Groundwater Levels Fall in Drought Affected Areas

By Scout Nelson

Nebraska’s annual Statewide Groundwater-Level Report, published by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Conservation and Survey Division, shows continued groundwater declines in the eastern half of the state, driven by prolonged drought.

In spring 2024, groundwater levels fell by an average of 0.52 feet statewide. Although western Nebraska experienced above-average rainfall, eastern areas continued to suffer due to below-average precipitation and rising irrigation demand.

Groundwater levels are closely tied to precipitation, which serves as the main recharge source for aquifers. When drought conditions persist, less water reaches underground reserves, and irrigation needs increase, further depleting resources.

Over the past year, nearly 5,000 wells were monitored. Sixty-one percent recorded declines, with the most severe—over 10 feet—reported in eastern Nebraska. In contrast, parts of western Nebraska saw slight increases thanks to improved weather during the 2023 growing season.

The state operates more than 99,000 active irrigation wells, vital for supporting agriculture. However, widespread pumping can threaten long-term water sustainability. To address this, Nebraska’s 23 Natural Resources Districts manage groundwater through regional plans, though some areas still face significant long-term declines.

“Recent and long-term groundwater-level declines in some parts of the state are concerning,” the report notes. Some wells may go dry or need to be drilled deeper in areas with consistent drop-offs.

Counties such as Chase, Perkins, Dundy, and Box Butte have faced the greatest declines. These areas receive less rainfall and lack significant surface water for aquifer recharge, compounding the issue.

Despite challenges, Nebraska maintains more groundwater than any other High Plains aquifer state. Long-term maps show most areas with net changes under 20 feet since predevelopment, although some regions have seen extreme shifts of over 100 feet.

The report was authored by researchers Aaron Young, Mark Burbach, Susan Lackey, R. M. Joeckel, and Jeffrey Westrop.

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