Water level declines in the High Plains Aquifer: Predevelopment to resource senescence

Haacker, EMK; Kendall, AD; Hyndman, DW

HERO ID

6549793

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2016

Language

English

PMID

26014963

HERO ID 6549793
In Press No
Year 2016
Title Water level declines in the High Plains Aquifer: Predevelopment to resource senescence
Authors Haacker, EMK; Kendall, AD; Hyndman, DW
Journal Groundwater
Volume 54
Issue 2
Page Numbers 231-242
Abstract A large imbalance between recharge and water withdrawal has caused vital regions of the High Plains Aquifer (HPA) to experience significant declines in storage. A new predevelopment map coupled with a synthesis of annual water levels demonstrates that aquifer storage has declined by approximately 410km super(3) since the 1930s, a 15% larger decline than previous estimates. If current rates of decline continue, much of the Southern High Plains and parts of the Central High Plains will have insufficient water for irrigation within the next 20 to 30 years, whereas most of the Northern High Plains will experience little change in storage. In the western parts of the Central and northern part of the Southern High Plains, saturated thickness has locally declined by more than 50%, and is currently declining at rates of 10% to 20% of initial thickness per decade. The most agriculturally productive portions of the High Plains will not support irrigated production within a matter of decades without significant changes in management.
Doi 10.1111/gwat.12350
Pmid 26014963
Wosid WOS:000373211200011
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Peer Review Yes
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