Water limits could delay designation

New water conservation measures in eastern Nebraska should keep the lower Platte River from becoming “fully appropriated” for at least the next four years, according to the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District.

The Papio NRD is joining other ones nearby in establishing new restrictions that limit irrigation development.

The district board will hold a public hearing at 8 p.m. today on its temporary moratorium on the construction of new irrigation wells and the expansion of irrigated acres in its area of the lower Platte River. The hearing is part of the NRD's monthly meeting at Chalco Hills Recreation Area, 8901 S. 154th St.

“These new irrigation guidelines will limit increased uses of groundwater that is hydrologically connected to the Platte River,” said John Winkler, the NRD's general manager. “The lower Platte River cannot sustain unlimited withdrawal that could be caused by an over expansion of irrigation.”

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444-1127, david.hendee@owh.com