Is Sustainable Yield of ​Ogallala ​Aquifer Attainable?

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Is Sustainable Yield of ​Ogallala ​Aquifer Attainable?

New data from the Kansas Geological Survey on Ogallala Aquifer finds that replenishment and sustainable use is attainable.

graph.PNG“The data reveals that the voluntary efforts happening as a part of the 50-year Water Vision are being rewarded,” said Governor Brownback. “The Ogallala is replenishing itself faster than we previously knew. What was never thought possible is now within our grasp: sustainable use of the Ogallala aquifer is attainable.”

KGS Senior Scientist and Geohydrology Section Chief Jim Butler presented the new information showing how the rate of decline in water levels can be affected by water conservation efforts by local water users. Although some had previously thought that it was too late to stop the decline, these new findings indicate that even moderate reductions in water use in some areas of the aquifer can help to achieve stability in the region.

“At the KGS, we have developed an approach for assessing how much water use needs to be reduced to have a significant impact on decline rates,” said Butler. “This approach exploits the great water data we have in Kansas. It is no exaggeration to say that Kansas leads the nation, if not the world, in data on water use and water-level changes in our aquifers. The result is that we can have more confidence in our assessments of what the future holds for these critically important systems.”

Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer, a Hays native, standing with members of the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Water Office, spoke about what this means for future generation of Kansans. “Innovative technologies and bold stewardship of resources by the people of Kansas has produced real results,” said Lt. Governor Colyer. “This is a great moment for water conservation in Kansas, ensuring that Kansas will remain America’s breadbasket for generations to come.”

Source: Hays Post

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