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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~l ~.t. of, ", ~ J .. V,:> ..i. ~ <..i .g I. INTROOUCTION The initial phase of Regional Study Element B-3 was reported in the Interim Report dated May 1980. The Interim Report presented the identi- fication, state-of-the-art documentation, and preliminary assessment of relevance to the High Plains-Ogallala Aquifer Regional Resources Study of a large array of agricultural and water use management practices/technologies with potential for achieving more efficient use of Ogallala Aquifer waters for irrigation. This Final Report for the B-3 Study Element incorporates much of the Interim Report, but updates the information to reflect changes and suggested improvements, as well as additional materials not included previously. An Appendix titled "Early Action Program for Improvements in Water Conservation and Water Use Efficiency for High Plains Irrigated Agriculture" provides a set of recommendations for immediate consideration from theHigh Plains Study Council to Congress and others, adopted for the Congressional Briefing in Washington, D.C. on February 25, 1981.* Water from the Ogallala is a finite resource, and therefore a limiting factor of production for High Plains area agriculture. It is rapidly becomi ng a more si gni fi cant production costas pumpi ng depths and energy costs increase. There are very compelling motivations for water conservation and water use efficiency improvements and for the adoption of agricultural management and technology that will diminish demands for water on farms throughout the High Plains area. Water conservation goals were more philo- sophic than economic a few short years ago. They may now represent the most immediate and viable means for prolonging the economic life of irrigated agriculture in the High Plains region. Area farmers have made impressive strides in recent years, particularly since the Mid-East oil embargo of 1973, in applying effective water conser- vation and efficiency of use practices. As one High Plains irrigation farmer puts it, "We all know a lot more about water conservation than we practice. If we can make a fair profit on our farming, we will all practice better * See Appendi x "B".