1. The Nebraska Case: the integration of state and
local control over the conjunctive management
of surface water and ground water
Ann Bleed
University of Nebraska, U.S.A.

4. Registered Irrigation Wells: 1940 vs. 2007
1940
2007
Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Conservation & Survey Division and Nebraska Department of Natural Resources

6. Nebraska’s 23 Natural Resources Districts

7. Surface Water Ground Water
-Water Dedicated to the -Water Dedicated to the
Public Public
-First in Time is First in -Reasonable
Right Use/Correlative Rights
-Use it or Lose It -Right to Use on Overlying
Land
- Administered by
Department of Natural -Administered by Natural
Resources Resources Districts

8. 2004:
Legislation passed by
legislature and signed by
Governor

9. Law Requires:
- State DNR to Determine River Basins in State
that are Fully Appropriated
- Determination triggers an immediate, but
temporary stay on new uses
- State and NRD jointly develop and
implement an Integrated Management Plan

10. Law Requires
Clear goals and objectives with a purpose of
sustaining a balance between water uses and
water supplies so that the economic viability,
social and environmental health, safety, and
welfare of the river basin can be achieved and
maintained for both the near and long term

12. Thank You