The Ogallala Aquifer is drying up

So what, you might say. But you might not know some facts about the aquifer:

• It is one of the largest underground sources of fresh water in the world.
• It is Western Kansas’ only significant water source.
• It is the source of much of the water west of the 100th Meridian and east of the Rockies.
• It supplies water for 20 percent of the corn, wheat, sorghum and cattle produced in the U.S.

Here's the thing. The rainfall is so low that the recharge rate for the Ogallala in Kansas is less than 10 percent. So for every 10 inches pumped out every year, less than one inch is replaced, even in the best conditions. Scientists think that 70% of the Ogallala Aquifer’s water will be gone in less than 50 years if nothing is done.