Laserfiche WebLink
<br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />~f"j4 ~~'i <br />"_'!...- .<i. <,y,-' -. <br /> <br />dependably for crop production. That represents a poten- <br />tial gain of cropland of about 90 to 150 thousand acres in <br />the High Plains region. <br /> <br />Modification of playa lakes as a source of potential <br />recharge waters to the Ogallala Aquifer has been attempted <br />in a few controlled experiment trials. The technology for <br />accomplishing this use of playa waters on a la~ge scale has <br />not been perfected, nor is it economically feasible at this <br />time. <br /> <br />Another favorable aspect of the use of playa waters con- <br />junctively with ground water for irrigation in the High <br />Plains Region is the relative quality of playa waters for <br />agriculture uses. Though carrying significant levels of <br />sediments, organic materials, and other effluents from <br />associated agricultural activities, playa waters are <br />superior to Ogallala ground water as far as mineral content <br />(suspended solids) and pH characteristics. Playa waters <br />are also less expensive to pump and deliver for irrigation <br />applications than are associted deep (200 to 500 ft. lift) <br />Ogallala waters. <br /> <br />All of these factors and considerations combine to make <br />playa water development and use an attractive alternative <br />and supplement to ground water use in the High Plains <br />region. Admittedly, there are serious problems and <br />expenses associated with any large scale development/ <br />modification of playas for irrigation purposes. <br /> <br />There is a high risk factor and an unpredictable availa- <br />bi 1 ity associ ated wi th pl aya waters. Water tends to <br />accumulate in playas following heavy or high intensity <br /> <br />19 <br />