Nebraska is overflowing with water resources, boasting 23 rivers that encompass 79,056 miles and eight underlying aquifers that afford more groundwater than any other state.[1] Those resources have been essential to the success of agriculture in the state, with 92% of the state’s land dedicated to farms and ranches.[2] However, drought has dominated the landscape of the state for years, and although improved from earlier in the year, nearly 30% of the state is still in severe drought and 15% is in extreme or exceptional drought, primarily in eastern Nebraska according to the Drought Monitor (Sept. 7). Continued drought conditions jeopardize water supplies, giving rise to restrictive measures to protect water.

Waverly, Nebraska, part of the Lincoln metropolitan area, is experiencing its worst drought since 1936, with a precipitation shortfall of approximately three feet this year as reported on the city’s website. To protect the Dakota Aquifer – the city’s water source – Waverly issued a voluntary water conservation advisory in June which had no impact on water levels, leading officials to impose emergency water restrictions by the end of the month. As water supplies continued to dwindle, increasingly stringent restrictions were implemented, allowing only one day per week for irrigation of lawns and golf courses within specific hours and limits on car washing, swimming pools and decorative fountains.

The water emergency declaration also empowers the Waverly City Council to introduce emergency water rates to conserve water supplies. Initially, restrictions reduced water usage by 40%. However, the ensuing weeks saw usage go back up, forcing the council to consider a rate hike that would levy a fee for every 1,000 gallons used above 10,001 gallons per month.[3] The council postponed the vote due to difficulties in agreeing on gallons-used allowances for domestic, commercial and industrial users as well as the duration and termination of the restrictions. At the time of publication, a vote had yet to occur.

[1] Harris, Tyler. “No, Nebraska Doesn’t Have the Most Miles of River.” Farm Progress, 10 Jan. 2023, www.farmprogress.com/husker-harvest-days/no-nebraska-doesn-t-have-the-most-miles-of-river.

[2] Nebraska’s Top National Rankings, nda.nebraska.gov/facts.pdf. Accessed 13 Sept. 2023.

[3] Crisler, Sam. “Vote on Emergency Water Rates Postponed Again, City Implements Harsher Water Restrictions.” Wahoo, 16 Aug. 2023, wahoo-ashland-waverly.com/news/vote-on-emergency-water-rates-postponed-again-city-implements-harsher-water-restrictions/article_120b9b9c-3af3-11ee-a2d7-cb46201bcbb6.html.