Effects of Drought on Ogallala Aquifer Being Measured

LUBBOCK, TX – Starting Monday (January 4, 2021), High Plains Underground Water Conservation District (HPWD) personnel will begin their annual water level measurements in an attempt to determine the effect of 2020 pumping on groundwater levels in the area.

Field personnel use E-Lines or steel tapes to measure the distance from the ground down to the top of the water table.

Comparing the current measurement with that of the previous year helps determine the average annual change in groundwater levels in aquifers within the District in 2020.

Measurements are made in a network of more than 1,350 privately-owned wells, and are spaced approximately one well per nine square miles throughout the 16-county HPWD service area.

“We want the public to know that our staff will be visiting observation well sites from early January until completion of this work effort” explains HPWD General Manager Jason Coleman.

Annual water level maps are available online, through an interactive map on the HPWD website. >>CLICK HERE TO VIEW<< (SOURCE: All Ag News)