Southeastern New Mexico has had some rain, but it's likely not doing much to recharge the Ogallala Aquifer.
Mike Johnson with the Office of the State Engineer says whether rain recharges the aquifer is a complicated question since the agency doesn't measure recharge directly.
State water managers cooperate with the U.S. Geological Survey to measure well levels to get an idea of how much water is in the aquifer and if levels are changing.
Johnson tells the Hobbs News-Sun it's uncommon for wells in the Ogallala Aquifer to be recharged by rain, although it isn't unheard of.
The Ogallala stretches across New Mexico and several other states, providing water to nearly one-fifth of the wheat, corn, cotton and cattle produced in the U.S. Officials say it's being depleted at an unsustainable rate.
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Information from: Hobbs News-Sun.
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