Lower Big Blue NRD imposes moratorium on new wells

BEATRICE – Because of record low fall groundwater levels, the Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District has imposed an immediate, 180-day moratorium on the construction of new wells.

The NRD Board of Directors action taken December 8^th also includes a stay on the increase of irrigated acres within the district.

Fall groundwater levels are typically lower than those recorded in the spring, but drought conditions and prolonged pumping has led to historically low groundwater levels in some areas of the district, this fall.

NRD officials say several wells measured at record low static water levels.

During the moratorium, district directors plan to establish sub-areas and study the criteria of the district’s high capacity well permitting ranking, to manage diverse aquifer formations in the Lower Big Blue NRD.

The district will also finalize certification of irrigated acres and detail groundwater quantity management areas.  

The NRD also intends to establish a comprehensive and diverse structure for managing groundwater use as the area comes out of the temporary moratorium.   District officials say they welcome public input on the process.