DEVELOP GROUNDWATER ALTERNATIVES 

Currently, groundwater is the primary source of water for crop irrigation. As farming demands increase, however, groundwater stores are being depleted faster than they can naturally renew. DROP works with farmers to turn off their groundwater wells and replace that water with sustainable surface water from a tributary of the Arkansas River. This system not only conserves fresh, pure groundwater, but also provides significant cost savings for participating farmers.

How does it work?

Infrastructure is key. We consulted civil engineers to design a delivery system that allows water from the tributary to be released into a canal and distributed to participating farms. Levers control the flow into and out of the canal. After irrigating crops, excess water collects in reservoirs and is returned to the canal.