Real World Problem: The Ogallala Aquifer

The Mid-Western United States is an area of productive farmland that supports many farmers, ranchers, communities, and wildlife. Farmers and citizens rely on the aquifer to support their water needs as there are few lakes and rivers as a water source. As we learned, however, different parties (farmers, oil companies, citizens, environmentalists) all view this aquifer from their own particular point of view; many of which are in conflict.

A few things are certain. The current rate of discharge far outweighs the rate of recharge. At current levels the aquifer may dry up in the 2070s. Farmers need water to irrigate their fields. People need water to drink. Oil companies need to transport oil. We need to preserve the aquifer for future use.

So, what then, is the answer?How do we deal with the aquifer?

Answer the questions below in each part.

Part 1) The science. How do we know we're running out of water? What techniques are used to measure the aquifer? What is a hydrologist? What is fossil water? Explain the science of aquifer water tracking management.

Part 2) Stakeholder one Ex. Farmers). Outline the position of one stakeholder. Explain their needs they place on the aquifer and/or issues they may create for the aquifer.

Part 3) Stakeholder two. Outline the position of a second stakeholder. Explain their needs they place on the aquifer and/or issues they may create for the aquifer. This stakeholder should have a different view in conflict of stakeholder one.

Part 4) What is the conflict between stakeholder one and two? Outline their points of contention/tensions and how their demands are incongruent.

Part 5) The big question:How do we deal with the aquifer? What kind of resolution, based on scientific observation and hydrology, can these two parties come to? Is there one? What's the future of the Ogallala?