By Scout Nelson
In an ambitious effort to bolster water sustainability, the North Dakota Department of Water Resources (DWR) is focusing on three specific aquifers with promising potential for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR). This initiative follows a comprehensive statewide assessment that pinpointed these aquifers as ideal candidates for further study due to their significant recharge capabilities.
Managed Aquifer Recharge is a strategic approach to water management that captures excess water during periods like spring runoff and stores it underground in aquifers. This method can be crucial during droughts or in times of high demand, ensuring a steady water supply. The DWR, in partnership with INTERA, will develop advanced groundwater models for these aquifers to simulate various scenarios, including drought conditions and increased water withdrawals.
The studies will concentrate on the Elk Valley Aquifer in Grand Forks County, the Spiritwood-Warwick Aquifer in Benson/Pierce Counties, and the Wahpeton Buried Valley Aquifer in Eastern Richland County. Each of these areas plays a vital role in local water supply but faces challenges such as declining water levels and increased demand.
For instance, the Elk Valley Aquifer, spanning about 200 square miles, is essential for irrigation and public water supplies but is vulnerable during prolonged droughts. The Spiritwood-Warwick and Wahpeton Buried Valley aquifers also face similar challenges with water sustainability. The upcoming studies will evaluate the feasibility of MAR in enhancing water resilience in these areas.
These focused studies aim to balance current water usage with the potential for future needs, ensuring long-term sustainability. They will also consider deferred water permit applications to ensure new approvals do not compromise water availability.
Reice Haase, DWR Director, emphasized the importance of these studies, stating, "North Dakota’s water resources are essential to the state’s growth and prosperity, and the proactive steps we’re taking today will ensure these critical aquifers continue to support our communities and economy in the future."
By studying these aquifers, North Dakota is taking significant steps toward securing its water resources for agricultural, municipal, and industrial needs, ensuring they remain robust for future generations.
In an ambitious effort to bolster water sustainability, the North Dakota Department of Water Resources (DWR) is focusing on three specific aquifers with promising potential for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR). This initiative follows a comprehensive statewide assessment that pinpointed these aquifers as ideal candidates for further study due to their significant recharge capabilities.
Managed Aquifer Recharge is a strategic approach to water management that captures excess water during periods like spring runoff and stores it underground in aquifers. This method can be crucial during droughts or in times of high demand, ensuring a steady water supply. The DWR, in partnership with INTERA, will develop advanced groundwater models for these aquifers to simulate various scenarios, including drought conditions and increased water withdrawals.
The studies will concentrate on the Elk Valley Aquifer in Grand Forks County, the Spiritwood-Warwick Aquifer in Benson/Pierce Counties, and the Wahpeton Buried Valley Aquifer in Eastern Richland County. Each of these areas plays a vital role in local water supply but faces challenges such as declining water levels and increased demand.
For instance, the Elk Valley Aquifer, spanning about 200 square miles, is essential for irrigation and public water supplies but is vulnerable during prolonged droughts. The Spiritwood-Warwick and Wahpeton Buried Valley aquifers also face similar challenges with water sustainability. The upcoming studies will evaluate the feasibility of MAR in enhancing water resilience in these areas.
These focused studies aim to balance current water usage with the potential for future needs, ensuring long-term sustainability. They will also consider deferred water permit applications to ensure new approvals do not compromise water availability.
Reice Haase, DWR Director, emphasized the importance of these studies, stating, "North Dakota’s water resources are essential to the state’s growth and prosperity, and the proactive steps we’re taking today will ensure these critical aquifers continue to support our communities and economy in the future."
By studying these aquifers, North Dakota is taking significant steps toward securing its water resources for agricultural, municipal, and industrial needs, ensuring they remain robust for future generations.
Photo Credits:pexels-adam-sondel
Categories: North Dakota, General