Drought Planning Groups Across State Urge Public to Conserve Water

The Platte Basin Coalition, the Lower Platte River Drought Consortium, the Republican River Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), and the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE) are urging the public to utilize water conservation best practices due to ongoing drought conditions across Nebraska. As of April 21^st, the National Drought Mitigation Center reports that 43% of the state is experiencing extreme drought (D3), 43% is experiencing severe drought (D2), and 12% is experiencing moderate drought (D1). While recent rainfall has provided some relief, it has not been sufficient to significantly improve overall conditions.

Nebraska’s population relies heavily on both surface water and groundwater replenished by surface water for agricultural, municipal, domestic, and industrial use. With precipitation patterns that are highly seasonal, the late spring and early summer months are critical for replenishing soil moisture, streamflow, and groundwater supplies. Ongoing drought conditions mean that even near-normal rainfall may not fully offset existing deficits.

According to NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s Seasonal Drought Outlook, average drought conditions are expected to persist or likely worsen across Nebraska this spring and summer despite occasional short-lived relief.

In response, Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) encourage producers and residents to adopt practical water conservation strategies, including:

These practices help conserve water, improve efficiency, and support long-term groundwater sustainability.

To improve drought monitoring across the state, the public is encouraged to submit drought-related observations through the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) system maintained by the National Drought Mitigation Center:
https://droughtimpacts.unl.edu/Tools/ConditionMonitoringObservations.aspx

Consistent public reporting helps inform the development of the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor. For current drought conditions and available assistance programs, visit:

The drought planning groups will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates on basin-wide impacts. Residents are encouraged to contact their local NRD for additional conservation practices and resources.

The Platte Basin Coalition was formed in 2012 by NRDs in the Upper Platte River Basin and DWEE to jointly implement water management projects and address drought-related challenges.

Coalition partners include:

As of April 21^st, approximately 34% of the Upper Platte Basin is experiencing severe drought (D2), and 66% is experiencing extreme drought (D3).

For updates on drought triggers and response actions, visit:
https://dnr.nebraska.gov/water-planning/upper-platte-river-drought-contingency-plan