HOXIE, Kan. (AP) A public hearing takes place next month on a proposal to limit water withdrawals in part of northwestern Kansas.
The Hays Daily News reports the Division of Water Resources is moving ahead with a local enhanced management plan. The plan seeks to limit irrigation in a 99-square-mile area of Sheridan and Thomas counties that’s considered a high-priority water use area because of declining water levels in the Ogallala aquifer.
The plan calls for a five-year program limiting irrigation to 11 acre-inches of water per year. Water use for livestock would be limited to 12 gallons of water per animal each day. That’s about a 20 percent reduction from current use.
Organizers are expected to offer more details about the proposal at the hearing Nov. 28 in Hoxie.
