 was expected as evidenced by similar conditions and data results reported during last winter. As also evident with past data, in the absence of any significant abnormal environmental condition(s), groundwater levels are expected to again decrease during the spring and summer. This cyclical water level rise and fall, or seasonal variation, is normal for aquifer systems such as the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace where the volumetric groundwater use is dominated by public supply and domestic purposes. Considering aquifer characteristics and predominate use, water consumption generally trends upward during months with greater hours of daylight and warmer temperatures compared with months with fewer daylight hours and cooler temperatures. The greatest uncertainty for the area is the amount of rainfall, or lack thereof, hence the possibility of the return of drought conditions in the region. Considering that rainfall averages during the past two months have fallen below respective averages and the northwest region of the state is now listed as "abnormally dry", the agency has determined that all restrictions and conditions set forth in the Emergency Order shall remain in full effect.
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| Conservation Order of Ground Water Remains in Place in South Caddo Parish >> |
| Date: February 5, 2013 Notice from DNR Office of Conservation, Commissioner James Welsh |
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On August 19, 2011, the Office of Conservation declared a temporary ground water emergency for two areas of South Caddo Parish due to exceptional drought conditions resulting in higher than normal withdrawal of ground water without sufficient offsetting aquifer recharge. These conditions resulted in ground water levels in the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifers to drop to levels causing several shallower water wells in the two areas to go dry at the end of July 2011. To prevent further water level decline and reduce stress on the aquifers in these two areas, Conservation ordered water conservation measures and ground water use restrictions. Details are provided in the August 2011 Memorandum and Emergency Order No. ENV-2011-GW014. Since issuance of the Emergency Order, Conservation staff has continued to monitor hydrologic data in the region provided to our agency courtesy of the LSU Shreveport Red River Watershed Management Institute and from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) starting in September 2011. Water level data collected from the LSU Shreveport monitoring wells located in the Areas of Interest indicate that water levels have shown recovery in all wells since June. Water level data from additional observation wells measured and reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) from November 2011 through September 2012 generally reports near similar conditions as seen with the LSU Shreveport monitor wells, i.e., water levels have gradually receded from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012. Results of USGS observation well water levels can be viewed here and below. U. S. Drought Monitor Reports for Louisiana dated January 29, 2013 reported conditions in the areas to be "normal". The current U.S. Drought Monitor Report for Louisiana may be viewed here. The Louisiana Office of State Climatology rainfall data for the area south of Shreveport indicates monthly rainfall totals for June through October 2011 to be well below respective average monthly rainfall with the month of October 2011 reported to be 65% below the monthly average. The rainfall total for the month of November 2011 was reported to be within 9% of the monthly average and continued improvement was noted for December 2011 with a 73% increase of rainfall above the normal average. Rainfall in the area has generally improved from summer and fall 2011 rainfall totals to date. January 2013 measured rainfall was approximately 3% the average rainfall for the area. Since November 2011 to present, measured rainfall in the area is trending nearly consistent with the same monthly average trend shown on the graph at the link provided below. In summary, rainfall and groundwater levels have all improved during January 2013. Based on hydrologic and groundwater level results reported and evaluated during the past 18 months, the increase in groundwater levels throughout the area of interest in January 2013 was expected as evidenced by similar conditions and data results reported during last winter. As also evident with past data, in the absence of any significant abnormal environmental condition(s), groundwater levels are expected to again decrease during the spring and summer. This cyclical water level rise and fall, or seasonal variation, is normal for aquifer systems such as the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace where the volumetric groundwater use is dominated by public supply and domestic purposes. Considering aquifer characteristics and predominate use, water consumption generally trends upward during months with greater hours of daylight and warmer temperatures compared with months with fewer daylight hours and cooler temperatures. The greatest uncertainty for the area is the amount of rainfall, or lack thereof, hence the possibility of the return of drought conditions in the region. As such, the agency has determined that all restrictions and conditions set forth in the Emergency Order shall remain in full effect.
