Groundwater Levels Rise 1.2 Feet on the Average in Upper Big Blue NRD
Groundwater Levels Rise 1.2 Feet on the Average in Upper Big Blue NRD
Groundwater Levels Rise 1.2 Feet on the Average in Upper Big Blue NRD
During May 2016, the NRD measured over 500 observation wells throughout the District and then averaged the data of all these wells. Observation wells are measured in the spring of each year, allowing the water table to rebound from the previous irrigation season. The observation wells measured are equally distributed geographically throughout the District to provide an accurate profile of the District average.
Overall, the spring 2016 average measurement for the groundwater level change shows a rise of 1.2 feet from last spring. The findings show that the spring 2016 average groundwater level is 3.55 feet above the “Allocation Trigger”. As a result, there will be no allocation restrictions for the 2017 irrigation season.
The District goal is to hold the average groundwater level to above the 1978 level. In 2005, the District average groundwater level reached the “Reporting Trigger” initiating groundwater users to report annual groundwater use to the District and to certify their irrigated acres. If the District average level falls below the 1978 level (“Allocation Trigger”), groundwater allocation will begin.
The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) protects lives, property and the future of the District through a wide-range of stewardship, management and education programs—from flood control to groundwater monitoring, from irrigation management to outdoor recreation and more. Activities and projects of the Upper Big Blue NRD are reviewed and approved by a locally elected board of directors. The Upper Big Blue NRD is one of 23 Natural Resources Districts across the state. For more information, visit www.upperbigblue.org or call (402) 362-6601.
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Scott Snell
Upper Big Blue NRD
Public Relations Manager
105 N. Lincoln Avenue
York, NE 68467
PH: (402) 362-6601
FX: (402) 362-1849