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Aquifer and Agriculture
The vast but relatively shallow Ogallala Aquifer lies beneath the Great Plains, under portions of eight states. Its thickness ranges from a few feet to more than a thousand feet. The Ogallala yields about 30 percent of the nation's groundwater used for irrigation in agriculture, and provides drinking water for most of the people within the area. But for many years more water has been extracted from the Ogallala than has been returned, and the situation today is of great concern.
Examples of aquifer in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Desert oasis:Environmental groups seek groundwater protections around Arizona's San Pedro River
As aquifers empty, efforts continue to replenish them
State law doesn't recognize a connection between groundwater and surface water, complicating efforts to protect rivers from groundwater pumping.
—
Clara Migoya, The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024
For private well owners with high levels of PFAS, the cost of drilling a new well into a deeper uncontaminated aquifer could cost $16,000.
—Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2024
When aquifers become too depleted, the land can subside.
—Caroline Marshall Reinhart, WIRED, 21 Sep. 2024
As the drought continues to worsen, the Edwards Aquifer Authority is close to enacting stage 5 water restrictions — which means San Antonio would have to cut back further on drawing from the aquifer.
—Megan Stringer, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
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Clara Migoya, The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024
For private well owners with high levels of PFAS, the cost of drilling a new well into a deeper uncontaminated aquifer could cost $16,000.
—Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2024
When aquifers become too depleted, the land can subside.
—Caroline Marshall Reinhart, WIRED, 21 Sep. 2024
As the drought continues to worsen, the Edwards Aquifer Authority is close to enacting stage 5 water restrictions — which means San Antonio would have to cut back further on drawing from the aquifer.
—Megan Stringer, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for aquifer
Dictionary Entries Near aquifer
Cite this Entry
“Aquifer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aquifer. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
aquifer
noun
aqui·fer
ˈak-wə-fər 
ˈäk-
: a water-bearing layer of rock, sand, or gravel capable of absorbing water
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