KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) — A new study says there are limits to how much well water Klamath Basin irrigators can pump during dry years.
The irrigators sharply increased groundwater pumping after a drought in 2001 left them without water diverted from the river. The summer’s events brought the struggle over water in the Klamath Basin to national attention.
After that, irrigators started drilling wells to supplement their water supplies. But that lowered the water table. Two years ago, the town well in Merrill went dry for some days, and deeper pipes had to be installed.
The Klamath Falls Herald and News reports (http://bit.ly/n1Xpm1 ) a study from the U.S. Geological Survey says there is enough groundwater for to help irrigate in dry years, but the supply has to be managed well.
