Ogallala Aquifer: A crisis in the Great Plains

Voiceover

Presenter(s)

Kaci Zarek, Sophia Pascente, Lauren Stallings, Neal Niceswanger

Abstract or Description

In partnership with EcoRadio KC, our capstone group is creating an hour-long radio program discussing the depletion of the Ogallala aquifer, a groundwater source underlying the Great Plains region. EcoRadio seeks to educate and center issues often overlooked by traditional media. As such, this program intends to embody this mission statement through our emphasis on underpublicized actions that protect an important groundwater source. This radio show will address the history of the aquifer, public policy solutions, and climate fatigue as it connects to the broader environmental movement. With the structure of the radio program being broken down into three major segments, our group hopes to encourage a depth of knowledge and thoughtful conversation. The depletion of this aquifer is negatively impacting the Great Plains, and as such, tangible steps must be taken to develop effective public policies and promote statewide outreach on groundwater management. With the aquifer facing unsustainable exploitation, it is increasingly important to protect this essential resource for agricultural productivity. To stabilize the aquifer levels and minimize irrigation dependency, local regulatory collaborations with farming communities must be paired with crop diversity. Our findings can provide insight into the best groundwater management and farming practices for reducing aquifer usage, and integrate media resources to expand topical knowledge. In doing so, our podcast will prioritize environmental communication, and provide statewide, local, and individual solutions to combat the declining water levels, thereby conserving a vital groundwater source.

Mentor

Ali Brox