NGWA Conference on Great Plains Aquifers: Beyond the Ogallala (#5028)
October 25, 2012 to October 26, 2012
Omaha, NE
Abstract deadline –
Submissions Closed
Few realize that the Great Plains Aquifers represent a microcosm of all the challenges facing water allocation and land management today. Negative impacts to this aquifer system have affected the domestic and international food supply and will continue to do so. The huge variations in the system’s saturated thickness create challenges that affect the agricultural and domestic water supply. Water managers and policy makers must constantly question if the periods of record are truly reflective of current conditions. How is the aquifer system affected by changing land use and climate change—and what are potential solutions? Too often the research focuses on doing more with less instead of accurately valuing the water being conserved in context of how it is used. How can having different jurisdictions and water policies be reconciled for effective resource management to provide support instead of mandates?
This conference is focused on bringing together the diverse communities with interest in long-term water planning and management--and how collective expertise can be shared and best practices implemented. How can we be well-prepared to meet the conditions we face and how quickly can we adapt if conditions change? To prepare and assist in planning for the great unknowns to sustain the aquifer system for the longest period of time, NGWA is seeking abstracts on such topics as:
- Groundwater Withdrawals and Water Quality
- Agriculture and irrigation
- Impacts of hydraulic fracturing and deep well disposal of fluids
- Production of bioenergy and food production
- Impact of current withdrawals on future demand
- Sustainable Economy and Conservation
- Perception (and reality) of how a given water policy provided economic (competitive) advantage
- Whether or not irrigation efficiency has contributed to conservation
- Project planning and stakeholder communication
- High Capacity Wells and Irrigation
- How can we initially design and manage better?
- Conflicting rules and practices
- The Impact of Changing Land use Climate Change
- Relationship between surface water and groundwater
- Dams, levees, and reservoir systems
- Groundwater Rights
- What's working and what’s presenting problems
- Challenge of different managing authorities
- Interstate agreements on water rights
- Federal programs vs. different doctrines
- Tribal interests
- The real world and competing demands
- Recharge of Water
- Water quality
- Potential for aquifer storage and recovery
- River and wetland restoration projects
For more information, contact us via e-mail at info@ngwa.org, or call NGWA customer service at 800 551.7379 (614 898.7791).
Technical support may be obtained by calling 401 334.0220 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday, or at all times by contacting Technical Support. You may also use the "Tech Support" or "Feedback" links in the online abstract system.
