Ground‐Water Management in Western Kansas

Abstract

Western Kansas is underlain by the Ogallala aquifer that produces water of good quality. Many large‐capacity wells have been drilled for irrigation, industrial, and municipal use. Ground‐water withdrawals exceed recharge and water levels are declining at an average rate of 3 ft/yr. Five ground‐water management districts were formed to help control and manage this resource. Management policies that have the most effect on withdrawals are well spacing and a planned rate of ground‐water depletion. The depletion policies in effect limit development to a 40% depletion of the aquifer in 20 to 25 yr or to a “safe yield” concept.