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| Conservation Order of Ground Water Remains in Place in South Caddo Parish >> |
| Date: December 14, 2012 Notice from DNR Office of Conservation, Commissioner James Welsh |
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On August 19, 2011, the Office of Conservation declared a temporary ground water emergency for two areas of South Caddo Parish due to exceptional drought conditions resulting in higher than normal withdrawal of ground water without sufficient offsetting aquifer recharge. These conditions resulted in ground water levels in the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifers to drop to levels causing several shallower water wells in the two areas to go dry at the end of July 2011. To prevent further water level decline and reduce stress on the aquifers in these two areas, Conservation ordered water conservation measures and ground water use restrictions. Details are provided in the August 2011 Memorandum and Emergency Order No. ENV-2011-GW014. Since issuance of the Emergency Order, Conservation staff has continued to monitor hydrologic data in the region provided to our agency courtesy of the LSU Shreveport Red River Watershed Management Institute and from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) starting in September 2011. Water level data collected from the LSU Shreveport monitoring wells located in the Areas of Interest indicate that water levels have shown recovery in all wells since June. Water level data was collected in the middle of October because a high rain event occurred after the final reading in September was taken. This was done in order to observe what kind of change in water levels a high rain event can cause in local water levels. Results of water level monitoring data are provided below. Water level data from additional observation wells measured and reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) from November 2011 through September 2012 generally reports near similar conditions as seen with the LSU Shreveport monitor wells, i.e., water levels have gradually receded from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012. Results of USGS observation well water levels can be viewed here and below. U. S. Drought Monitor Reports for Louisiana dated December 4, 2012 reported conditions in the areas to be "abnormally dry". The current U.S. Drought Monitor Report for Louisiana may be viewed here. The Louisiana Office of State Climatology rainfall data for the area south of Shreveport indicates monthly rainfall totals for June through October 2011 to be well below respective average monthly rainfall with the month of October 2011 reported to be 65% below the monthly average. The rainfall total for the month of November 2011 was reported to be within 9% of the monthly average and continued improvement was noted for December 2011 with a 73% increase of rainfall above the normal average. Rainfall in the area has generally improved from summer and fall 2011 rainfall totals to date. November 2012 measured rainfall was approximately 82% below the average rainfall for the area. Since November 2011 to present, measured rainfall in the area is trending nearly consistent with the same monthly average trend shown on the graph at the link provided below. In summary, although since November 2011 to present, aquifer water levels and measurable rainfall data have generally improved in the Shreveport area, ground water level data received during August 2012 indicate that water levels have generally held steady but have gradually receded from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012 for the time period from June 2011 to present. Water levels have resumed their increase in September and October. With regional surface conditions recently reported to be "abnormally dry" and nearby areas in north Caddo Parish reported as “abnormally dry” or "moderate drought", the Office of Conservation has determined that all restrictions and conditions of the Emergency Order shall remain in full effect and shall remain as such until otherwise notified. The agency will continue to closely and carefully monitor hydrologic conditions in the Areas of Interest to determine if and when surface and groundwater data support amending restrictions and conditions set forth in the Emergency Order and will continue to provide periodic updates. |
| Conservation Order of Ground Water Remains in Place in South Caddo Parish >> |
| Date: November 27, 2012 Notice from DNR Office of Conservation, Commissioner James Welsh |
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On August 19, 2011, the Office of Conservation declared a temporary ground water emergency for two areas of South Caddo Parish due to exceptional drought conditions resulting in higher than normal withdrawal of ground water without sufficient offsetting aquifer recharge. These conditions resulted in ground water levels in the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifers to drop to levels causing several shallower water wells in the two areas to go dry at the end of July 2011. To prevent further water level decline and reduce stress on the aquifers in these two areas, Conservation ordered water conservation measures and ground water use restrictions. Details are provided in the August 2011 Memorandum and Emergency Order No. ENV-2011-GW014. Since issuance of the Emergency Order, Conservation staff has continued to monitor hydrologic data in the region provided to our agency courtesy of the LSU Shreveport Red River Watershed Management Institute and from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) starting in September 2011. Water level data collected from the LSU Shreveport monitoring wells located in the Areas of Interest indicate that water levels have shown recovery in all wells since June. Water level data was collected in the middle of October because a high rain event occurred after the final reading in September was taken. This was done in order to observe what kind of change in water levels a high rain event can cause in local water levels. Results of water level monitoring data are provided below. Water level data from additional observation wells measured and reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) from November 2011 through September 2012 generally reports near similar conditions as seen with the LSU Shreveport monitor wells, i.e., water levels have gradually receded from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012. Results of USGS observation well water levels can be viewed here and below. U. S. Drought Monitor Reports for Louisiana dated October 30, 2012 reported conditions in the areas to be "normal". The current U.S. Drought Monitor Report for Louisiana may be viewed here. The Louisiana Office of State Climatology rainfall data for the area south of Shreveport indicates monthly rainfall totals for June through October 2011 to be well below respective average monthly rainfall with the month of October 2011 reported to be 65% below the monthly average. The rainfall total for the month of November is reported to be within 9% of the monthly average and continued improvement is noted for December with a 73% increase of rainfall above the normal average. Rainfall in the area has generally improved from summer and fall 2011 rainfall totals to date. October 2012 measured rainfall was approximately 7% below the average rainfall for the area. Since November 2011 to present, measured rainfall in the area is trending nearly consistent with the same monthly average trend shown on the graph at the link provided below. In summary, although since November 2011 to present, aquifer water levels and measurable rainfall data have generally improved in the Shreveport area, ground water level data received during August 2012 indicate that water levels have generally held steady but have gradually receded from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012 for the time period from June 2011 to present. Water levels have resumed their increase in September and October. With regional surface conditions recently reported to be "normal" and nearby areas in north Caddo Parish reported as “abnormally dry” or "moderate drought", the Office of Conservation has determined that all restrictions and conditions of the Emergency Order shall remain in full effect and shall remain as such until otherwise notified. The agency will continue to closely and carefully monitor hydrologic conditions in the Areas of Interest to determine if and when surface and groundwater data support amending restrictions and conditions set forth in the Emergency Order and will continue to provide periodic updates.
