Ground-water levels rise in some areas irrigated with surface water and decline in some areas irrigated with ground water. In some areas, it is possible that a stream that was losing water before development of irrigation could become a gaining stream following irrigation. Average annual precipitation ranges from less than 15 inches in western Nebraska to more than 30 inches in eastern Nebraska. The similar decline caused by fewer wells in the west compared to the east is related to less precipitation, less ground-water recharge, and less streamflow available for seepage to ground water. Nebraska is one of the most extensively irrigated States in the Nation.
Dots are irrigation wells.
The use of both ground water and surface water for irrigation in Nebraska has resulted in significant rises and declines of ground-water levels in different parts of the State.