Lower Platte Drought Consortium Urges Vigilance as Dry Conditions Persist
The Lower Platte River Drought Consortium urges Nebraskans living in the southeastern portion of the state to maintain awareness of water supply conditions in the Lower Platte Basin. The Consortium, made up of six agencies managing the area’s water, report drought conditions have emerged and are expected to persist over the next few months, affecting flows in the Platte River and groundwater well levels.
The Lower Platte Basin area of Nebraska is currently experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions after an abnormally dry September. The National Weather Service US Seasonal Drought Outlook predicts below normal precipitation and above normal temperatures in the Great Plains region through the end of January.
Rural and urban populations in Nebraska rely on the Platte River for municipal use, agriculture, and recreation. Although outdoor water uses such as crop irrigation, lawn watering, and recreation are winding down for the season, the Consortium urges the public to begin planning for water conservation measures next spring and encourages community members to reassess their water needs and install water-saving technology in the winter months.
Due to heightened fire danger, the Consortium urges the public to maintain continued awareness of fire conditions by consulting the Nebraska Forest Service Fire Danger Forecast https://nfs.unl.edu/nebraska-fire-danger. Additionally, contact your local fire department for local conditions and burn permits and bans.
For current information on drought conditions, the public is encouraged to view the Lower Platte Drought Dashboard maintained by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources: https://gis.ne.gov/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=c0b751c512a24b83a6ad1c3214941ea8
“For the Lincoln area, September 2024 ranked as the 4th driest and 5th warmest September since 1887 according to University of Nebraska data. As a result, conditions are extremely dry throughout much of the Lower Platte River Basin and are expected to continue throughout the next several months. The Drought Consortium encourages all citizens to use water efficiently and carefully, and to avoid any situations which might lead to fires.” Dick Ehrman, Water Resources Coordinator, Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (NRD).
The Lower Platte River Consortium continuously monitors water supply conditions in the basin and will continue to communicate with the public regarding current conditions and seasonal drought outlooks.
About the consortium
Formed in 2016, the consortium consists of six different entities (agencies) that monitor or rely on the Lower Platte River for their water supply. These agencies include:
- Lower Platte South NRD
- City of Lincoln Water System
- Lower Platte North NRD
- Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
- Papio-Missouri River NRD
- Metropolitan Utilities District
Questions should be addressed to your local water management agency.