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| Conservation Order of Ground Water Remains in Place in South Caddo Parish >> |
| Date: September 7, 2012 Notice from DNR Office of Conservation, Commissioner James Welsh |
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On August 19, 2011, the Office of Conservation declared a temporary ground water emergency for two areas of South Caddo Parish due to exceptional drought conditions resulting in higher than normal withdrawal of ground water without sufficient offsetting aquifer recharge. These conditions resulted in ground water levels in the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifers to drop to levels causing several shallower water wells in the two areas to go dry at the end of July 2011. To prevent further water level decline and reduce stress on the aquifers in these two areas, Conservation ordered water conservation measures and ground water use restrictions. Details are provided in the August 2011 Memorandum and Emergency Order No. ENV-2011-GW014. Since issuance of the Emergency Order, Conservation staff has continued to monitor hydrologic data in the region provided to our agency courtesy of the LSU Shreveport Red River Watershed Management Institute and from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) starting in September 2011. After having sustained an continuous upward trend for over 85 consecutive days above their respective water levels reported on June 28, 2011, ground water level data received on September 5, 2012 collected from the LSU Shreveport monitoring wells located in the Areas of Interest indicate that water levels have shown recovery in two wells, and a continued gradual recession from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012 for the time period from June 2011 to present, in another. Results of water level monitoring data are provided below. Water level data from additional observation wells measured and reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) from November 2011 through September 2012 generally reports near similar conditions as seen with the LSU Shreveport monitor wells, i.e., water levels have gradually receded from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012. Results of USGS observation well water levels can be viewed here and below. U. S. Drought Monitor Reports for Louisiana dated September 4, 2012 reported conditions in the areas to be "abnormally dry". The current U.S. Drought Monitor Report for Louisiana may be viewed here. The Louisiana Office of State Climatology rainfall data for the area south of Shreveport indicates monthly rainfall totals for June through October 2011 to be well below respective average monthly rainfall with the month of October 2011 reported to be 65% below the monthly average. The rainfall total for the month of November is reported to be within 9% of the monthly average and continued improvement is noted for December with a 73% increase of rainfall above the normal average. Rainfall in the area has generally improved from summer and fall 2011 rainfall totals to date. August 2012 measured rainfall was approximately 23% above the average rainfall for the area. Since November 2011 to present, measured rainfall in the area is trending nearly consistent with the same monthly average trend shown on the graph at the link provided below. In summary, although since November 2011 to present, aquifer water levels and measurable rainfall data have generally improved in the Shreveport area, ground water level data received during August 2012 indicate that water levels have generally held steady but have gradually receded from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012 for the time period from June 2011 to present. With regional surface conditions recently reported to be "abnormally dry" and nearby areas in north Caddo Parish reported as “moderate drought”, the Office of Conservation has determined that all restrictions and conditions of the Emergency Order shall remain in full effect and shall remain as such until otherwise notified. The agency will continue to closely and carefully monitor hydrologic conditions in the Areas of Interest to determine if and when surface and groundwater data support amending restrictions and conditions set forth in the Emergency Order and will continue to provide periodic updates.
