PROJECTED EFFECTS OF GROUND-WATER DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS OF TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO.

A digital ground-water flow model of the southern High Plains of Texas and New Mexico has been constructed. The calibrated model with the 1980 water level as the initial condition was used to project water levels to 2020. Estimated future pumpage based on the U. S. Economic Development Administration's economic study of the High Plains region was used in the model. Pumpage estimates were made for three assumed management strategies: (1) continuation of existing governmental influence on irrigation; (2) voluntary reduction in water use; and (3) mandatory reduction in water use.