Crisis on the High Plains: The Loss of America's Largest Aquifer

[lordsummerisle]

The grain-growing region in the High Plains of America—known as America’s breadbasket—relies entirely on the Ogallala Aquifer. But long term unsustainable use of the aquifer is forcing states in the region to face the prospect of a regional economic disaster. As the High Plains states reach the verge of a major crisis, the states have taken different approaches to conservation with varying results.

http://duwaterlawreview.com/crisis-on-the-high-plains-the-loss-of-americas-largest-aquifer-the-ogallala/

[tazkcmo]

1. I've been thinking about the aquifer

Since returning to KC from El Paso. While living in El Paso I saw the strict penalties for wasting water. For example, you could be fined for watering your lawn to the point that water begins to run in the gutter along the street. Leaky faucets could also result in fines. Of course there were also restrictions on when you could water or wash your car and there were constant PSAs in reference to water conservation.

So, when I returned to KC, the habit of conserving water was ingrained and I continued to be aware of my usage. Most other folks here didn't nor were local or state agencies real vocal about the issue and of course there's the agricultural use also. All this kept thoughts of the aquifer in my mind.

What's really got me worried besides the obvious ramifications of running out of water is that big empty space under this huge area and the New Madrid fault line and seismic zone. What's going to happen if (when?) the area experiences seismic activity? How much activity will result in a catastrophic geological event? Scary.

Anyway, thanks for posting this. It was a good read.

[NNadir]

2. It's been going on a long time. Yet another way this generation screwed all future generations. n/t