Pawnee Valley Intensive Groundwater Use Control Area

Initiated: June 20, 1980 by the Board of Directors of GMD No. 5

Reasons for request

  • Slow decline of water levels since 1943
  • A maximum withdrawal study was being conducted
Public Hearing: November 25, 1980
Order issued: July 8, 1981 - Adobe PDF Available

Conclusions:

  • The groundwater levels in the area in question had declined
  • Rate of withdrawal of groundwater exceeded the rate of recharge
  • Safe yield criteria should be set at 1,500 acre-feet in a one mile radius circle
Provisions:
  • Set safe yield criteria of 1,500 acre-feet in one mile radius circle on applications filed after June 19, 1978
  • Directed the Board of Directors of the Big Bend GMD No. 5 to annually review all water related information in the IGUCA and allowed them to request a hearing if amendments to the IGUCA were necessary
  • Chief Engineer can amend the IGUCA if deemed in the public interest
Amendment requested February 14, 1985 by Big Bend GMD No. 5 to change the safe yield criteria to 750 acre-feet
Public Hearing held: August 15, 1985
Order issued: September 13, 1985 - Adobe PDF Available
Conclusions:
  • Groundwater levels in the area in question had continued to decline
  • Rate of withdrawal of groundwater exceeded the rate of recharge
  • Public interest required that further limitations were needed
  • Safe-Yield amount of 750 acre-feet per calendar year be imposed
Provisions:
  • Safe yield criteria lowered to 750 acre-feet in a one mile radius circle
Proceedings to Amend the IGUCA initiated June 16, 2006
Order Following Phase I Issued: June 18, 2007 - Adobe PDF Available