Dateline: February 19, 2004

Water district taking comments on rules

The Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District will limit the annual decline in the Ogallala Aquifer to 1.25 percent of 1998 levels to enforce its 50/50 Depletion Rule, according to the final draft of new operating rules released for public comment by the District this week.

The 1.25 percent allowable decline will serve as a trigger mechanism for the 50/50 Rule implementation, which says at least 50 percent of the aquifer’s saturated thickness must be left in 50 years, starting in 1998.

For the first time the District plans to require a drilling permit on land tracts smaller than 10 acres. This permit gives the District an opportunity to inform the public of the estimated available water in their area.

The District invites written comments and telephone calls on the Final Draft Rules for 30 days ending March 16, when they are expected to be adopted by the Board.

A public hearing to consider adoption of the rules will be held the morning of March 24, 2004. The new rules will take effect upon final adoption by the Board.