Research Room:
Playa Lakes
Playas:
New Mexico and West Texas are dotted with Playas (lakebeds) that accumulate surface water runoff and then funnel it DIRECTLY into the Ogallala Aquifer.
According to the US Fish & Wildlife Service, " playas are the primary recharge areas for the Ogallala Aquifer of the southern High Plains."
The High Plains Underground Water Conservation District Number 1 (Lubbock, Texas) states that: " Recent studies reveal that playa lakes also play a significant role in recharge [of the Ogallala Aquifer].One recent study indicates natural recharge from playa basins ranging from 0.5 to 3.24 inches per year per surface acre."
Playas are Protected Wetlands: EPA Definition: " Wetlands: Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency or duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include playa lakes, swamps, fens, marshes, bogs, and similar areas such as sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, prairie river overflows, mudflats, and natural ponds ."
Runoff Threat to Aquifer:
When dairy wastewater contaminates surface water runoff, it will be funneled directly into our freshwater supply through these playas, pollutants and all.
The above photo is an actual US Geological Survey Aerial Photo of a Curry County Playa at a proposed dairy facility. Note the historic runoff patterns that drain directly into the playa.
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