Upper Smoky Hill River Intensive Groundwater Use Control Area

Wallace, Logan, Gove and Trego Counties - Smoky Hill and Hackberry Creek Valleys

Initiated: May 31, 1984, by the Chief Engineer in the Lower Smoky Hill River IGUCA

Reasons for initiating

  • Testimony and evidence received by the Chief Engineer in the hearing for Lower Smoky Hill River IGUCA proceedings indicated:
    • Declining inflow of water into Cedar Bluff Reservoir contributed to the declining water levels and water flow below the Reservoir
    • Streamflows of the Smoky Hill River and Hackberry Creek above Cedar Bluff Reservoir were declining or had declined excessively and that conditions existed which might require regulation in the public interest
Public Hearing: February 26, 1987
Order issued: July 20, 1988 - Adobe PDF Available

Conclusions

  • Smoky Hill and Hackberry alluvium and terrace deposits are hydraulically connected to the stream systems
  • Groundwater levels in portions of the Smoky Hill River Alluvium were declining
  • Streamflows above Cedar Bluff Reservoir were declining and had reduced flow into the Reservoir
  • Streamflow declines were primarily due to effects of increased conservation practices and ground and surface water pumping out of the alluvial valley
  • Conditions existed that required regulation in the public interest (declining inflow of water into Cedar Bluff Reservoir contributing to declines in water levels and streamflow below the Reservoir)
  • Area should be closed to further appropriations

Provisions

  • Closed the area to further surface and groundwater appropriations
  • Chief engineer can amend the IGUCA if deemed in the public interest