Ogallala Aquifer lifespan relies on consistent water quality checks in Texas
Ogallala Aquifer lifespan relies on consistent water quality checks in Texas abc7amarillo.com
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The Importance of Monitoring Water Quality for the Ogallala Aquifer
The main groundwater source for the Texas Panhandle and the Great Plains where food and fiber are grown is the Ogallala Aquifer. The existence of the aquifer is threatened by less rainfall and ever-changing weather climate year after year.
Ensuring Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Water Quality Monitoring
Ensuring the water meets the standards for human and livestock consumption and growing crops is a necessity done by water districts across the area. In this week’s Water Grows, ABC 7 News looks at why collecting samples of water from area wells is critical for your health and for the aquifer’s longevity.
The Role of Water Quality Testing
“Checking 400 wells that’s a lot to check but having to check the water quality is super important,” said Westin Williams, farmer.
There is research showing that if the levels of the Ogallala Aquifer continue to go down further and further so too may potentially be the quality of water that you are pumping out of the ground.
“Contamination is usually not an issue in our area but it’s always good to monitor that,” said Ashley Ausbrooks, district hydrogeologist.
It’s important to test well water periodically as some contaminants do not have a color, smell, or taste to them.
“We do generally see the water quality decline because the minerals within the aquifer get more and more concentrated,” said Ausbrooks. “This means that your water will become more hard. We already see calcium deposits build up on our faucets and stuff as water levels decline that’s going to become more and more common.”
The Role of Water Districts in Conservation
The aquifer plays a key role in life and agriculture but as more resources are drawn from the aquifer the water level decreases with little to no chance of replenishment pending rainfall amounts. The General Manager of the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District says it’s their job to conserve and help protect the aquifer by monitoring the water quality in the district.
“We have a network of wells, we monitor the water in and it’s really important to get an overall picture if we have any water quality issues in our area,” said Britney Britten, General Manager of Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District. “If there are any issues that are flagged we send notice to the land owner.”
“If it’s something you wouldn’t drink then you probably wouldn’t want it on your produce either,” said Williams. “It’s good to have it all checked and make sure the levels are where they need to be or the quality is where it needs to be.”
Conclusion
Checking the well water quality in Carson, Donley, and Gray Counties will take a couple of weeks to more than a month to complete.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity | – Water levels in the Ogallala Aquifer – Water quality in the district |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements | – Monitoring of water quality in the district – Notice sent to landowners for any water quality issues |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
The article discusses the importance of ensuring water quality for human and livestock consumption and growing crops. This aligns with SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
SDG 15: Life on Land
The article highlights the threat to the Ogallala Aquifer, which plays a key role in life and agriculture. Protecting and conserving the aquifer aligns with SDG 15, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity
The article emphasizes the need to monitor water quality in the district and mentions the decline in water levels in the Ogallala Aquifer. This aligns with the target of ensuring sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services
The article discusses the role of the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District in conserving and protecting the aquifer. This aligns with the target of ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Water levels in the Ogallala Aquifer: Monitoring the water levels can indicate the sustainability of withdrawals and supply of freshwater.
– Water quality in the district: Regular testing of well water quality can help identify any issues and ensure the conservation of freshwater ecosystems.
These indicators provide measurable data to assess progress towards ensuring sustainable water use and conservation.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity | – Water levels in the Ogallala Aquifer – Water quality in the district |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements | – Monitoring of water quality in the district – Notice sent to landowners for any water quality issues |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: abc7amarillo.com
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