Groundwater Policy Research

The unique nature of the Ogallala Aquifer and Texas groundwater law present interesting and confounding problems for water policy makers. The purpose of this paper is to link previous efforts in water policy research for the Ogallala Aquifer in Texas with current collaborations that are ongoing with regional water planners. A chronological progression of economic water modeling efforts for the region is reviewed. As a result of advances made in the modeling studies and recent requirements for goal setting from groundwater conservation districts, water policy makers have become involved in collaborative studies with researchers to identify potential impacts of changes in water conservation strategies. The results of two recent collaborative studies are presented that provide estimates of impacts of alternative policies on groundwater saturated thickness, water use, net farm income, and regional economic activities.