Ground Water Levels

Recognizing changing state laws and the need to address diminishing groundwater levels and surface water declines in Lodgepole Creek, the South Platte NRD board created the South Platte NRD Districtwide Groundwater Management Area and additional management subareas as the needs arose. Rules and Regulations for the District were consolidated in May of 2011.

Keeping track of changes in groundwater levels is one of the NRD's many responsibilities.  While most areas of the South Platte NRD have abundant groundwater, this resource is not unlimited.  In some areas, especially in the western and central parts of the district, groundwater levels have declined over the years because of heavy use.  

With the help of cooperating landowners, the NRD has established a district-wide network of observation wells to monitor changes in ground water levels.  There are currently 208 observation wells measured twice a year.  The image below shows an example map shown in annual reports.