Past present and future
The Ogallala aquifer was born 12 million years ago! The aquifer remained untouched until the 1910’s but irrigation drilling technology was very limited and ultimately the Great Depression coincided with The Dust Bowl and many agricultural areas became abandoned. In the 1940’s, Improved technologies, a surging war time economy allowed the government to subsidize irrigation projects across the Ogallala aquifer. As a result, 4 million acre feet of water was pumped out in 1949. The region transitioned to become one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States mostly growing cotton and corn as well as raising grain fed cattle. By 1980, 18 million acre feet of water was pumped out of the aquifer and the region was booming and 15% of the nation’s corn, 25% of the nation’s cotton, and 40% of the nation’s grain fed cattle came from farms depending on Ogallala water.
The with drawl of a once thought inexhaustible water resource has become a problem and today most areas of the aquifer have lower water levels anywhere from 10-50 feet with documented areas up to 100 feet. The impervious geological formation of the Ogallala aquifer along with the arid climate both inhibit the natural recharge of water. Some scientists say that if farming was to concede today, it may take 500 years for a complete recharge. The water that does make its way back in the system has brought arsenic, radon, chloroform, pesticides and other chemical compounds hurting the waters quality as well. Newer innovations has decreased the loss of water from evaporation from 50% in the 70’s, 25% in 1990, and up to 5% with current drip irrigation technology. These advances have not counteracted with the increased production of beef and corn.
The future of the Ogallala is bleak. Corn and cattle production is expected to continue to increase until 2040. At current with drawl rates, increased production, and current technology, water will be depleted by 70% by 2060. This would have devastating consequences to the economy not only in the region but the whole country. The best case scenario would be increased water saving technology and a cap on production which could keep the region profitable until 2110.
The with drawl of a once thought inexhaustible water resource has become a problem and today most areas of the aquifer have lower water levels anywhere from 10-50 feet with documented areas up to 100 feet. The impervious geological formation of the Ogallala aquifer along with the arid climate both inhibit the natural recharge of water. Some scientists say that if farming was to concede today, it may take 500 years for a complete recharge. The water that does make its way back in the system has brought arsenic, radon, chloroform, pesticides and other chemical compounds hurting the waters quality as well. Newer innovations has decreased the loss of water from evaporation from 50% in the 70’s, 25% in 1990, and up to 5% with current drip irrigation technology. These advances have not counteracted with the increased production of beef and corn.
The future of the Ogallala is bleak. Corn and cattle production is expected to continue to increase until 2040. At current with drawl rates, increased production, and current technology, water will be depleted by 70% by 2060. This would have devastating consequences to the economy not only in the region but the whole country. The best case scenario would be increased water saving technology and a cap on production which could keep the region profitable until 2110.