Irrigation systems along I-70 in Trego County, Kan. (Photo by John Charlton, KGS)
Water is a diminishing resource in western Kansas. Prolonged drought is part of the problem. But crop irrigation, massive livestock operations -- and even oil well fracking -- are using high volumes of water faster than ever before. Commentator Rex Buchanan says these pressures on the water supply aren't likely to go away anytime soon.
Commentator Rex Buchanan is the Interim Director of the Kansas Geological Survey, here at the University of Kansas. He's also a regular contributor to Kansas Public Radio's Morning Edition.
The Kansas Geological Survey has just released its annual findings on water levels in western Kansas, which continue to show steady declines.