Groundwater Expansion & Transfers

Upper Elkhorn NRD To Hold Modified Groundwater

Irrigated Acre Expansion Sign-Up In October

The Upper Elkhorn NRD will be taking applications for the expansion of new groundwater irrigated acres during the month of October for the 2024 growing season.  There will be up to 150 new groundwater irrigated acres allotted for the purpose of increasing irrigation efficiency.  The focus of the 2023 sign up will be to finish off pivots with 15 acres or less that have to reverse due to an obstruction not allowing the pivot to complete the circle.  The sign up is not on a first come first served basis; but, based on a ranking criteria sheet that focuses on current water quality and quantity concerns within the district.  Applications will be accepted from the landowner or their power of attorney from October 1 through October 31, 2023.  The criteria ranking sheet has been updated to further meet the Board’s focus for this year’s expansion which also affirms that meeting the minimum score does not guarantee that the acres will be approved.  Due to drought conditions, water quality issues and water quantity issues the Upper Elkhorn NRD reserves the right to deny any expansion if it might be in conflict with the Upper Elkhorn NRD Groundwater Management Plan Rules and Regulations.

There will be a $50 application fee for anyone wishing to sign up to expand new acres; and, if the application is approved there will be an acre fee of $5 per acre or a minimum of $125 to proceed with the application.  The application and supporting information is available on the UENRD website (www.uenrd.org) for review.  For further information or to make an appointment, contact the Upper Elkhorn NRD at 402-336-3867 or visit the Upper Elkhorn NRD website at www.uenrd.org.  Appointments for the Expansion of Groundwater Irrigated Acres are highly recommended.

Groundwater expansion

Groundwater Irrigated Acres Transfers

The Upper Elkhorn NRD does allow the transfer of certified groundwater irrigated acres.  There are specific guidelines for the transfer of groundwater irrigated acres regarding the Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC), Stream Depletion Factor (SDF). GWMA Phase Levels and Soil Classifications.

Still water