The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Jerry G. Jones.
DIGEST
Claitor (SB 634)
Proposed law creates Louisiana Water Code.
Proposed law provides that the Legislature finds there is a significant public interest and need for
the development of a comprehensive water code to govern Louisiana's water resources and their
use. This includes surface water, groundwater, the nature and scope of riparian rights, and the
need for the state to successfully manage and conserve its water resources.
Proposed law further provides that, to that end, the Louisiana State Law Institute is hereby
directed to form a Water Code Committee. The committee shall be an interdisciplinary
committee, and shall include academicians, practitioner, scientists with expertise in hydrology,
and government representatives with expertise in Louisiana's water resources and the state's
existing administrative system of water management.
Proposed law further provides that not later than January 1, 2017, the Water Code Committee
shall present proposed legislation to the Legislature providing for comprehensive Water Code
provisions governing Louisiana's water resources and their use. The Water Code shall include
and address surface water, groundwater, the nature and scope of riparian rights, and the
management and conservation of water resources by the state.
Proposed law also provides certain limits on the use of groundwater. Provides that Article IX,
Section 1 of the Constitution of Louisiana mandates that the legislature shall enact laws to
protect, conserve and replenish the natural resources of the state, specifically water. The
legislature must ensure that the groundwater of the state is conserved and replenished for future
generations. In order to accomplish such constitutional requirement, the legislature must be
diligent in enacting legislation that will accomplish the purposes of the constitutional
requirement.
Proposed law provides that from August 1, 2017, to July 31, 2018, the commissioner of
conservation shall not authorize, issue or reissue any permit which allows the use or withdrawal
of 40 million gallons or more of groundwater per day. From August 1, 2018, to July 31, 2019, the
commissioner shall not authorize, issue or reissue any permit which allows the use or withdrawal
of 35 million gallons or more of groundwater per day. From August 1, 2019, to July 31, 2020, the
commissioner shall not authorize, issue or reissue any permit which allows the use or withdrawal
of 30 million gallons or more of groundwater per day. Beginning August 1, 2020, the
commissioner shall not authorize, issue or reissue any permit which allows the use or withdrawal
of 25 million gallons or more of groundwater per day. Proposed law also provides that such
prohibitions shall not apply to agricultural or residential uses. Effective August 1, 2014.
(Adds R.S. 9:1116.1-1116.3)