Aquifer recharge project in Central Platte Valley Nebraska featured in international publication

A new book published by UNESCO includes a project from Nebraska’s Central Platte Valley as a case study in effective managed aquifer recharge (MAR). The case study was co-authored by Crystal Powers, research and extension communications specialist with the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) and the Nebraska Water Center.

The book highlights 28 successful examples of collaborative MAR around the globe. MAR is a method of intentionally creating projects to increase the flow of water. According to UNESCO, the publication demonstrates “how MAR has helped communities overcome water challenges, prepare for the future, increase safety of water supplies and enhance ecosystems.”

The Central Platte Valley project involved a collaboration between the Central Platte Natural Resource District (CPNRD), the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR), and the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP), as well as private irrigation districts and canal companies. The project was initiated when the river canals needed to be repaired after more than 100 years of use. MAR was identified as an innovative way to both satisfy endangered species’ habitat restoration and benefit crop irrigators in the area. MAR now contributes to the streamflow targets of each endangered bird species, with an estimated value of $43.7 million. MAR effectively accomplishes this by timing the flow of the water and managing its gravitational seep into the ground. “The Central Platte Natural Resources District project provides benefits to all water interests in the area. It not only assures future water deliveries of our surface water canals but also protects groundwater uses and provides base flow for endangered species concerns,” said Lyndon Vogt, General Manager of CPNRD.

The CPNRD, NeDNR, and local irrigation districts worked closely together at the local level to bring about optimal outcomes. “A great advantage of this particular example in Nebraska is that it's a place where the people, the wildlife and the water system are all benefiting from this low cost, low energy method that most efficiently provides all of these benefits,” says Powers.

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization which seeks to build peace through international cooperation in education, sciences and culture. Powers hopes that the UNESCO publication will inspire water managers around the world to implement MAR in their own communities. A full link to the publication can be found at https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000379962.