The NRD board of directors set a goal of holding district water levels to the average level measured in 1978. The board set two trigger points to ensure they could meet that goal: If the average water level dropped within three feet of the average 1978 level, it would trigger a reporting phase; if the water level dropped below the average 1978 level, it would trigger an allocation phase.

Water levels dropped in 2007, initiating the reporting phase. At that time it became mandatory for operators within the district to report water use each year for wells pumping more than 50 gallons per minute (GPM). Multiple wells with the same purpose on the same property with a combined pumping rate exceeding 50 GPM are also required to report use each year. These annual reports will still be required even if the water levels rise.

Water withdrawal reports for irrigation wells are mailed each fall and must be returned (or completed online) by December 1. Reports for all other wells (those other than irrigation) are due by March 1. 
   
Each well has a designated primary operator –  the person responsible for reporting the total amount of water pumped from the well that year, including water applied to properties where he is not the operator.

If the water is used for multiple purposes (i.e., irrigation and filling a recreational pond), you will need to report each use separately.  If irrigation well is in use minimally during the winter to water livestock, you may combine the total use on your irrigation report.

Should the average water level in the district drop below the average 1978 level (the second trigger point) we would move into an allocation period and meters would be required on all wells equipped with a pump. At this time meters are only required on wells permitted and drilled after March 1, 2004. Failure to turn in an annual report as required could result in a fine and/or a cease and desist order on the unreported well(s). 

1. Subtract the beginning reading from the ending reading. (If your meter measures in acre feet, multiply the difference by 12.)
2. Multiply the answer from step 1 by the multiplier shown on your meter. Generally, this will be 1, .01, .001, etc. The answer will be the number of acre inches of water you pumped. 
3. Divide the answer in step 3 by the number of acres irrigated with that well. This is the number of inches you applied per acre. 

Example
Ending reading................................417,416
Less beginning reading..................-314,504
Equals..............................................102,912
Times multiplier shown on meter........x 0.01
Equals acre inches pumped.............1029.12
Divided by acres the well irrigates........ ÷134
Equals inches applied per acre...........7.68

1. Subtract the beginning reading from the ending reading. 
2. Multiply the answer from step 1 by the multiplier shown on your meter. (Generally, this will be 100, 1000, 10000, etc.) This sum will be the number of gallons you pumped.  
3. Divide the answer from step 2 by 27,154 to convert the number of gallons to acre inches (27,154 gallons = 1 acre inch)
4. Divide the answer in step 3 by the number of acres irrigated with that well. This is the number of inches you applied per acre. 

Example  
Ending reading................................558,624
Less beginning reading..................-269,834
Equals..............................................288,790
Times multiplier shown on meter..........x 100
Equals gallons pumped.............. 28,879,000
Divided by 27,157.............................÷27,157
Equals acre inches pumped............1,063.53
Divided by acres the well irrigates.........÷156
Equals inches applied per acre...........6.82

If your ending number is less than your beginning number, the meter’s odometer probably reached its maximum and it has rolled over and started at one again. (For example, most McCrometer meters display six digits. When they reach 999,999, the display will roll-over and start at 000001.) You will need to adjust the difference between your beginning and ending readings if this happens.