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| Conservation Order of Ground Water Remains in Place in South Caddo Parish >> |
| Date: Friday, August 3, 2012 Notice from DNR Office of Conservation, Commissioner James Welsh |
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On August 19, 2011, the Office of Conservation declared a temporary ground water emergency for two areas of South Caddo Parish due to exceptional drought conditions resulting in higher than normal withdrawal of ground water without sufficient offsetting aquifer recharge. These conditions resulted in ground water levels in the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifers to drop to levels causing several shallower water wells in the two areas to go dry at the end of July 2011. To prevent further water level decline and reduce stress on the aquifers in these two areas, Conservation ordered water conservation measures and ground water use restrictions. Details are provided in the August 2011 Memorandum and Emergency Order No. ENV-2011-GW014. Since issuance of the Emergency Order, Conservation staff has continued to monitor hydrologic data in the region provided to our agency courtesy of the LSU Shreveport Red River Watershed Management Institute and from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) starting in September 2012. After having sustained an continuous upward trend for over 85 consecutive days above their respective water levels reported on June 28, 2011, ground water level data received on July 3rd and 31st, 2012 collected from the LSU Shreveport monitoring wells located in the Areas of Interest indicate that water levels have continued their gradual recession from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012 for the time period from June 2011 to present. Results of water level monitoring data are provided below. Water level data from additional observation wells measured and reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) from November 2011 through May 2012 generally reports near similar conditions as seen with the LSU Shreveport monitor wells, i.e., water levels have gradually receded from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012. Results of USGS observation well water levels can be viewed below. U. S. Drought Monitor Reports for Louisiana dated June 19, 2012 reported conditions in the areas to be "abnormally dry". The most recent Drought Monitor Report for Louisiana may be viewed here. The Louisiana Office of State Climatology rainfall data for the area south of Shreveport indicates monthly rainfall totals for June through October 2011 to be well below respective average monthly rainfall with the month of October 2011 reported to be 65% below the monthly average. The rainfall total for the month of November is reported to be within 9% of the monthly average and continued improvement is noted for December with a 73% increase of rainfall above the normal average. Rainfall in the area has generally improved from summer and fall 2011 rainfall totals to date. June 2012 rainfall was approximately 2% above the monthly average. Measured rainfall for July 2012 in the south Shreveport area has continued to improve, exceeding the monthly average by 44%. Since November 2011 to present, measured rainfall in the area is trending nearly consistent with the same monthly average trend shown on the graph at the link provided below. In summary, although since November 2011 to present, aquifer water levels and measurable rainfall data have generally improved in the Shreveport area, ground water level data received during June and July 2012 indicate that water levels have gradually receded from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012 for the time period from June 2011 to present. With regional surface conditions recently reported to be "abnormally dry" and nearby areas in north Caddo Parish reported as “moderate to severe drought”, the Office of Conservation has determined that all restrictions and conditions of the Emergency Order shall remain in full effect and shall remain as such until otherwise notified. The agency will continue to closely and carefully monitor hydrologic conditions in the Areas of Interest to determine if and when surface and groundwater data support amending restrictions and conditions set forth in the Emergency Order and will continue to provide periodic updates. |
| Conservation Order of Ground Water Remains in Place in South Caddo Parish >> |
| Date: Thursday, June 21, 2012 Notice from DNR Office of Conservation, Commissioner James Welsh |
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On August 19, 2011, the Office of Conservation declared a temporary ground water emergency for two areas of South Caddo Parish due to exceptional drought conditions resulting in higher than normal withdrawal of ground water without sufficient offsetting aquifer recharge. These conditions resulted in ground water levels in the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifers to drop to levels causing several shallower water wells in the two areas to go dry at the end of July 2011. To prevent further water level decline and reduce stress on the aquifers in these two areas, Conservation ordered water conservation measures and ground water use restrictions. Details are provided in the August 2011 Memorandum and Emergency Order No. ENV-2011-GW014. Since issuance of the Emergency Order, Conservation staff has continued to monitor hydrologic data in the region provided to our agency courtesy of the LSU Shreveport Red River Watershed Management Institute and from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) starting in September 2012. After having sustained an continuous upward trend for over 85 consecutive days above their respective water levels reported on June 28, 2011, ground water level data received on May 1st and 30th, 2012 collected from the LSU Shreveport monitoring wells located in the Areas of Interest indicate that water levels have gradually receded from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012 for the time period from June 2011 to present. Results of water level monitoring data are provided below. Water level data from additional observation wells measured and reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) from November 2011 through May 2012 generally reports near similar conditions as seen with the LSU Shreveport monitor wells, i.e., water levels have gradually receded from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012. Results of USGS observation well water levels can be viewed here and below. U. S. Drought Monitor Reports for Louisiana dated June 19, 2012 reported conditions in the areas to be "abnormally dry". The June 19, 2012 U.S. Drought Monitor Report for Louisiana may be viewed here. The