BEATRICE, Nebraska -- The Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) approved revisions to its Groundwater Quantity Rules and Regulations with an effective date of Dec. 22, 2025. Subsequently, NRD Directors took action to lift the moratorium on the expansion of irrigated acres and the drilling of new high-capacity wells in Groundwater Management Sub-Areas One (1), Four (4), and Five (5), effective Jan. 1, 2026. 

The moratorium remains in place in all other areas of the district. Exceptions to the stay include test holes, dewatering wells with an intended use of one year or less, monitoring wells, EPA remediation wells, water wells for range livestock, replacement wells and water wells of public water suppliers (Nebraska Revised Statute 46-714 (3)). Please visit www.lbbnrd.net for a map and additional information.

Under the authority of Nebraska Revised Statute §46-707 (2) and in accordance with Lower Big Blue NRD board action taken at the monthly meeting on Dec. 8, 2022, at 8:30 a.m., the District was placed under a temporary stay, or moratorium, in regards to drilling any new water wells or any increase in the number of acres historically irrigated. Under the statute, a public hearing was held on May 18, 2023, and board action was taken to extend the stay indefinitely on June 4, 2023. 

After revisions to the District’s Groundwater Quantity Rules and Regulations were made and public hearings held on Nov. 6, 2024, and Oct. 30, 2025, in accordance with Nebraska Revised Statute §46-743, the board took action on Nov. 13, 2025, to approve the final revisions and establish an effective date after which they will remain in full force and effect until revised, repealed, amended, or superseded. Subsequently, on Dec. 11, 2025, the Board took action to approve the certified groundwater use acres on file with the District, and also to lift the moratorium on the expansion of irrigated acres and the drilling of new high-capacity wells in Groundwater Management Sub-Areas One (1), Four (4), and Five (5), effective Jan. 1, 2026. 

The moratorium remains in place in all other areas of the district. Exceptions to the stay include test holes, dewatering wells with an intended use of one year or less, monitoring wells, EPA remediation wells, water wells for range livestock, replacement wells and water wells of public water suppliers (Nebraska Revised Statute 46-714 (3)).

Upon the designation of a Phase 2 Groundwater Quantity Management Sub-Area, an immediate moratorium on the construction of new high-capacity wells used for the purposes of irrigation and the expansion of irrigated acres shall be imposed, and the installation of flow meters and restrictions on water use shall be required. The revisions also include new well permitting provisions and reporting requirements for large volume water users. If you have questions, contact the Lower Big Blue NRD at 402.228.3402.