Folks in West Texas got a bit of bad news yesterday. According to managers with the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District, the level of the Ogallala Aquifer has dropped an average of 1.5 feet. That's a big drop for one year -- the biggest drop since 2003 when the aquifer dropped 1.34 feet.The High Plains is trying to conserve the aquifer's water since it doesn't replenish itself nearly as quickly as many other underground aquifers. That's because of the type of clay soil on top of the aquifer that prevents much rain and snow water from reaching the aquifer. The aquifer has already dropped nearly 10 feet since the 1950's because of irrigation.
But last year was a drought year in West Texas, and that meant the farmers and ranchers had to use more irrigation than normal. It is believed that is the reason for the large drop in the aquifer's level.
As anyone can see, it is hard enough to maintain the aquifer's level with just High Plain's usage. That's why it would be insane to let T. Boone Pickens go through with his crazy plan to ship millions of gallons of aquifer water through a 9 foot in diameter pipe to the Dallas area. While it would mean millions of dollars to Pickens, it could mean the end of water access for those depending on the Ogallala Aquifer for water.
Pickens is currently in court in Austin trying to overturn rules preventing his planned theft of the aquifer's water. The survival of the cities, farms and ranches of the High Plains depends on Pickens losing that court fight.
pickens is a asshole
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