Case Study

Conserving Groundwater in the Ogallala Aquifer with Water Rights Lease Agreements

Clovis, New Mexico is entirely dependent on the Ogallala Aquifer to meet the water demand for municipal use and irrigation farming. In response, the Ogallala Land & Water Conservancy (OLWC) and Cannon Air Force Base (CAFB) are entering three-year water rights lease agreements with landowners to conserve the aquifer’s remaining groundwater for critical municipal and CAFB use.

Location Clovis, New Mexico

Year

2024

Details

Hazards

Assets

Agriculture and Food Supply

Aquatic and Marine Resources

Multiple or All Assets

Water Infrastructure – General

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Conserving Groundwater in the Ogallala Aquifer with Water Rights Lease Agreements

Funding & Building Capacity

This project was funded by the Department of Defense REPI Program and the State of New Mexico, Office of the State Engineer, CSFRF Grant.

Organizations

US Fish & Wildlife Service

Relevant Options

Determine the economic impact of water management on critical elements of the economy, including agriculture, tourism and marine industries. Revise land use plans to accommodate changes in types of agricultural activities and to allow for shifts in agriculturally viable areas. Encourage soil management and planting and growing techniques that improve soil and plant health in response to climate change.

Steps to Resilience

Understand Exposure

Assess Vulnerability & Risk

Investigate Options

Prioritize & Plan

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