The Challenge
Groundwater levels in the Buffalo County Area have declined significantly over the past several decades, creating concerns for long-term water supply, agriculture, and local resource management. The Lower Loup Natural Resources District needed a clearer, science-based understanding of where declines are occurring, what is driving them, and how future management actions might help. Reliable tools were needed to support practical mitigation strategies and informed decisions.
Our Solution
Starting in 2023, Spheros Environmental (formerly LRE Water) worked alongside Lower Loup Natural Resources District staff to develop the Buffalo County Area Groundwater Model (BC Model), building on earlier support for a successful Water Sustainability Fund (WSF) grant. Existing hydrogeologic and land-use data, including airborne electromagnetic (AEM) results, 19,300 well logs and test holes, and geologic and soil information, were used to build the model framework. A five-layer groundwater model and a custom watershed model were developed for water-budget and scenario testing.
Prime
Results +What makes this unique
The project delivered a calibrated, five-layer groundwater model designed to help LLNRD better characterize groundwater declines, evaluate potential responses, and plan mitigation strategies. The model framework is strengthened by integration of AEM data and extensive well-log records, combined in a single cohesive geologic interpretation. Scenario testing provides a practical way to compare management options and communicate outcomes through LLNRD’s existing decision-support tools.
Project Experts
