Kansas Geological Survey, Public Information Circular (PIC) 18
Individuals, governmental agencies, and private organizations are all attempting to address issues related to the High Plains aquifer. In addition, several new institutions have recently been proposed to deal with issues concerning the aquifer on a regional basis. Irrigators have implemented a number of techniques that have improved the efficiency with which they use water--using low-pressure application methods on center-pivot systems, for example, instead of spraying water high into the air.
Among the more far-reaching proposals for extending the life of the aquifer is the idea of sustainable development. This is the concept of limiting the amount of water taken from the aquifer to no more than the amount of recharge, and perhaps less, depending on the impact on water quality and minimum streamflows. This level of use is the target of the safe-yield management policies currently in effect in the Big Bend and Equus Beds Groundwater Management Districts in the eastern part of the High Plains aquifer. Adoption of a similar policy in other areas of the High Plains aquifer would require a substantial decrease in the amount of water currently used. This would have an impact on the type and amount of crops grown in western Kansas and, in turn, on a variety of economic activities. Because many of the water rights in the High Plains aquifer were established long ago and thus have priority, the implementation of sustainable-development approaches to water resources has serious legal implications. Other methods for dealing with the High Plains aquifer are being proposed, discussed, and implemented. All are aimed at extending the life of this crucial resource.
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Kansas Geological Survey, Geology Extension
1930 Constant Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047-3726
Phone: (785) 864-3965, Fax: (785) 864-5317
bsawin@kgs.ku.edu
Web version October 2001
http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Publications/pic18/pic18_6.html