Water Quality

Groundwater

Definitions

Groundwater – water beneath the earth’s surface stored in the voids, and cracks between particles of soil, sand, gravel or rock.

Aquifer - An aquifer is a geologic layer or strata of water-bearing material from which groundwater can be extracted

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 its 23 natural resources districts with the huge responsibility of wisely managing our state’s precious groundwater resources. Many districts across the state are meeting this challenge through various means. Groundwater Control Areas, Special Protection Areas, and Groundwater Management Areas and Integrated Management Plans are tools available to NRDs.

In some areas of the state, the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources has determined the local basin to be fully appropriated. Natural Resources Districts in those areas are required to develop Integrated Management Plans to better manage the relationship between surface and groundwater resources.

Application for Certification of Irrigated Acres

Application for a Variance to Expand Irrigated Acres

FSA Certification of Identity Form

Groundwater Management Plan

The management of groundwater 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 Groundwater Management Plan

The Papio-Missouri River NRDs Groundwater Management Plan focuses on maintaining the quantity and quality of ground-water in our area. This task includes:

• 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)
• And evaluating the need of rural landowners for a dependable drinking water supply.

Groundwater Studies

The Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA) www.enwra.org project was formed in 2006. The long-term goal of the project is to develop a geologic framework and water budget for eastern Nebraska. ENWRA is using a variety of techniques, including cutting-edge "HEM" (Helicopter Electromagnetic Survey), to map the hydrogeology of eastern Nebraska.

For more information contact Brian Henkel, Groundwater Management Engineer at bhenkel@papionrd.org

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 at 402-444-6222 or rpuls@papionrd.org

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