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~ I I 0 C::;. I~ ~ I cr.l Q I I I I I I I 'I I I I I J I I LOUISIANA Introduction The northwestern portion of Louisiana is contained in ASA 1107 of the Arkansas-White-Red Basins region. Included are the parishes (counties) of Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Bienville, Red River, and Natchitoches. It is predominately a rural area with the only major urban center being the Shreveport-Bossier urban area. Population within the region was 395,111 in 1970 with the Shreveport SMSA accounting for 321,182. The climate in this area of Louisiana can be classified moist sub- humid to humid; i.e. precipitation generally exceeds evapotranspiration. Average rainfall in northwest Louisiana is 53 inches. Normal monthly temperatures range from a low average of 49 degrees in January to a high average of 82.8 degrees in July. In summer, the area is under the influence of maritime tropical air bringing moisture inland from the Gulf of Mexico. During winter the area is subjected alternately to tropical and polar air mass influence. The major mineral resources of the northwestern section of Louisiana are oil and gas. Some sand and gravel production of significance exists in Webster parish. Petroleum and natural gas production is of major significance in Bossier, Caddo, and Webster parishes. There are also salt and lignite deposits in this area of insignificant economic value. General Goals and Objectives Water is one of Louisiana's most valuable resources. Management and development of Louisiana's water resources are basic to development of all other resources of the state. Human needs and economic develop- ment would be seriously impaired if water of acceptable quality were not available in adequate quantities to support the basic environment upon which Louisiana has historically depended. Therefore, it is essential that Louisiana's water resources be developed in a rational manner in order to supply the basic needs of the state. Providing adequate water for the state is a continuing goal of the state in general and the Louisiana Department of Public Works in particular. The northwestern portion of Louisiana as well as other sections of the state come under continuing surveillance to identify areas of water shortage. Planning for the provision of future water supplies as well as averting and/or alleviating present day water problems, is a continuing goal. In general it is felt that northwest Louisiana cannot progress economically and socially without adequate water supplies for industry and agriculture. 25