This report contains basic data on water-level measurements in observation wells in western Kansas. The measurements were made in mid-winter, mostly in January, when pumping was minimal and water levels had recovered from the effects of pumping during the previous irrigation season. This report also provides basic hydrologic data for relating water-level changes from a "base-reference year" (predevelopment year), a year of abnormally high rainfall and minimum pumpage (1966), and the previous year (1977). The "base-reference year" for the northwestern and west-central areas is designated as 1950; for the southwestern area is designated as 1940; and for the south-central area is not yet designated.
Tables in the report show the depths to water level in 1940 or 1950 (predevelopment year), 1966, 1977, and 1978; water-level changes from 194078 or 1950-78, 1966-78 and 1977-78; and the average annual changes from 1940-78 or 1950-78, and from 1966-78. Also shown are saturated thicknesses of the deposits in 1940 or 1950 and in 1978, as well as the change in feet and percentage.
The annual water-level measurements are made by personnel of the Division of Water Resources of the Kansas State Board of Agriculture and of the U.S. Geological Survey. State-agency support for this program is provided through the Kansas Geological Survey.
