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0 <br />0 <br />DISCUSSION <br />During the winter of 1991, 653 wells were measured in the <br />Northern High Plains Designated Basin. An attempt was made to <br />measure all the wells within a four weed=- period beginning <br />approximately January 1, 1991. This goal was achieved. In <br />previous years, considerable differences have been noted for <br />measurements made in the same well in December and in March or <br />April. By measuring all the wells at the same time each year it is <br />hoped that the affects of seasonal variation will be dampened and <br />* that the hydrographs and comparison of water level change will more <br />accurately reflect the true ground water conditions. The four <br />hydrographs for wells with continuous recorders show that the <br />aquifer receives recharge up to the beginning of the irrigation <br />season and that measuring the wells at the same time each year is <br />critical to abtaininq consistent data. Because of the excellent <br />cooperation of the district managers and the water commissioner, <br />ail of the wells were measured between December 27, 1990 and <br />January 31, 1991. Completion of all well measuring was <br />approximately two weeks earlier than last year. <br />Throughout the Northern High Plains, the water levels continue <br />to show the regional decline which is to be expected when water is <br />being "mined". There are localized areas near the basin margins <br />and in area where water use has been curtailed which show rising <br />water levels. The maps contained in the appendices show the <br />relative change in water levels since last year. A map showing the <br />overall change for the period of 1965 to 1989 was included in last <br />year= report. <br />The average rate of decline for the past year is less than <br />that for the preceding year 1.0.54 feet during 1990 as compared with <br />0.93 feet in 19B93. If the marked rises in water levels in the <br />so•.:thern portion of the basin are excluded (East Cheyenne, Kiowa <br />40 and P rowers counties) , the rate of decline for the northern basin <br />it 0.74 feet. The well hydrographs contained in Appendix L show <br />representative water level tirends in areas throughout the basin. <br />• <br />DEPLETION STUDY <br />During the last year, George VanSl yke and Steven Joliet of the <br />State Engineer's Office prepared a comprehensive report for the <br />Northern High Plains (Depletion; to the Ogallala Aquifer, Northern <br />High Plains Designated Ground Water Basin, August; <br />. details the depletion to the Ogallala Aquifer from 196'' to 1989. <br />The k -esu 1 is of +,his study were presented t =+ the Colorado Grot_t id <br />Wlater- Commission at the August` 19�O meet mQ �n Colorado Spring5. <br />Copies. of testi=_- report can be obtained from the Office of the State <br />Engineer for a cost of $1C,, . 00 . <br />