2024 Ogallala Aquifer Summit Summary Report: Building Trust, Mobilizing Collaboration

Regional groundwater measurements in the Ogallala Aquifer show ongoing declines in aquifer water quality and quantity that are being exacerbated by warming trends and highly variable precipitation. The importance of this system, which is used for agriculture and is a main driver impacting socioeconomic activity and ecosystems in the region, cannot be overstated. Addressing regional aquifer depletion and other water-related challenges, including drought, is vital and necessary work.

This context underscores the value and importance of the Ogallala Aquifer Summit. This eight-state interactive meeting is designed to build trusted social connections that link the work of diverse regional stakeholders and agents of change. In March 2024, the National Integrated Drought Information System and the Irrigation Innovation Consortium at Colorado State University partnered with the Kansas Water Office and others in the region to host the third Ogallala Aquifer Summit. This meeting brought together more than 230 crop and livestock growers, scientists and technical experts, water managers, governments (local, state, tribal, and federal), and other partners to work toward the theme, “Building Trust, Mobilizing Collaboration.”

The 2024 Ogallala Aquifer Summit Summary Report summarizes the ideas and thoughtful participation of speakers and attendees of the third Ogallala Aquifer Summit. The report reflects the dialogue and discussion of attendees, and does not represent official Administration policy or position, or an official policy or position of the individual organizations/agencies represented at the Summit.