Louisiana Office of State Climatology rainfall data for the area south of Shreveport indicates monthly rainfall totals for June through October 2011 to be well below respective average monthly rainfall with the month of October 2011 reported to be 65% below the monthly average. The rainfall total for the month of November is reported to be within 9% of the monthly average and continued improvement is noted for December with a 73% increase of rainfall above the normal average. Although rainfall in the area has generally improved from summer and fall 2011 rainfall totals to date, May 2012 rainfall fell approximately 80% below the monthly average. Measured rainfall from June 1st to June 18th, 2012 in the south Shreveport area has improved slightly exceeding the monthly average by 2% with 12 reporting days remaining in the month. Since November 2011 to present, measured rainfall in the area is trending nearly consistent with the same monthly average trend shown on the graph at the link provided below. In summary, although since November 2011 to present, aquifer water levels and measurable rainfall data have generally improved in the Shreveport area, ground water level data received during May 2012 indicate that water levels have gradually receded from their respective high water level marks recorded in April 2012 for the time period from June 2011 to present. Having received only slightly above 1 inch of rain during May 2012 with regional surface conditions recently reported to be "abnormally dry", the Office of Conservation has determined that all restrictions and conditions of the Emergency Order shall remain in full effect and shall remain as such until otherwise notified. The agency will continue to closely and carefully monitor hydrologic conditions in the Areas of Interest to determine if and when surface and groundwater data support amending restrictions and conditions set forth in the Emergency Order and will continue to provide periodic updates. |
| Conservation Order of Ground Water Remains in Place in South Caddo Parish >> |
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Date: Friday, May 11, 2012 |
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On August 19, 2011, the Office of Conservation declared a temporary ground water emergency for two areas of South Caddo Parish due to exceptional drought conditions resulting in higher than normal withdrawal of ground water without sufficient offsetting aquifer recharge. These conditions have resulted in ground water levels in the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifers to drop to levels causing several shallower water wells in the two areas to go dry at the end of July 2011. To prevent further water level decline and reduce stress on the aquifers in these two areas, Conservation ordered water conservation measures and ground water use restrictions. Details are provided in the August 2011 Memorandum and Emergency Order No. ENV-2011-GW014. Since issuance of the Emergency Order, Conservation staff has continued to monitor hydrologic data in the region provided to our agency courtesy of the LSU Shreveport Red River Watershed Management Institute and from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) starting in September 2012. After having sustained an continuous upward trend for over 85 consecutive days above their respective water levels reported on June 28, 2011, ground water level data received on May 1, 2012 collected from the LSU Shreveport monitoring wells located in the Areas of Interest indicate that the water levels have generally stabilized holding near previously reported levels or showing only slightly lower water levels. Results of water level monitoring data are provided below. Water level data from additional observation wells measured and reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) from November 2011 through April 2012 reports similar conditions as seen with the LSU Shreveport monitor wells, i.e., water levels in the area generally appear to be stabilizing. Results of USGS observation well water levels can be viewed here and below. U. S. Drought Monitor Reports for Louisiana dated from March 27, 2012 to May 8, 2012 reported improved conditions in the areas having been upgraded from "moderate" drought to "abnormally dry" or no drought conditions on March 27, 2012 to presently no drought for the entire region. The May 8, 2012 U.S. Drought Monitor Report for Louisiana may be viewed here. The Louisiana Office of State Climatology rainfall data for the area south of Shreveport indicates monthly rainfall totals for June through October 2011 to be well below respective average monthly rainfall with the month of October 2011 reported to be 65% below the monthly average. The rainfall total for the month of November is reported to be within 9% of the monthly average and continued improvement is noted for December with a 73% increase of rainfall above the normal average. Rainfall in the area continued to show marked improvement from summer and fall 2011 rainfall totals during January and February 2012 falling only slightly below respective historical monthly averages respectively reported to be 32% and 13% below their monthly averages. March 2012 rainfall far exceeded the monthly average with a reported increase of 90% with April 2012 rainfall falling only 23% below the monthly average. Since November 2011 to present, measured rainfall in the area is trending nearly consistent with the same monthly average trend. Additionally, the rainfall trend reported during the past 6 months is averaging notably higher than the respective historical monthly average trend as depicted in the rainfall trend graph at the link provided below. In summary, since November 2011 to present, aquifer water levels and measurable rainfall data have shown marked improvement in the Shreveport area. Aquifer water levels measured in late April 2012 in the area show either a slight decline or very little change from levels derived from the previous month. The Region is no longer considered to be in a drought. The Office of Conservation will continue to closely and carefully monitor hydrologic conditions in the Areas of Interest to determine if and when surface and groundwater data support amending restrictions and conditions set forth in the Emergency Order. At this time and until otherwise notified, all restrictions and conditions of the Emergency Order shall remain in full effect. The agency will continue to provide periodic updates. |
| Conservation Order of Ground Water Remains in Place in South Caddo Parish >> |
| Date: Thursday, April 5, 2012 Notice from DNR Office of Conservation, Commissioner James Welsh |
