Ogallala aquifer drying up.

Want to have an anxiety attack? Think about this. This should put things in perspective for us.

Ogallala aquifer



The Ogallala aquifer is located under the Great Plains, covering parts of eight states including: Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota. This area is considered the breadbasket of America and produces most of the agricultural bounty our country depends on for food and exports. According to an article in Scientific American, more than 90% of the water pumped out of the aquifer is used to irrigate crops, supporting $20 billion of food and fiber production. It supports almost one-fifth of US production of wheat, corn, cotton, and cattle.

The problem? The Ogallala will run out of water, and at the rate we’re going, soon. Scientists have estimated that it would take 6,000 years for the aquifer to naturally replenish itself, but we are taking water at much faster rates. Within the boundaries of the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District, the water level is dropping at 1.74 feet per year.

http://sustainbydesign.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/drying-up-the-ogallala-aquifer/

Hasn't anybody explained the importance of the economy to mother nature?

You heard it from me first.