TITLE:
Assessing the Impact of Population Growth in Louisiana on Diminishing Water Quantity and Quality within the State
AUTHORS:
Yaw A. Twumasi, Edmund C. Merem, Zhu H. Ning, Harriet B. Yeboah, Jeff D. Osei, Priscilla M. Loh, Dorcas T. Gyan, Esi Dadzie, Vanessa Ferchaud, Matilda Anokye, Recheal N. D. Armah, Janeth E. Mjema, Lucinda A. Kangwana
KEYWORDS:
Groundwater, Surface Water, Trophic State, Water Resources, Climate Change, Urbanization
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Water Resource and Protection,
Vol.16 No.11,
November
28,
2024
ABSTRACT: This study explores the intricate relationship between population growth and water resource management in Louisiana, emphasizing the spatial distribution of water quality. Human activities, particularly urbanization, have significantly impacted the state’s water resources, with population growth driving increased water withdrawals for public supply, industry, and power generation. By employing a Geographic Information System (GIS)-centered approach, this research utilizes Louisiana’s census data from 1999 to 2020 to illustrate population shifts and their effects on water resource distribution. The study also incorporated advanced remote sensing techniques, using Sentinel 2 imagery to assess the water quality through the Trophic State Index (TSI). The TSI, calculated based on the near-infrared (NIR) and Red bands of Sentinel-2 imagery, provided a nuanced understanding of the nutrient levels and clarity/ quality of water bodies across the state. The study reveals a significant correlation between population density and water withdrawals, with higher populations leading to greater extraction from both groundwater and surface water sources. For instance, densely populated parishes like East Baton Rouge and Orleans showed substantially higher water withdrawals for public supply, industry, and power generation compared to less populated areas. The water quality analysis indicated that many water bodies in Louisiana are experiencing high levels of nutrient enrichment, with rivers and streams accounting for 86% of the impaired water bodies, and lakes, reservoirs, and coastal waters showing hypereutrophic conditions in up to 96% of cases. These results underscore the significant impact of human activities on Louisiana’s water resources, highlighting the need for effective water management practices that consider both quantity and quality. The study therefore advocates for the implementation of water conservation measures, responsible consumption, and pollution prevention strategies to ensure the sustainable use of water resources and the preservation of water quality across Louisiana.