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On August 19, 2011, the Office of Conservation declared a temporary ground water emergency for two areas of South Caddo Parish due to exceptional drought conditions resulting in higher than normal withdrawal of ground water without sufficient offsetting aquifer recharge. These conditions have resulted in ground water levels in the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifers to drop to levels causing several shallower water wells in the two areas to go dry at the end of July 2011. To prevent further water level decline and reduce stress on the aquifers in these two areas, Conservation ordered water conservation measures and ground water use restrictions. Details are provided in the August 2011 Memorandum and Emergency Order No. ENV-2011-GW014. Since issuance of the Emergency Order, Conservation staff has continued to monitor hydrologic data in the region provided to our agency courtesy of the LSU Shreveport Red River Watershed Management Institute. Review of the ground water level data received on April 2, 2012 collected from the LSU Shreveport monitoring wells located in the Areas of Interest verifies that water levels continue to increase trending definitively upward since November 2011 for over 150 days. More specifically, the LSU Shreveport water level data indicates water levels at all four monitored locations continue to trend upward for over 85 consecutive days above their respective water levels reported on June 28, 2011. Results of water level monitoring data are provided below. Water level data from 4 additional observation wells measured and reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) during January, February and March, 2012 confirms that water level conditions in the region are continuing to improve. Results of USGS observation well water levels can be viewed here. The most recent U. S. Drought Monitor Report for Louisiana dated March 27, 2012 indicates drought conditions no longer exist having been upgraded from "moderate" drought to "abnormally dry" or no drought conditions for the region. The March 27, 2012 U.S. Drought Monitor Report for Louisiana may be viewed here. The Louisiana Office of State Climatology rainfall data for the area south of Shreveport indicates monthly rainfall totals for June through October 2011 to be well below respective average monthly rainfall with the month of October 2011 reported to be 65% below the monthly average. The rainfall total for the month of November is reported to be within 9% of the monthly average and continued improvement is noted for December with a 73% increase of rainfall above the normal average. Rainfall in the area continued to show marked improvement from summer and fall 2011 rainfall totals during January and February 2012 falling only slightly below respective historical monthly averages respectively reported to be 32% and 13% below their monthly averages. March 2012 rainfall far exceeded the monthly average with a reported increase of 90%. Since November 2011 to present, measured rainfall in the area is trending upward currently at a rate of nearly 40% above the historical monthly average trend during these past 5 months. In summary, aquifer water levels and measurable rainfall data continue to show marked improvement in the Shreveport area. Most of the region is no longer considered to be in a drought. The Office of Conservation will continue to closely and carefully monitor hydrologic conditions in the Areas of Interest to determine if and when surface and groundwater data support amending restrictions and conditions set forth in the Emergency Order. At this time and until otherwise notified, all restrictions and conditions of the Emergency Order shall remain in full effect. The agency will continue to provide periodic updates. |
| Conservation Order of Ground Water Remains in Place in South Caddo Parish >> |
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Date: Friday, February 28, 2012 |
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On August 19, 2011, the Office of Conservation declared a temporary ground water emergency for two areas of South Caddo Parish due to exceptional drought conditions resulting in higher than normal withdrawal of ground water without sufficient offsetting aquifer recharge. These conditions have resulted in ground water levels in the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifers to drop to levels causing several shallower water wells in the two areas to go dry at the end of July 2011. To prevent further water level decline and reduce stress on the aquifers in these two areas, Conservation ordered water conservation measures and ground water use restrictions. Details are provided in the August 2011 Memorandum and Emergency Order No. ENV-2011-GW014. Since issuance of the Emergency Order, Conservation staff has continued to monitor hydrologic data in the region provided to our agency courtesy of the LSU Shreveport Red River Watershed Management Institute. Review of the ground water level data received on February 6, 2012 collected from the LSU Shreveport monitoring wells located in the Areas of Interest indicate that water levels from November 2012 to present continue to show a gradual upward trend. Water level data reported during January and February 2012 indicate that water levels at all four monitored locations have risen above water levels reported on June 28, 2011. Results of water level monitoring data are provided below. The most recent U. S. Drought Monitor Report for Louisiana dated February 22, 2012 indicates drought conditions continue to improve in the areas of interest having been upgraded from "extreme" to "severe". The February 22, 2012 U.S. Drought Monitor Report for Louisiana may be viewed here. The Louisiana Office of State Climatology rainfall data for the area south of Shreveport indicates monthly rainfall totals for June through October 2011 to be well below respective average monthly rainfall with the month of October 2011 reported to be 65% below the monthly average. The rainfall total for the month of November is reported to be within 9% of the monthly average and continued improvement is noted for December with a 73% increase of rainfall above the normal average. Although rainfall in the area continues to show marked improvement from summer and fall 2011 rainfall totals, rainfall reported for January 2012 fell 32% below the monthly average and February totals to date are reported to be 13% below the monthly average. Shreveport area rainfall data trends are illustrated in the chart below. In summary, although aquifer water levels and measurable rainfall data continue to show signs of improvement, severe drought conditions are expected to continue to place high groundwater demands on the aquifer systems underlying the areas of interest. The Office of Conservation will continue to closely monitor hydrologic conditions in the Areas of Interest and periodically provide updates on the same. All restrictions and conditions set forth in the Emergency Order shall remain in full effect at this time and until further notice. |
