Aquifer's depletion brings warning / LJWorld.com

Archive for Friday, February 7, 2003

State, farming interests responding to problem, lawmaker says

By Scott Rothschild

February 7, 2003

Advertisement

Topeka — Massive irrigation in western Kansas is depleting the Ogallala Aquifer from 5 percent to 7 percent every 25 years, according to a new report by the Kansas Geological Survey.

"We have a few generations before the economy starts closing down on agriculture," Lee Allison, state geologist and director of the Kansas Geological Survey, told lawmakers Thursday. "This is a warning that we have time to make changes."

State Rep. Joann Freeborn, R-Concordia, and chairwoman of the House Environment Committee, said the state and agricultural interests -- which use 96 percent of the aquifer's water in western Kansas -- were responding to the problem.

"We have known there was depletion, and we have tried to find ways to reduce water use," Freeborn said.

Freeborn said farmers were looking at more efficient ways to irrigate land and switching to crops that need less water.

Charles Benjamin, an attorney who represents the Kansas chapter of the Sierra Club, said the KGS report showed that the state was far behind in reacting to the aquifer's declining water level.

"The state has had a policy of planned depletion. We're growing corn in a desert to feed to cattle that will be slaughtered in southwest Kansas. This is not a sustainable system in the long run," Benjamin said.

The Ogallala is the major water source for western and central Kansas, supplying 70 percent of the water used by Kansans daily. But heavy pumping from the aquifer has led to lower water levels, especially in southwest Kansas, Allison said.

Since major irrigation started after World War II, 6 percent of the aquifer has dropped below what is considered usable. Current irrigation rates will use up another 5 percent to 7 percent every 25 years, he said.

"We are not going to lose the Ogallala in one generation," he said.

Replenishing the aquifer in western Kansas cannot be done naturally "unless we see a 1,000 percent increase in rainfall," he said.

Though the problems are critical, Allison said that the KGS, which is part of Kansas University, has become the leader in studying and monitoring the High Plains Aquifer, which includes the Ogallala.

The High Plains Aquifer runs under parts of Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico.

"We are far ahead of the curve. We are doing more than all the other states combined," Allison said.

Top ads RSS

Top jobs · Top rentals · Top transportation

Marketplace

Today's lunch specials

Longhorn Steakhouse 3050 Iowa $10.00 Any 2 Burgers or Sandwiches. Choice of fries, baked potato, sweet potato, coleslaw, rice, veggies, or sub a side.

El Mezcal 1819 W 23 $5.99 Chimichanga, Beef or Spicy Chicken with rice and beans.

Applebee's 3900 W 6th $5.99 Soup & Salad Combos.

First Watch 2540 Iowa $5.79 "Not Guilty Your Honor" Wrap

Teller's 746 Mass Monday-Saturday, All Carryout orders $3.00 off.

Yacht Club 530 Wisconsin $4.99 Buffalo Chicken Salad.

Set 'Em Up Jack's 1800 E. 23rd St 1/2 Price Burgers.

Tres Mexicanos 1800 E 23 $3.75 1/2 price Chimichangas, Shredded Beef or Chicken.

La Parilla 814 Massachusetts $4.95 Choice of one: Taco, Enchilada or Chimichanga with rice and beans.

Genovese 941 Massachusetts $7.50 Baby Spinach Salad with fruit, goat cheese & balsamic vinaigrette. Choice of grilled chicken, turkey, shrimp or salmon.

Zen Zero 811 Massachusetts $6.95 Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad with chicken, shrimp, rice vermicelli, cucumbers, carrots & field greens with soy vinaigrette.

Tortas Jalisco 534 Frontier Rd. $7.99 Enchiladas Verdes.

Jersey Mike's 1601 W. 23rd $5.00 Giants-14 inch sub

Back Yard Burgers 2351 W. 31st $1.00 Off Kickin' Barbecue Chicken sandwich.

Casa Agave 3333 Iowa $5.99 Quesadilla Guapachosa with salad and pico de gallo.

Henry T's Bar & Grill 3520 W 6th $4.95 Platter Day-Open-Face BBQ Roast Beef with loaded baked beans and a salad.

Papa John's 918 Mississippi $4.97 2 Slices & a drink.

Quinton's Bar & Deli 615 Mass. $4.99 Club Sandwich with chips.

India Palace 129 E. 10th Free soft drink with lunch buffet purchase.

Wayne & Larry's 933 S. Iowa $4.99 Open-Face Roast Beef, mashed potatoes and gravy.

Slow Ride 1350 N 3rd $6.95 Smoked Brisket. Sliced beef roasted fresh and served with mashed potatoes & gravy, vegetables & Texas toast.

Baby names that are off the beaten path July 6, 2009 · 2 comments
Should we celebrate freedom of religion on July 4? July 4, 2009 · 12 comments
Blog: Sarah Palin: With Interest July 4, 2009 · 166 comments
Three detained after Sunday nightclub shooting July 5, 2009 · 67 comments
On the street: What foreign country would you like to travel to? July 6, 2009 · 27 comments
Proposed cap-and-trade legislation would mean bigger rate hikes for northern Kansas Westar customers July 6, 2009 · 22 comments
On the street: Do you like your driver’s license photo? July 6, 2009 · 16 comments
Ten percent of women in Kansas have reported being a victim of domestic or sexual violence. Personal 11 comments
Blog: Name That Tune! July 5, 2009 · 47 comments
New law: Left lane only for passing July 2, 2009 · 206 comments

Man arrested after Monday morning home invasion July 6, 2009
Say cheese (or don’t): How to look good in your driver’s license photo July 6, 2009
A new reign: Lawrence landmark the Castle Tea Room open again after extensive renovations July 5, 2009
Shooting in Douglas County sends Eudora man to hospital, suspect turns gun on himself July 5, 2009
Despite economic downtown — and market losses — Kansas university endowments see record donations July 6, 2009
KU’s Self hitting recruiting trail July 6, 2009
KU gains football commitment July 6, 2009
A new crop of farmer July 5, 2009
Ducking responsibility July 6, 2009
Couple speak out on transgender issues July 5, 2009