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9 9 DISCUSSION Throughout the Northern High Plains, the water levels continue to show the regional decline which is to be expected when water is being "mined". There are localized areas near the basin margins and in area where water use has been curtailed which show rising water levels. The maps contained in the appendices show the relative change in water levels since last year and for the previous two years. A map showing the overall change for the period of 1965 to 1989 was included in the 1994 report. The average rate of decline for the past year is slightly less 40 than that for the preceding year (0.51 feet during 1991 as compared with 4.54 feet in 1990). The well hydrographs contained in Appendix L show representative water level trends in areas throughout the basin. • 0 DEPLETION STUDY In 1994, George VanSlyke and Steven Joliat of the State Engineer's Office prepared a comprehensive report for the Northern High Plains (Depletion to the Ogallala Aquifer, Northern High Plains Designated Ground Water Basin, August, 1994) which details the depletion to the Ogallala Aquifer from 1955 to 1969. The results of this study were presented to the Colorado Ground Water Commission at the August 1990 meeting in Colorado Springs. Copies of this report can be obtained from the Office of the State Engineer for a cost of $24.00. During the winter of 1992, 638 wells were measured in the Northern High Plains Designated Basin. An attempt was made to measure all the wells within a four week period beginning approximately January 1, 1992. This goal was not achieved due to heavy snows at the beginning of January. All well were measured prior to the end of February. By measuring the wells in a short time period, it is hoped that seasonal fluctuations will be dampened and that the hydrographs and comparison of water level change will more accurately reflect the true ground water conditions. The four hydrographs for wells with continuous recorders show that the aquifer receives recharge up to the beginning of the irrigation season and that measuring the wells at the same time each year is critical to obtaining consistent data. Although the measurement period was slightly extended this year, it is believed that the data is representative and can be correlated with previous data. Throughout the Northern High Plains, the water levels continue to show the regional decline which is to be expected when water is being "mined". There are localized areas near the basin margins and in area where water use has been curtailed which show rising water levels. The maps contained in the appendices show the relative change in water levels since last year and for the previous two years. A map showing the overall change for the period of 1965 to 1989 was included in the 1994 report. The average rate of decline for the past year is slightly less 40 than that for the preceding year (0.51 feet during 1991 as compared with 4.54 feet in 1990). The well hydrographs contained in Appendix L show representative water level trends in areas throughout the basin. • 0 DEPLETION STUDY In 1994, George VanSlyke and Steven Joliat of the State Engineer's Office prepared a comprehensive report for the Northern High Plains (Depletion to the Ogallala Aquifer, Northern High Plains Designated Ground Water Basin, August, 1994) which details the depletion to the Ogallala Aquifer from 1955 to 1969. The results of this study were presented to the Colorado Ground Water Commission at the August 1990 meeting in Colorado Springs. Copies of this report can be obtained from the Office of the State Engineer for a cost of $24.00.