Groundwater Policies in the Agricultural Midwestern United States

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Abstract
Groundwater quality in the agricultural states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska (U.S.A.) is found to vary with depth, location and ownership of well, time of sampling, and geological features. Shallow wells are much more susceptible to contamination than deep ones from surface sources. It is observed that depth and non-uniform well construction practices are two major determinants of ground-water quality. Statutes in these states recognize pesticides and herbicides as potential sources of contamination, but at this time do not specifically include any provisions to protect groundwater from contamination by other sources. This paper describes the status of groundwater quality conditions in the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska and discusses research priorities and potential policy options for the protection of groundwater in these states. These discussions would be of value to water resource scientists, planners and administrators, especially those in regions of the world where large doses of chemical supplements are used in crop production.

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