Upper Republican

In the Upper Republican groundwater control area, the predevelopment groundwater levels used to develop the groundwater change map are representative of the approximate average water levels prior to 1953.  The data indicates that, as a result of intensive use of groundwater for irrigation, a trend of declining water levels began in about 1966 and has continued until 1992.  Only a few years of above precipitation has the wells had small gains.  Declines have ranged from 5 to 42 feet with the groundwater control area.  These declines occurred in areas totaling approximately 1.17 million acres.

This part of the state is normally dry.  This area is effected by the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.  On the east side of any mountain formation you will find an arid region.  The S.W. corner of Nebraska is on the far eastern edge of the arid region.  Combine low rainfall amounts with high use of groundwater for irrigation and you have severe drawdowns just like the ones being seen in S.W. Nebraska.