In order to comply with the order to reduce water usage, the NRDs must find a way to apply this to the local level.  Extensive research shows they have been presented with the following ideas:

1. Reduce pumping by 10% from existing usage and reduce pumping from Quick Response Wells by 50%.  This combination of reductions may yield enough water savings to comply with the Compact. 

2. Reduce the water allocation to all users of ground water in the District.  The NRD will not estimate the possible allocation under this option.  But, based on what numbers are available, this number will need to be around 8.5 acre inches in a very dry year to 13.5 in a very wet year and average about 10.5 inches.  

3. Cut many of the trees down that are near the river.  The trees are not native to the area.  They take a lot of water.  Kill the trees, and you might achieve the required reduction. 

4. Pump water directly into Harlan County Reservoir or directly into the stream near the Kansas/Nebraska border.

03/26/04