By Scout Nelson
Groundwater levels in Nebraska continued to decline in 2025 following several years of persistent drought. According to the 2026 Nebraska Statewide Groundwater-Level Monitoring Report from the Conservation and Survey Division at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources, groundwater levels declined on average by 0.29 feet. Most declines did not significantly affect drinking water or irrigation supplies.
Nearly 5,000 wells were measured in spring 2024 and spring 2025. Of these, 62% showed declines, with the largest, exceeding 10 feet, in the Nebraska Panhandle. Central Nebraska along the Platte River Valley saw minor rises of up to 10 feet due to above-average precipitation.
Most groundwater in Nebraska comes from the High Plains Aquifer, locally called the Ogallala Aquifer, which spans eight states. Precipitation is the main source of aquifer recharge, replacing some water pumped for irrigation and domestic use. Hotter, drier seasons increase irrigation demand and reduce recharge, while wetter years can restore groundwater levels.
Nebraska relies on groundwater for its agricultural economy, drawing water from more than 97,000 active irrigation wells. Pumping can threaten long-term aquifer sustainability. The state uses 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) to manage groundwater through regional plans. Some areas may see wells go dry or require deeper drilling if declines persist.
Long-term maps show most Nebraska has changed less than 20 feet since pre-irrigation times. However, Chase, Perkins, Dundy, and Box Butte counties face major declines over 130 feet due to dense wells, low precipitation, and limited surface-water recharge. Groundwater increases of more than 120 feet have also been noted locally.
The report was authored by Aaron Young, Mark Burbach, Valentina Ita, Susan Lackey, R. M. Joeckel, and Jeffrey Westrop. A free PDF is available . Printed copies can be purchased for $7 at Nebraska Maps and More Store, 3310 Holdrege St., or by calling 402-472-3471.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-neenawat555
Categories: Nebraska, General, Weather