The Ogallala Aquifer and Its Impact on Nebraska Agriculture

The Ogallala Aquifer underlies much of western and central Nebraska and remains an essential resource for irrigated agriculture. Unlike mineral rights — which generally include ownership of subsurface gas and oil — Nebraska does not grant landowners absolute ownership of underground water. Rather, water rights are regulated by the Department of Natural Resources and local Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), which monitor use and can impose restrictions to sustain supplies.

Over decades of irrigation, water levels have declined significantly in parts of the High Plains, leading to local NRD regulations such as limits on new wells or restrictions on irrigated acres. These rules aim to balance farm productivity with long-term aquifer viability. For farmland owners and tenants, understanding local NRD rules — including well registration requirements, approved irrigation systems, and allowable pumping volumes — is critical to avoid violations and manage water sustainably.

Long-term planning might involve adopting advanced irrigation technologies (e.g., precision soil moisture monitoring), transitioning marginal irrigated fields to dryland rotations, or enrolling land in conservation programs that support water conservation. Integrating these water considerations into lease terms or investment analyses can protect asset values as aquifer conditions evolve.