TITLE:
Analyzing Climate Change Impacts on Louisiana’s Water Resources Using GIS Techniques
AUTHORS:
Yaw A. Twumasi, Edmund C. Merem, Zhu H. Ning, Harriet B. Yeboah, Priscilla M. Loh, Jeff D. Osei, Vanessa Ferchaud, Matilda Anokye, Esi Dadzie, Dorcas T. Gyan, Recheal N. D. Armah, Janeth E. Mjema, Lucinda A. Kangwana
KEYWORDS:
Aquifer, Climate Change, Drought, Groundwater, Surface Water
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Modern Hydrology,
Vol.14 No.4,
October
30,
2024
ABSTRACT: Louisiana possesses a bountiful groundwater reserve, an invaluable and noteworthy asset. Despite extensive literature on climate change implications in Louisiana, there is limited academic research focused on its effects on the state’s water resources. Therefore, this study addresses that gap by using GIS to spatially analyze water usage trends from 1960 to 2014, to examine climate-induced consequences and determine the susceptibility of water utilities’ functions and facilities. This study utilized various online sources to gather data on water withdrawals, temperature trends, and climate impacts in Louisiana. Water usage data from the Lower Mississippi Gulf-Water Science Centre and temperature trends from Meteoblue covering 2023 were also analyzed to assess the state’s water resource challenges. The water withdrawal data was linked to a shapefile within ArcMap, using graduated color symbology to visualize regional variations in water usage. This method highlighted significant water withdrawals across Louisiana from 1960 to 2014, clearly illustrating the differences between regions. Based on the data sources, the results show that groundwater levels in Louisiana have steadily declined over time. For instance, water levels in the Jasper Aquifer in St. Tammany dropped from approximately 125 feet to 50 feet, while levels in the Sparta Aquifer in Lincoln fell from 30 feet to −25 feet. Similarly, the Chicot Aquifer in Acadia experienced a decline from −25 feet to −50 feet. These reductions indicate a concerning trend of groundwater depletion, exacerbated by high temperatures and current drought conditions affecting roughly 73% of the state. To ensure sustainable water management in Louisiana, investing in water storage, transfer infrastructure, and conservation practices are needed to protect surface and groundwater sources. More so, the state’s Reservoir Priority and Development Program (RPDP), which includes the construction of reservoirs, is a key initiative that can address water scarcity, improve water supply, and enhance long-term water security.