1. Trends in Groundwater Conditions in the Ogallala Aquifer
Patrick Frasier

2. The Ogallala Covers parts of eight states, from South Dakota to Texas
Covers 174,000 square miles (450,658 sq km).
France is 674,843 sq km
Depth to Bottom of Aquifer range from ft in Texas

3. Why is the Ogallala Important?
Aquifer represent 65 percent of all the irrigated acreage in the nation (Jensen, 2004).
Possible that the aquifer may dry up in as little as 25 years (BBC, 2007)

4. The Ogallala and Agriculture

5. The Ogallala 22,182 wells 1 well/1.62 sq miles
Average well depth = 278 feet

6. Location, Location, LocationB

7. Location, Location, LocationB

8. Location, Location, LocationB

10. The Ogallala

11. The Ogallala

12. The Ogallala

13. The Ogallala

14. The Ogallala and Cities

15. The Ogallala and Cities
Results indicate that aquifer depletion is primarily due to irrigation of crops and not to domestic use

16. Distances between wells is ~30 miles

17. Reasons for Decline Unfavorable geology Unfavorable climate
Overpumping

18. Conclusions
By 2010, water levels will drop to 278 feet below the surface – the average well depth

19. Conclusions
By 2226, water levels will drop to 278 feet below the surface – the average well depth

20. Conclusions Effects not the same for everyone
It depends on your location, how deep your well is, and how much money you have.
$100/foot to drill a well

21. Possible Solutions Improvements in irrigation technology
Farmers take CE 385D to learn how to solve optimization models using GAMS

22. You’re Welcome Sources
North Plains Water Division.
Jensen, Ric
BBC News.