Water rights and water use data help set regulatory priorities in a depleting aquifer in Kansas
Date
2000-06
Authors
Huntzinger, Thomas L., author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher
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Abstract
The High Plains aquifer provides the sole source of water supply for most of the western third of Kansas (figure 1). This unconfined or water table aquifer includes the Ogallala formation and hydraulically connected alluvial deposits. Regional withdrawals from this aquifer exceed recharge substantially in many areas. Water level declines have decreased the saturated thickness so that well capacities are limiting in many areas. Reporting annual water use is a statutory requirement in Kansas for all beneficial uses except domestic use. Additional data available as a condition of appropriated and vested water rights are: location of diversion, place of use, maximum annual quantity, maximum rate of diversion, and type of use. More than 95% of the water use is for irrigation and the arid climate results in very small amounts of precipitation. Comparisons of the reported water used, maximum authorized quantity, consumptive use of crops, and aquifer recharge provide basic information useful in setting regulatory priorities that will protect the public interest in addressing depletion of the water supply in this area.
Description
Presented at the 2000 USCID international conference, Challenges facing irrigation and drainage in the new millennium on June 20-24 in Fort Collins, Colorado.