Latest Ogallala Data Shows Continued Groundwater Declination

The latest reports show a continued trend of declining groundwater levels in the Ogallala Aquifer, according to the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District (HPWD).

The HPWD records data from their 16-county District 1 area which includes Lubbock. They reported more than six inches of decline in groundwater levels from 2014 to 2015, although the decline has slowed from the nearly 1.5 foot decline from 2013 to 2014.

The group reports the 10-year average change showed more than 10 feet of declination in the Ogallala’s groundwater levels, with the 5-year average at more than 5.5 feet.

The averages were calculated from the HPWD’s observation network of privately owned wells within the district. HPWD General Manager Jason Coleman stated that supplemental data from the Dockum Aquifer should become available on the HPWD’s website in the near future.

The full 76-page report can be read online.