BEATRICE – A moratorium on new irrigation wells has been extended by a southeast Nebraska natural resources district.

The Board of the Lower Big Blue NRD voted to extend the restriction, which initially was for a 180-day period. Concerns over the sustainability of groundwater supplies for crop irrigation, domestic use and livestock resulted in the moratorium following a review late last year of fall groundwater measurements in the district.

The Lower Big Blue NRD conducted a May 18th public hearing in DeWitt…and from that meeting, the district’s board has now opted to extend the district-wide moratorium on new wells or the expansion of irrigated acres.

Spring groundwater measurements taken in April showed ongoing declines in water for the past two to three years. Coupled with ongoing drought conditions, district officials said more time is needed to discuss management options, review the geology and aquifer characteristics, as well as rules and regulations.

NRD officials say they intend to emerge from the moratorium at some point, with a comprehensive and diverse structure for managing groundwater.

The original 180-day moratorium was set to expire June 6^th but has been extended indefinitely. The Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District includes parts of Gage, Jefferson, Saline and Pawnee Counties.