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Ogallala Aquifer levels declining in parts of western Kansas

The Kansas Geological Survey says a rise in irrigation coupled with prolonged drought conditions have led to a substantial decline in Ogallala Aquifer levels in the western part of the state.

Water data manager Brownie Wilson says some areas are worse than others. “Probably a little bit more so up in northwest Kansas where it dropped over a foot,” Wilson said. “That’s a little bit excessive for that area when you look at the long-term averages.”

State Geologist Dr. Jay Kalbas tells Brownfield the levels are concerning because the aquifer is the “source of life and economics” in western Kansas. “The Ogallala Aquifer is THEE source of water for those towns, all the municipalities, all of the farms, and all households in that region of our state,” Kalbas said.

Kalbas says farmers and ranchers need to focus on water conservation moving forward. “Conservation in this case does not mean stopping irrigated agriculture,” Kalbas said. “It doesn’t mean we can’t utilize the groundwater that exists there, but it does mean we need to be conscious of how much water we are using.”

The Ogallala Aquifer is one of the largest aquifers in the world and includes nearly all of Nebraska and large sections of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.

AUDIO: Dr. Jay Kalbas and Brownie Wilson discussing the Ogallala Aquifer