Project Plan

Economic implications of groundwater use     

In the News

Economics Priority Area Accomplishments for 2011   Annual accomplishment statements for this priority in 2011 are reported herein.   

Economic Assessment Priority Area Accomplishments for 2010   Annual accomplishment statements for this priority area in 2010 are reported herein.  

Recent study indicates the economies of several countries including the United States are vulnerable to water stress.    An article on Water Online provides a summary of a recent study assessing the vulnerability of the economies of 159 countries to water stress.   

Impact of ethanol production in western Kansas   A report has been released summarizing results from Ogallala Aquifer Program supported research on the impact of ethanol production in western Kansas.  

Impact of Ethanol Production on the Texas High Plains   An extension report on the impact of ethanol producing plant on the Texas High Plains has been released summarizing results from Ogallala Aquifer Program supported research.   

Final Reports

Impacts of the Ethanol Industry on the Southern Ogallala Region   Ethanol plants in the Southern Ogallala generate considerable economic activity in local economies. Comparison of socioeconomic benefits for the production of ethanol versus irrigated crop production using equivalent water resources indicates that ethanol production generates much larger employment.  

Economic and Policy Implications of Underground Water Use in the Southern Ogallala Region-FY07 (Objectives EAI 1.3.d).   Some form of long term water use restriction is necessary in order to achieve meaningful water savings. Adoption of improved biotechnology or irrigation technology without restrictions will not save water. Temporary restrictions have little impact in the long run and should not be pursued.  

Economic and Policy Implications of Groundwater   A two-year study on groundwater utilization in Southern Ogallala Aquifer indicates that without policy intervention, the regional average level of saturated thickness would decrease more than 50% and most irrigated cropland would be converted to dryland by the end of the 60-year planning horizon.