The Ogallala Aquifer

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The Ogallala Aquifer is the largest known aquifer through Great Plains. If spread across the US the Ogallala would cover all 50 states with 1.5 feet of water. If drained, it would take more than 6,000 years to refill naturally. More than 90 percent of the water pumped is used to irrigate crops. $20 billion a year in food and fiber depend on the aquifer. The Ogallala is challenged with how to manage human demands on the layer of water that sprawls underneath parts of either states from South Dakota to Texas. Landowners face a tug-of-war between economic growth and declining natural resources while they strive to conserve what’s left. 65-70 percent of water is wasted throughout the world. We can reduce water loss by wasting less water, subsidizing

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