Abstract |
Natural groundwater recharge cannot sustain the Southern High Plains portion of the Ogallala Formation. Nearly all the water used in this region is derived from the Ogallala Formation. The southern part of the Ogallala is hydrologically isolated from all outside areas; natural recharge to this portion of the aquifer originates only form precipitation falling on the aquifer. The region has only limited and erratic rainfall, poorly established drainage, and very few lakes or reservoirs; therefore, it offers little opportunity for natural recharge. The volume of water withdrawn, as shown by the water level decline, is many times greater than the estimated natural recharge of about 1 inch per year. In tests, more than 15 acre-feet of runoff water was recharged in shallow holes completed above the water table. Increases in rate of recharge were observed during the tests. A condition of soil piping is probably responsible for the increasing rates and loss of material from cavities near the recharge wells. (WRSICabstract) |