What’s the plan? Auburn, Peru residents in ninth month restricted from non-essential water use – KETV

Water Scarcity and Emergency Measures in Auburn, Nebraska

Overview of the Water Shortage Situation

Over the past five years, Auburn, Nebraska, has experienced a deficit equivalent to a full year’s worth of rainfall, significantly impacting groundwater availability near the Little Nemaha River. Ray Luhring, General Manager of the Auburn Board of Public Works, reported that this shortage has led to critically low groundwater levels, affecting local wells.

Implementation of Water Emergency Levels

1. Level 2 Water Emergency: Initiated in September 2023, this stage requested residents to alternate watering days to conserve water.
2. Level 3 Water Emergency: Effective from October 11, 2024, this level enforces restrictions on nonessential water use, including lawn and garden watering.

The Auburn City Council has made these restrictions enforceable, with penalties including warnings and fines, although enforcement has not yet been necessary.

Regional Water Supply Coordination

• Peru, Nebraska, connected to Auburn’s water supply, has maintained water restrictions since the 2019 flooding destroyed its water treatment plant.
• Unlike Auburn, Peru has not made its water restrictions enforceable.

Short-Term and Long-Term Water Management Solutions

Short-Term Solution: Cofferdam on Longs Creek

• Plan to utilize an existing cofferdam on Longs Creek to collect and treat water.
• Expected implementation as early as September 2024.
• Estimated cost: approximately $700,000 initial investment plus $250,000 annually for treatment.
• State approval pending but anticipated without issues.
• Level 3 water restrictions expected to remain until this solution is operational.

Long-Term Solutions and Challenges

Given the limited capacity of the creek, Auburn is exploring more sustainable options, including:

• Constructing a collector well near the Missouri River or north of Auburn.
• Building a cofferdam on the Little Nemaha River.

Challenges include:

• Low groundwater levels near the Little Nemaha River make new wells insufficient.
• High costs, with each option estimated in the millions of dollars.
• Projected timelines of at least five years for completion.
• Previous attempts to divert water from the Little Nemaha River were rejected by the state due to objections.

Community Response and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment

Community Engagement and Conservation Efforts

Ray Luhring commended Auburn residents for their understanding and active participation in water conservation efforts, which have been crucial in managing the crisis without imposing severe hardships.

SDGs Integration

1. SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: The emergency measures and infrastructure projects aim to ensure sustainable water management and availability for all.
2. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Implementing enforceable water use restrictions and planning for resilient water infrastructure contribute to building sustainable urban environments.
3. SDG 13 – Climate Action: Addressing drought impacts through adaptive water management reflects proactive climate resilience strategies.
4. SDG 15 – Life on Land: Sustainable water sourcing and conservation efforts help protect local ecosystems dependent on groundwater and surface water.

Conclusion

The water scarcity crisis in Auburn highlights the critical need for integrated water resource management aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. While short-term solutions are underway, long-term investments and community cooperation remain essential to secure water sustainability and resilience against future climate variability.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on water scarcity, groundwater depletion, water emergencies, and water treatment, which directly relate to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The drought and reduced rainfall over five years indicate climate-related challenges affecting water resources, linking to climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Water restrictions and infrastructure planning in Auburn and Peru relate to building resilient and sustainable urban communities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.4: Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater.
   • Target 6.b: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to SDG 6:
   • Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services (Indicator 6.1.1) – implied by water supply and treatment challenges.
   • Water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources (Indicator 6.4.2) – implied by groundwater depletion and drought conditions.
   • Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies for participation of local communities in water management (Indicator 6.b.1) – implied by community conservation efforts and local water restrictions.
2. Indicators related to SDG 13:
   • Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population (Indicator 13.1.1) – implied by drought impact and water emergencies.
   • Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies (Indicator 13.1.2) – implied by emergency water restrictions and planning for water infrastructure projects.
3. Indicators related to SDG 11:
   • Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated (Indicator 11.6.1) – indirectly implied by municipal management efforts.
   • Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population (Indicator 11.5.1) – overlaps with SDG 13 indicators on disaster impact.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: ketv.com