| Conservation Order of Ground Water Remains in Place in South Caddo Parish >> |
| Date: Friday, December 22, 2011 Notice from DNR Office of Conservation, Commissioner James Welsh |
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On August 19, 2011, the Office of Conservation declared a temporary ground water emergency for two areas of South Caddo Parish due to exceptional drought conditions resulting in higher than normal withdrawal of ground water without sufficient offsetting aquifer recharge. These conditions have resulted in ground water levels in the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifers to drop to levels causing several shallower water wells in the two areas to go dry at the end of July 2011. To prevent further water level decline and reduce stress on the aquifers in these two areas, Conservation ordered water conservation measures and ground water use restrictions. Details are provided in the August 2011 Memorandum and Emergency Order No. ENV-2011-GW014. Since issuance of the Emergency Order, Conservation staff has continued to monitor hydrologic data in the region provided to our agency courtesy of the LSU Shreveport Red River Watershed Management Institute. Review of the latest ground water level data collected on December 5, 2011 from the LSU Shreveport monitoring wells located in the Areas of Interest indicate that water levels during the month of November have risen to levels slightly above or very near water levels reported on June 28, 2011 from each respective well. U. S. Drought Monitor Reports for Louisiana dated December 6th, 13th, and 20th, 2011 indicate drought conditions remain in the area. The area is currently classified as experiencing "extreme" drought conditions improving from the previously reported classification of "exceptional". The Louisiana Office of State Climatology rainfall data for the area south of Shreveport indicates monthly rainfall totals for June through October 2011 to be well below respective average monthly rainfall with the month of October 2011 reported to be 65% below the monthly average. However, the rainfall total for the month of November is reported to be within 9% of the monthly average. Continuing this trend to date, rainfall during the month of December is reported to be within 8% of the normal average December rainfall for the area. In summary, although aquifer water levels and measurable rainfall data have recently shown encouraging signs of improvement, extreme drought conditions are expected to continue to place high groundwater demands on the aquifer systems underlying the areas of interest. The Office of Conservation will continue to closely monitor hydrologic conditions in the Areas of Interest and periodically provide updates on the same. All restrictions and conditions set forth in the Emergency Order shall remain in full effect at this time and until further notice. |
| Conservation Order of Ground Water Remains in Place in South Caddo Parish >> |
| Date: Friday, November 3, 2011 Notice from DNR Office of Conservation, Commissioner James Welsh |
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On August 19, 2011, the Office of Conservation declared a temporary ground water emergency for two areas of South Caddo Parish due to exceptional drought conditions resulting in higher than normal withdrawal of ground water without sufficient offsetting aquifer recharge. These conditions have resulted in ground water levels in the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifers to drop to levels causing several shallower water wells in the two areas to go dry at the end of July 2011. To prevent further water level decline and reduce stress on the aquifers in these two areas, Conservation ordered water conservation measures and ground water use restrictions. Details are provided in the August 2011 Memorandum and Emergency Order No. ENV-2011-GW014. Since issuance of the Emergency Order, Conservation staff has continued to monitor hydrologic data in the region provided to our agency courtesy of the LSU Shreveport Red River Watershed Management Institute. Review of the latest ground water level data collected on October 28, 2011 from the LSU Shreveport monitoring wells located in the Areas of Interest indicate that water levels continue to remain significantly below water levels reported on June 28, 2011 from each respective well. The latest U. S. Drought Monitor Report for Louisiana dated October 25, 2011 indicates that exceptional drought conditions continue to remain in effect for the region where the Areas of Interest are located. The Louisiana Office of State Climatology rainfall data for the area south of Shreveport indicates monthly rainfall totals for June through October 2011 to be well below respective average monthly rainfall with the month of October 2011 reported to be 65% below the monthly average. In summary, conditions continue to remain unfavorable to suspend or rescind the Emergency Order and there are no indications that any amendments or further restrictions are necessary at this time. The Office of Conservation will continue to closely monitor hydrologic conditions in the Areas of Interest and periodically provide updates on the same. The Emergency Order remains in full effect until further notice. |
| Conservation Order of Ground Water Remains in Place in South Caddo Parish >> |
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Date: Friday, September 30, 2011 |
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On August 19, 2011, the Office of Conservation declared a temporary ground water emergency for two areas of South Caddo Parish due to exceptional drought conditions resulting in higher than normal withdrawal of ground water without sufficient offsetting aquifer recharge. These conditions have resulted in ground water levels in the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifers to drop to levels causing several shallower water wells in the two areas to go dry at the end of July 2011. To prevent further water level decline and reduce stress on the aquifers in these two areas, Conservation ordered water conservation measures and ground water use restrictions. Details are provided in the August 2011 Memorandum and Emergency Order No. ENV-2011-GW014. Since issuance of the Emergency Order, Conservation staff has continued to monitor hydrologic data in the region. The most recent ground water level data collected on September 2, 2011 from LSU Shreveport monitoring wells located in the Areas of Interest indicate that water levels remain significantly below water levels reported on June 28, 2011 from each respective well. The latest U. S. Drought Monitor Report for Louisiana dated September 20, 2011 indicates that exceptional drought conditions remain in effect for the region where the Areas of Interest are located. The Louisiana Office of State Climatology rainfall data for the area south of Shreveport indicates monthly rainfall totals for June, July and August 2011 to be well below respective average monthly rainfall with the month of August 2011 reported to be 81% below the monthly average. In summary, conditions remain unfavorable to suspend or rescind the Emergency Order and there are no indications that any amendments or further restrictions are necessary at this time. The Emergency Order remains in full effect until further notice. |
