The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District has successfully completed groundwater recharge activities between June 25 and July 3, utilizing excess water flows. During a board meeting on Monday, Irrigation and Water Services Manager Scott Dicke reported that approximately 3,600 acre-feet of water was transferred into Elwood Reservoir, along with 350 acre-feet into Victor WPA and nearly 390 acre-feet into the Funk WPA. This initiative is part of a collaborative effort with the state of Nebraska and the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program.
Dicke also shared that the E-65 Siphon project has been awarded a $3 million grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. This funding is in addition to nearly $9 million previously received from the Water Sustainability Fund, highlighting the district’s commitment to addressing water management and sustainability.
Current Water Levels and Management Updates
Civil Engineer Tyler Thulin provided an update on the water levels at Lake McConaughy, reporting an elevation of 3,230.4 feet, which indicates the lake is currently at 50.7% of its total capacity. Inflows at Lake McConaughy are approximately 450 cubic feet per second, a decrease of 150 cfs since the board’s last meeting on June 27. Outflows are recorded at about 1,600 cfs, which is lower than usual due to recent rainfall and a reduction in irrigation demand.
The efforts to enhance groundwater recharge and the management of water resources in Central Nebraska are crucial for supporting the region’s agricultural needs and ensuring sustainable water availability. The involvement of various programs and funding sources underscores the importance of collaborative approaches in addressing water challenges.
