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Since about 1950, the amount of water in the Aquifer has dropped by nine percent. Depletion of water levels is only increasing with two percent lost between 2001 and 2009. Because of over pumping the Aquifer, many areas of the High Plains have literally run out of water. The Texas Panhandle has seen the largest drop in Aquifer levels. Wilson said 80-90% of the water used in the Ogallala aquifer region goes to irrigation. That averages out to about 2.5 billion gallons a day, pumped up and sprayed on crops. It can’t go on like ...18 abr 2023 ... Nebraska's groundwater levels tend to fluctuate with precipitation. The amount of rainfall affects how much water can replenish the aquifer, and ...Wilson said 80-90% of the water used in the Ogallala aquifer region goes to irrigation. That averages out to about 2.5 billion gallons a day, pumped up and sprayed on crops. It can’t go on like ...Apr 4, 2023 · Water levels in the Ogallala Aquifer continue to plummet as farm irrigation swallows an average of more than 2 billion gallons of groundwater per day statewide. But after decades of mostly ... For example, the Ogallala Aquifer in the Great Plains is the largest aquifer in the U.S., providing water to eight states, and supports one the most extensively irrigated areas for corn and soybeans.Jun 20, 2023 · Constitutional Amendments. Texas farmers are worried one of the state’s most precious water resources is running dry. You should be, too. The Ogallala Aquifer serves farming communities in ... The Ogallala Aquifer irrigates almost 30 percent of US croplands. This over-pumping has caused groundwater levels in the Ogallala to drop over 8 feet, with some counties in Texas seeing a drop of more than 15 feet in groundwater levels. Demands for agricultural products and sparse groundwater replenishment (in the form of rain) have led to a ...Nov 9, 2020 · Changes in Ogallala water levels from before the aquifer was tapped in the early 20th century to 2015. Gray indicates no significant change. Water levels have risen in some areas, especially ... Rain is needed as a source of fresh water, which is essential for the survival of humans, plants and animals. Rain fills aquifers, lakes and rivers, maintaining the lives of living organisms. Rain maintains natural features, such as forests...Groundwater supply in the Ogallala Aquifer is diminishing at an unsustainable rate, which is affecting the crop and animal production in the region. The desired future condition adopted by the North ... Groundwater Levels in Northern Texas High Plains: Baseline for Existing Agricultural Management Practices.Gas prices go down to March's level, providing relief to small businesses that have been dealing with unusually high prices at the pump. Average gasoline prices in the US have fallen to $3.901 a gallon down from last week’s $3.956, accordin...12 ago 2023 ... This map shows changes in Ogallala water levels from the period before the aquifer was tapped to 2015. Declining levels appear in red and ...Experts estimate, for example, that once the Ogallala aquifer in the High Plains has been fully mined, it would take over 6,000 years to restore it to its original levels.Between 1950 and 2013, the water levels dropped over 250 feet in an Ogallala well near Lubbock, Texas. The aquifer has seen more moderate declines elsewhere, but it’s causing problems for cities ...Nov 11, 2020 · The Ogallala-High Plains Aquifer is one of the world’s largest groundwater sources, extending from South Dakota down through the Texas Panhandle across portions of eight states. Its water supports $35 billion in crop production each year. But farmers are pulling water out of the Ogallala faster than rain and snow can recharge it.

12 jul 2015 ... The Ogallala Aquifer irrigates almost 30 percent of US croplands. This over-pumping has caused groundwater levels in the Ogallala to drop over 8 ...In the Ogallala aquifer region, low levels of precipitation, coupled with high evaporative demand, leads to lower soil organic matter levels compared to those typical for soils in the Midwest U.S. Rainfed agricultural production typically leads to less plant biomass compared to irrigated production. In low soil organic matter situations, the ...Groundwater levels have appreciably declined over the Ogallala region of the aquifer since the onset of substantial irrigation development (1940s to 1950s in most areas). The water levels have dropped so much in some areas of the Ogallala region that less than 40% of the original saturated thickness is left (fig. 4). The High Plains aquifer consists of one or more hydraulically connected geologic units of late Tertiary or Quaternary age, underlain by bedrock units that range in age from Permian to Tertiary. The High Plains aquifer is divided into the northern, central, and southern High Plains regions. The northern High Plains aquifer underlies parts of ...The High Plains Aquifer Atlas, compiled by the Kansas Geological Survey, features more than 70 maps—several animated or interactive—that can be used to investigate such timely topics as changes in groundwater levels and availability of groundwater over time, water use, water rights, and the region's climate conditions. Four animated maps in ...

Jun 6, 2018 · Large withdrawals have caused regional water-level declines of up to 70 feet. HIGH PLAINS - The High Plains aquifer (which includes the Ogallala aquifer) underlies parts of eight States and has been intensively developed for irrigation. Since predevelopment, water levels have declined more than 100 feet in some areas and the saturated thickness ... Background The High Plains Water-Level Monitoring Study (HPWLMS) is the USGS response to a directive from Congress to report on water-level changes in the High Plains [Ogallala] aquifer. The directive from Congress was contained in the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 ( Public Law 99-662 ). Hence this free water has been generously consumed on profligate levels, and there are forces at work that encourage excessive use. Irrigation for the farmers ...…

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs. The High Plains aquifer, which includes the well-k. Possible cause: Wilson said 80-90% of the water used in the Ogallala aquifer region goes to .