| DNR Declares Ground Water Emergency in Parts of Southern Caddo Parish >> |
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Date: Friday, August 19, 2011 |
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Water Conservation Measures Prescribed to Mitigate Further Stress to Aquifers BATON ROUGE - Today, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Office of Conservation issued an Emergency Order in response to effects of the extended drought conditions on the water supply in southern Caddo parish. Emergency Order No. ENV-2011-GW014 declares a temporary ground water emergency in accordance with LSA R.S. 38:3097.3.C(8) and the August 15, 2009 Ground Water Emergency Response Contingency Plan to implement water conservation measures and limit use of Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifer system ground water withdrawn from industrial, irrigation, domestic and public supply water wells located in certain areas in South Caddo Parish during extended extraordinary drought conditions. The National Drought Mitigation Center's U.S. Drought Monitor has designated South Caddo Parish an area experiencing moderate to exceptional drought conditions for nearly 15 consecutive months beginning on May 18, 2010. "As the Department of Natural Resources is charged with managing our state's abundant natural resources, it is prudent that we take the necessary steps to conserve and protect the water supply for this region that has been adversely affected by prolonged drought," said DNR Secretary Scott A. Angelle. The Order, which focuses on two Areas of Interest in South Caddo Parish, prescribes specific water conservation measures to be implemented immediately in order to mitigate further stress to the Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace aquifers that supply water for those areas. The Areas of Interest include Keithville and the Ellerbe Road area south of Shreveport. The populations of these areas depend on the Carrizo-Wilcox and/or Upland Terrace aquifer systems for drinking water and domestic use. "The aquifer systems rely on rainfall for recharge and replenishment and the prolonged drought conditions have placed an excessive burden on the systems this year," noted Commissioner of Conservation Jim Welsh. "Everyone in north Louisiana is urged to help conserve our ground water resources, especially now that weather conditions have necessitated the need for this order which declares a water emergency for portions of the Carrizo-Wilcox and the Upland Terrace systems," Welsh said. United States Geological Survey (USGS) data indicates that the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer system is an aquifer system that generally produces water suitable for drinking water purposes and is currently being used predominately for domestic and public water supply in mostly rural areas of Northwest Louisiana. However, water production from the aquifer system is reported to be physically restricted due to the aquifer's discontinuous nature and typically thin, lenticular and fine textured sand beds. The Upland Terrace aquifer system is generally unconfined or partially confined and consists of high yield sands and gravels that are rapidly recharged by direct infiltration of rainfall. The Upland Terrace aquifer in the Ellerbe Road area is suitable for drinking water purposes and is currently being used for domestic water supply. The Order allows for continued use of ground water for human consumption and agricultural purposes. Prescribed water conservation measures outlined in the Order include limitations on residential lawn and golf course fairway watering, washing of vehicles and equipment beyond what is necessary to achieve proper maintenance, the filling of ponds for aesthetic purposes, and the filling of pools beyond maintenance purposes. Industrial wells are prohibited from withdrawing water beyond what is necessary for human consumptive and agricultural purposes, and may not exceed withdrawal of 300 gallons per day for any other reason without prior authorization from the Commissioner of Conservation. The Order will remain in effect until the Office of Conservation has sound and objective information indicating conditions of the aquifers have improved and no longer pose a significant risk of adverse impact to the aquifers or existing water wells. The Office of Conservation will routinely inspect the Areas of Interest for compliance and will report findings to the Commissioner of Conservation in order for the Commissioner to take any actions deemed necessary. Any instances of non-compliance may be reported to DNR's Office of Conservation to 225.342.8244. "The Caddo Parish Commission fully supports the efforts of the Department of Natural Resources in preserving and protecting the water resources that are of vital importance to this area," said Woody Wilson, Caddo Parish Administrator. "I appreciate that Secretary Angelle and DNR have acted quickly and responsibly in responding to the water supply situation in Northwest Louisiana, particularly in southern Caddo parish." "I appreciate DNR being so responsive to the needs of the citizens in the Ellerbe Road area," said Mike Thibodeaux, Caddo Parish Commissioner District 9. "We want the public to understand that conservation is needed right now. Hopefully we'll get some rain soon that will replenish the aquifers, but until then conservation will be the top priority." "I can't express how urgent and important water conservation is for this district. Every day there seems to be another well going dry," said Jim Smith, Caddo Parish Commissioner District 11. "We need all citizens to cooperate and help with this problem." In addition to the measures prescribed in the Order, DNR recommends taking the following steps to conserve household water:
For more information on ground water conservation, please visit www.dnr.louisiana.gov/groundwaterconservation |
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Gary Snellgrove voice (225) 342-8244 |
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