March 12, 2026
An immediate temporary stay for a period of up to 180 days has been placed on the issuance of any new well permits, the increase in the number of acres historically irrigated, and the transfer of groundwater as allowed under Nebraska Revised Statute 46-707. Previously approved, unexpired well permits, replacement wells, public water supply wells, well permits for wells designed that will pump from 50 to 150 gallons per minute will continue to be allowed along with test hole drilling and conversions to pivot irrigation.
Since 1999, anyone installing a high capacity well (designed to pump >50 gpm) is required to obtain a permit from the District. To qualify for approval the well must meet certain standards and obtain a ranking score above pre-determined minimums, depending on the well’s location within the District (201 points in most areas; 300 points in an area of eastern Richardson County).
Permit applications, accompanied by a testhole geologic log from a licensed well contractor and a non-refundable filing fee must be received no later than the end of business on the Thursday prior to the monthly board meeting to be considered at that meeting. For more details on the NRD well permitting and other groundwater rules, check out the complete text of the NRD Groundwater Rules & Regulations.