Groundwater Transfers in Nebraska

Groundwater transfer mechanisms are a flexible agricultural water management approach that can help lower growers’ production risks without jeopardizing environmental needs. While groundwater transfers are currently popular in the water policy debate, there is little documented practical experience of their implementation, and in particular of how transfer design can be adapted to local hydrologic needs. Within the state of Nebraska, a wide variety of formal and informal groundwater transfer schemes have been operating for decades. This report shares findings from studying rules, regulatory frameworks, and practices around groundwater transfers in Nebraska. The unique structure of these transfers is a result of a strong and tested regulatory and non-regulatory local groundwater management focus in the state. The report is intended to provide practical guidance to other regions interested in designing groundwater transfer systems to address increasing pressures on water resources.