Aquifer Levels in Western Kansas Decline, Prompting Concern

By Allison Kite

Aquifer levels in parts of western Kansas that rely on groundwater for everything from drinking to irrigation fell more than a foot last year, according to scientists from the Kansas Geological Survey. The Ogallala Aquifer, which supplies the western one-third of the state with water, has been on a steady decline due to overuse for irrigation purposes.

The recent annual campaign to measure the Ogallala Aquifer revealed concerning trends. In southwest Kansas, aquifer levels dropped by 1.52 feet between January 2024 and the present, a larger decline than the previous year. Similarly, northwest Kansas experienced a significant drop of 1.34 feet, indicating the challenges posed by dry conditions in that region.

Despite these preliminary figures, the official report from the Kansas Geological Survey is yet to be released. The survey conducts rigorous measurements each January, assessing hundreds of wells across western Kansas to track the decline of the aquifer. This year, one well’s water surface was measured at 485 feet, highlighting the depth of the issue.

The Ogallala Aquifer has been depleting since the mid-20th century, primarily due to extensive groundwater irrigation that transformed arid western Kansas into an agricultural hub. With the aquifer refilling at a slower rate than it is being drained, proactive measures are necessary to ensure its sustainability.

State lawmakers have started pressuring local groundwater managers to devise strategies to slow the aquifer’s decline. While farmers may not need to cease groundwater pumping entirely, reductions are essential to stabilize the water supply. The Kansas Geological Survey has provided estimates indicating the percentage by which pumping needs to be reduced in different areas to achieve this stability.

It is crucial for stakeholders to work together to find a balance between agricultural needs and aquifer conservation. By implementing targeted reductions in groundwater usage, western Kansas can work towards preserving this vital natural resource for future generations.

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