2024 Arkansas Groundwater Protection and Management Report: Arkansas Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Commission Announces Release – JD Supra

2024 Groundwater Protection and Management Report by Arkansas Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Commission

Overview

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has published the 2024 Groundwater Protection and Management Report (“Report”). This document provides a comprehensive summary of groundwater monitoring, current water levels, conservation programs, and water use within the state of Arkansas.

Background and Responsibility

Since 1969, the Arkansas General Assembly has assigned the responsibility for state water sources planning to the predecessor of the current NRC, originally the Arkansas Solid Waste Conservation Commission. Today, the NRC holds primary responsibility for managing various water-related issues across Arkansas.

Groundwater Management and Protection

The NRC’s role in groundwater management aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 15: Life on Land. The NRC is tasked with:

1. State-level planning
2. Management
3. Protection of groundwater resources

These objectives are achieved through the following activities:

• Monitoring aquifer water levels and water quality
• Implementing best management practices
• Promoting water conservation
• Enforcing proper construction standards for water wells
• Providing education on groundwater issues

Components of the 2024 Report

The Report is structured to provide detailed insights into groundwater resources and policies, supporting the achievement of SDG 6 by ensuring sustainable water management. The key sections include:

• Introduction
• Water Policy
• Hydrogeology and Water Level Trends
  • Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer
    • Precipitation and Weather Events
    • Water Level Trends
  • Sparta/Memphis Aquifer
    • Water Level Trends
  • Cockfield and Wilcox Aquifers
• Groundwater Quality
• Groundwater Use
• Water Conservation Tax Incentive Program
• Summary

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The NRC’s efforts in groundwater protection and management contribute directly to several SDGs:

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water through monitoring, conservation, and education.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Addressing impacts of precipitation and weather events on aquifers.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Protecting terrestrial ecosystems by managing groundwater sustainably.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Promoting best management practices and water conservation incentives.

Access to the Report

The full 2024 Groundwater Protection and Management Report is available for download here.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on groundwater protection, management, water quality, and conservation, all of which are central to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The emphasis on conservation programs and best management practices relates to sustainable use of natural resources and reducing environmental impact.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Protection and management of groundwater resources contribute to the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems and combat land degradation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6 Targets
   • 6.1 – Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water.
   • 6.3 – Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals.
   • 6.4 – Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals.
   • 6.5 – Implement integrated water resources management at all levels.
2. SDG 12 Targets
   • 12.2 – Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
3. SDG 15 Targets
   • 15.1 – Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Groundwater Monitoring Indicators
   • Water level trends in various aquifers (Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer, Sparta/Memphis Aquifer, Cockfield and Wilcox Aquifers) indicate groundwater availability and sustainability.
   • Groundwater quality measurements to track pollution levels and water safety.
2. Water Use Indicators
   • Data on water use to assess efficiency and conservation success.
3. Conservation Program Indicators
   • Implementation and impact of water conservation tax incentive programs.
   • Adoption of best management practices and compliance with well construction standards.
4. Policy and Education Indicators
   • Effectiveness of education programs in promoting sustainable water use.
   • State-level planning and management effectiveness as measured by water resource sustainability.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: jdsupra.com