Ogallala Aquifer levels on the rise

After more than a decade of decline, water is finally on the rise for the Ogallala Aquifer, the underground reservoir that spreads underneath parts of eight states from South Dakota to Texas, according to the High Plains Underwater Conservation District.

The aquifer, considered one of the largest in the world, is measuring an average increase of 4.4 inches in groundwater levels within the 16-county area.

Past measurements showed declines of more than 9 feet for the 10-year average and almost 6 feet for the five-year average.

The district reports the abundance of snow and rain helped increase water levels.