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Planning and Assessment
Planning and assessments are essential tools for managing environmental programs across the state. This section provides information on assessment and monitoring programs, how data is collected and analyzed, and monitoring activities at sample sites. By combining program planning with scientific assessments, the agency ensures that decisions are based on reliable information and that environmental goals are met.
Introduction
The Aquifer Evaluation and Protection Unit monitors the quality of Louisiana’s ground water and protects the aquifers and surface waterbodies used by public water systems. A statewide network of water wells are routinely sampled while proactive pollution and prevention measures like identifying potential sources of contamination and public education are utilized. Funding is provided by the Clean Water Act and the 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program.
Wellhead Protection
Source Water Assessment
Drinking Water Protection
Introduction
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality oversees the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). This program supports communities by providing low‑interest loans to help improve local water systems. All funded projects must follow the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act.
The CWSRF receives money from federal grants as well as interest and repayments from past loans. When loans are paid back, the funds are reused, allowing the program to continue supporting clean water projects throughout Louisiana for years to come.
Introduction
Nonpoint Source Pollution Control
Louisiana's Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Program is managed by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), and is a collaborative effort that includes many partners. NPS is a type of water pollution that is not generated from a discrete conveyance, such as a discharge pipe, but is generated during rainfall events. NPS pollution is the largest remaining type of water pollution that needs to be addressed within Louisiana and across the nation in order to restore the designated uses to the impaired waterbodies.
New Vision Approach to the TMDL Program
The original LDEQ program, referred to as the TMDL program, was established by the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) in the 1970s. At that time, it documented that states must assess all waterbodies and prioritize impaired waterbodies for TMDL development. The Long-Term Vision for Assessment, Restoration, and Protection Program, also referred to as the New Vision approach, has since been implemented under the CWA 303(d) program. The primary goals of the New Vision approach include prioritization, assessment, protection, alternatives, engagement, and integration to achieve water quality goals. LDEQ hopes the new approach will guide the realization of our clean water goals in a manner that recognizes lessons learned from the past two decades of CWA 303(d) program implementation while addressing new challenges with innovative solutions.
Water Quality Standards and Assessment
LDEQ has established Water Quality Standards and designated uses for state waters including primary and secondary contact recreation, drinking water, fish and wildlife propagation, oyster propagation, agriculture, outstanding natural resource waters, and limited aquatic life and wildlife. Narrative and numerical criteria for chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of the waters have been established in LAC Title 33, Part IX, Chapter 11 (LAC 33:IX. Chapter 11) to support the designated uses.