High Plains Underground Water Conservation District Issues Moratorium on New Rules

The High Plains Underground Water Conservation District’s board has issued an enforcement schedule for certain water district rules.

The HPWD Board of Directors established a two-year moratorium on the enforcement policy and civil penalty for exceeding the district’s allowable groundwater production rate during 2012 and 2013.

The group also approved a two-year moratorium on the enforcement policy and civil penalties for failure to install meters on new wells and well systems by the January 1^st 2012 deadline, and reporting requirements for groundwater production.

“The February 21^st board action establishes a two year moratorium on enforcement and penalties in these specific areas only,” said District Manager Jim Conkwright. “This will allow groundwater users additional time to familiarize themselves with the new rule requirements.”

The directors also approved an 18-month study aimed at determining areas within the district where the Ogallala Aquifer is incapable of producing 1.25 acre-feet per year, and methods of measuring groundwater production other than water meters.