Dry land, high cost: How Kansas could lose billions in land values as its underground water runs dry

The Ogallala Aquifer provides 70-805 of water used by Kansans each day. Aquifer levels across western and central Kansas have dropped by more than a foot on average this past year.

By DAVID CONDOS, HIGH PLAINS PUBLIC RADIO

April 11, 2022 - 4:00 PM

An old water well stands next to a center pivot irrigation system in a Morton County field. This southwest corner of Kansas has been experiencing extreme drought since last fall.

HAYS — In increasingly dry western Kansas, underground water makes everything possible. Irrigation for crops. Stock water for cattle. Drinking water for towns.

In all, the Ogallala Aquifer provides 70-80% of water used by Kansans each day.

So how much is all that water worth?

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