Ground-water: Water beneath the earth’s surface stored in the voids, and cracks between particles of soil, sand, gravel or rock.

Aquifer: A ground-water reservoir, sometimes underlying thousands of square miles.

Quick Fact: The High Plains Aquifer, often referred to as the Ogallala, is the largest in North America. It underlies 170,000 sq. miles including most of Nebraska plus portions of 8 other states - containing about 3.3 billion acre feet of water.

The State of Nebraska has entrusted it’s 23 natural resources districts with the huge responsibility of wisely managing our state’s precious ground-water resources. Many districts across the state are meeting this challenge through various means. Ground-water control areas, Special protection areas, and Management areas are tools available to NRDs.

All NRDs have adopted Ground-Water Management Plans which address local ground-water resources needs and solutions to existing and potential ground-water quality or quantity dilemmas.

Well Abandonment
No one knows for sure how many abandoned wells exist in the state, but the potential dangers are well documented. Wells abandoned and not properly sealed in either urban or rural areas can act as direct conduits for pollution to reach our ground-water supplies. Left undiscovered and uncapped, these wells can entrap both animals and people.

Recently, your NRD has begun an active and growing program to cost share with landowners the expense of capping old, unneeded wells. Up to 60 percent of the cost for capping wells is available by contacting your Papio-Missouri River NRD For more information contact Ralph Puls, Land and Water Programs Coordinator: 402-444-6222 rpuls@papionrd.org

Ground-Water Management Plan
The management of ground-water quality and quantity took a huge step forward in 1996 with the approval of local ground-water management plans for all 23 natural resources districts. These plans outline specific steps necessary to protect and enhance the resource.

SUMMARY OF OUR GROUND-WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Papio-Missouri River NRDs Ground-Water Management Plan focuses on maintaining the quantity and quality of ground-water in our area.

Testing the water of 100 wells for nitrates every five years. Establishing management areas if the ground-water reservoir life goal can’t be met. Continuing to administer permits for chemigation (application of agricultural chemicals through irrigation). Evaluating the need of rural landowners for a dependable drinking water supply.

For more information contact Gerry Bowen, Natural Resources Planner: gbowen@papionrd.org