Water, both above and below ground, is Louisiana's most abundant resource. Approximately 11% of the total surface area of the state is composed of water bodies. The state has more than 40,000 linear miles of rivers, streams and bayous and 400 miles of coastline. Not only is water Louisiana's most abundant resource, it is also the most important. Virtually every aspect of the state's economy can be tied to the orderly control and development of this resource. Louisiana is the terminal point for the largest capacity inland waterway system in the world - The Mississippi River and its Tributaries - and is the connection point of that navigation artery with the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway system.

Aquifers containing fresh ground water of good quality and quantity underlie much of the state. According to water use in Louisiana, 2000, Ground water provides about 77% of the water for irrigation uses and 47% of the public supply uses statewide. Eighty-five percent of public-supply systems use ground water as its source. Most industries and all rural users depend on ground water. In many areas of the state, aquifers yield good quality water that can be used with little or no treatment.

Almost half of the state's major agencies are involved in projects that protect or control Louisiana's water resources. They are: Agriculture and Forestry; Culture, Recreation and Tourism; Economic Development; Environmental Quality; Health and Hospitals; Natural Resources; Public Service Commission; Transportation and Development; and Wildlife and Fisheries. There are also regional and local governmental entities such as levee districts, water management districts, municipalities, and police juries actively involved in the development of Louisiana's water resources.

Water Resources activities have historically been centered around flood control efforts such as levees and flood control structures. Because of state and federal agencies efforts, 75% of Louisiana's population and 60% of the state's agricultural products are protected by levees.

Public Works and Water Resources Division (PW&WR) is required by law to provide engineering and technical assistance services to local and state entities to guide the orderly development of ground and surface water resources. This division is also given statewide responsibility to provide for the effective administration and implementation of public works for flood control, dam safety, water management programs and projects related to controlling, developing, conserving and protecting Louisiana's vast water resources, both ground and surface water, to meet the current and future needs of the citizens of the state. In doing this, PW&WR has been directed by the Legislature to develop a plan to ensure that the water resources related efforts of all local, state and federal agencies are compatible and are each an effective piece of the overall plan.

Requests for services should be made in writing to the attention of the contact person as listed in each program description and should be mailed to:

Mr. Edmond J. Preau, Jr., P.E.
Assistant Secretary
Office of Public Works and Intermodal Transportation
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Post Office Box 94245
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804