The Kansas Geological Survey is reporting lower groundwater levels across the state.

The Survey, based at the University of Kansas,  said while small increases were reported last year in western and northwest parts of the state, most other areas are tracking declines in water levels.

There is an ongoing drop in levels of the southwest portion of the mighty Ogallala aquifer, which continues to shrink following back to back declines totaling almost five feet in 2022 and 2021. Authorities are also tracking ongoing declines of the Equus Beds, which serves Wichita and Hutchinson; and the Great Bend Prairie aquifer, which provides water for Pratt, Stafford and parts of neighboring counties.

Drought conditions have also caused a drop in water levels at the Cheney Reservoir, and Wichita officials have been watching the situation there and the levels in the Equus Beds.

[ High Plains Aquifer map:  Kansas Geological Survey ]