Nebraska Water Science Center
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Water Resources of NebraskaWelcome to the USGS Web page for the Nebraska Water Science Center (NEWSC). Here you'll find information on Nebraska's rivers and streams, groundwater, water quality, and many other topics. The USGS operates the most extensive satellite network of stream-gaging stations in the state, many of which form the backbone of flood-warning systems. Try USGS's latest product: WaterNow New USGS report updates changes in High Plains Aquifer groundwater levelsThe U.S. Geological Survey has released a new report detailing changes of groundwater levels in the High Plains Aquifer. The report presents water-level change data in the aquifer in two separate periods: from 1950–the time prior to significant groundwater irrigation development–to 2011, and 2009 to 2011. In 2011, the total water stored in the aquifer was about 2.96 billion acre-feet, an overall decline of about 246 million acre-feet (or 8 percent) since pre-development. Change in water in storage from 2009 to 2011 was an overall decline of 2.8 million acre-feet. The overall average water-level decline in the aquifer was 14.2 feet from pre-development to 2011, and 0.1 foot from 2009 to 2011. The study used water-level measurements from 3,322 wells for pre-development to 2011 and 7,376 wells for 2009 to 2011. The High Plains Aquifer, also known as the Ogallala Aquifer, underlies about 112 million acres (175,000 square miles) in parts of eight states Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. The USGS, at the request of the U.S. Congress, has published reports on water-level changes in the High Plains Aquifer since 1988. Congress requested these reports in response to substantial water-level declines in large areas of the aquifer. This multi-state, groundwater-level monitoring program has allowed water-level changes in all eight states to be tracked over time and has provided data critical to evaluating different options for groundwater management. This level of coordinated groundwater-level monitoring is unique among major, multi-state regional aquifers in the country. The report "Water-Level and Storage Changes in the High Plains Aquifer, Predevelopment to 2011 and 2009–11" is available online. USGS provides science for a changing world. Visit USGS.gov, and follow us on Twitter @USGS and our other social media channels. Subscribe to our news releases via e-mail, RSS or Twitter.Links and contacts within this release are valid at the time of publication. Current Conditions in NebraskaReal-Time Streamflow SitesThe USGS provides current ("real-time") stream stage and streamflow, water-quality, and groundwater levels for over 130 sites in Nebraska. USGS Nebraska Water News and NoticesSign up to receive USGS WaterAlert updates via e-mail or text message. Sign up to receive a daily water conditions e-mail for selected streams and wells. Sign up to receive Nebraska water news and notices by e-mail. Receive instant updates with USGS WaterNow via e-mail or text message. Highlighted PublicationsThe Nebraska Water Science Center produces publications about water resources. SIR 2012-5291 SIR 2012-5177 OF 2012-1227 SIR 2012-5036 SIR 2011-5228 CIRC 1375 SIR 2011-5183 OFR 2011-1289 |