NEWS
Comments are due October 15 on a draft that would broaden the definition of large-volume wells.
By Kim M. Braud | October 5, 2026
Louisiana residents and organizations have until the close of business October 15, 2026, to comment on proposed changes to the state’s groundwater regulations, according to the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy.
The department is seeking initial feedback on a draft that would consolidate rules covering groundwater management, well construction, plugging and abandonment, and the Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District. Those regulations currently appear in several sections of the Louisiana Administrative Code.
One proposed change would lower the production-capacity threshold for a “large volume well” from 1,500 to 300 gallons per minute. The definition would also include wells with screens at least eight inches in diameter.
Other proposed revisions address variance requests, geographic areas designated for investigation and restrictions on wells screened or perforated into more than one distinct aquifer.
The changes remain proposals under review. Residents, well owners, drillers and other interested in providing written comment or other feedback on the proposed rule changes do so through the Rule Comment Webpage (https://www.dce.louisiana.gov/form/rulemaking-comments) or by email to cerulecomments@stateofla.onmicrosoft.com. All comments must be received by the close of business on October 15, 2026.
Kim M. Braud is the Founder & Editor of Evans Cutchmore Press, an independent newsroom covering Louisiana and the Gulf South. Her reporting focuses on government accountability, infrastructure, business, culture, and the public policies that shape communities.
© 2026 Evans Cutchmore Press. All rights reserved.
