Ongoing Drought May Mean Water Restrictions

By Gordon HopkinsDrought conditions persist throughout nearly all of Nebraska. Those conditions are worsening in the eastern portions of the state and a major impact is the availability of water, both for drinking and for irrigation.According to a report released May 27, 2023, by the National Weather Service, “Groundwater levels have declined in most of Nebraska following multiple years of below-average precipitation, University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) scientists found in a new statewide analysis. About three-quarters of wells observed across the state experienced groundwater level declines during 2021-22.”That same report noted, “Ag impacts include deteriorated winter wheat conditions, a loss of crops, limited topsoil moisture for planting and germination, poor pasture conditions and low stock ponds.”Moratorium on New WellsDue to concerns about the sustainability of groundwater supplies in the area, the Lower Big Blue NRD (Natural Resources District) Board of Directors has decided to extend the moratorium, or stay, on the construction of new wells and the increase of irrigated acres in the district that was first imposed last year. The original 180-day moratorium was set to expire on June 6, 2023.The Lower Big Blue NRD includes portions of Gage, Jefferson, Saline, and Pawnee Counties.Following the annual review of fall groundwater level measurements at its monthly meeting on December 8, 2022, record low static water levels, new irrigation wells being permitted in areas of groundwater level decline and marginal aquifer areas, drought conditions, and the concern for the sustainability of groundwater supplies for domestic, livestock, and crop irrigation uses, the Board of Directors pro-actively took action to impose the immediate moratorium.The primary reasons given by the board for extending the stay were the annual spring groundwater levels measured in April showing declines over the past two-to-three years, the continuing drought conditions, and the need for more time to discuss management options, review rules and regulations, evaluate the geology and aquifer characteristics of the district, and to establish subareas.When the moratorium was first announced, FJN reached out to Scott Nelson, General manager of the Little Blue NRD, to ask if his district might soon be facing a similar situation. Nelson responded, “Our water levels are well above our trigger levels at this time. If drought conditions continue, we might need to follow suit in 2 to 3 years, but for now we’re fine.”FairburyDry conditions are not just impacting farmland but cities as well. The City of Fairbury recently issued a water conservation notice, requesting that residents limit water usage.Fairbury Mayor Spencer Brown said, “The wells are at normal levels, the tower is at a normal level. We are not at an emergency point, I think people are doing a fine job managing their water usage. This is typical to many small towns during the summer when water usage is at a high.”However, the city struggles not just with the quantity of water but quality as well. Four wells supply Fairbury with drinking water. Three of those are in the East Wellfield and have consistently tested in the higher range for nitrates, meaning greater than seven ppm (parts per million) but less than 10 ppm, over the past several years. One of those wells has occasionally reached greater that 10ppm. A fourth well at Crystal Springs has been offline since 2021 due to biofilm causing issues with the wells.Last year, the city created a Water Sourcing Committee to locate a new source of water for the city. However, dry conditions have complicate the process. Brian Schmidt, chair of the committee, told FJN, “The first round of water samples have been analyzed but have not been presented to us yet. A second round of samples were taken at Crystal Springs a month or so ago after the only significant rain we received. Our engineers wanted to see what changes during a rain event. Since we have had so little rain this year, the sampling was delayed, and probably will be again. So, the dry conditions do not have any impact on decisions yet. But has certainly had an impact on sampling and our timeline.”Schmidt added, “It has been painfully slow so far.”WymoreWhile the City of Wymore in Gage County is not currently under water restrictions but is cognizant that restrictions could be imminent.The Wymore Country Club is purchasing water from the city. The matter was discussed at a meeting of the city council on Wednesday, June 21.“So the country had drilled their own wells years ago,” said Wymore Superintendent Tim Sedlacek. “Their wells are dry, pretty much.”Sedlacek said the estimated water usage of approximately 65,000 gallons a day.City Councilperson Max Allen said the city should continue to sell water to the country club but make them aware of potential resitritions, “They need to be advised in advance that if this happens, they’re going to be among the first to get cut because that’s a lot of water that can supply a lot of residents.”Allen said, “I’m just saying that if we’re going to pass restrictions, that I don’t think it is right to allow that much water consumption on something else if we’re talking about potentially restricting the community.”

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