Monitoring US High Plains Aquifer: Recommendations for Better Collaborative Groundwater Monitoring

Groundwater is a critical resource, and the High Plains Aquifer (HPA) is significantly threatened by over-extraction. This overuse jeopardizes not only water availability but also equitable access and allocation. A federally coordinated program and an interstate compact are proposed to enhance collaborative groundwater monitoring related to water quality standards and transboundary water management. A centralized data repository would provide a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders, facilitating broader community engagement and informed decision-making.