Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) conducted a groundwater availability study in Groundwater Management District 4 (GMD4), located in northwest Kansas. The goal of the study was definition of the hydrogeologic variables that can be used to predict the rates of groundwater level declines in the future. The study has two township-scale (approximately 40 square miles in each area) study areas--one where the rate of water level decline is very slow (termed the "safe" area) and a second where the rate of water level decline is much more rapid (termed the "stressed" area).
In both areas, the GMD4 and KGS staff established a multi-well water level monitoring program using existing irrigation wells. Nine wells in the safe area and 16 wells in the stressed area were monitored at least monthly. One well in each area had a data logging transducer installed to obtain a continuous water level record (see hydrographs). Data on the annual water use for all wells in each area for the time period from 1990-1999 was compiled into a GIS database. Compilation and evaluation of the geologic data from ground surface down to bedrock was completed.
Results of the study are published in:
KGS Open File Report 2003-53: GIS Integration and Error Analysis for Hydrogeologic Evaluations
Maps and preliminary results are included below.
Maps:
Preliminary results:
Updated October 17, 2007
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