The High Plains Aquifer is 9% smaller than 60 years ago
April 16, 2009

The High Plains Aquifer -- probably better-known as the Ogallala Aquifer -- is substantially smaller than it was in 1950, according to a new report from the US Geological Survey. The report says that most of the aquifer under Nebraska hasn't changed very much in the last 60 years, but in parts of Texas and Kansas, water levels in the aquifer have fallen by 150 feet or more. The aquifer is one of the main sources of water for both agricultural irrigation and municipal drinking water throughout the Great Plains, so its sustainability is especially important. It should also be noted that the need to pump water from the aquifer points to the very important relationship between energy and water -- as the water levels decrease, the amount of energy needed to pump the remaining water to the surface increases.

April 2009
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last revised April 2009