DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN UPDATE July 28, 2025
The wells have not dropped off over the weekend. There are multiple factors that determine each level of the drought protocol which was enacted in 2001. Following the protocol determines if we are eligible for funding in the event of a drought crisis and is approved by the State. Drought protocol stage information is located at auburnbpw.com. Rain levels are not the only factor that determines the drought stage. Prior to the drought protocol being implemented 650,000 – 720,000 gallons were pumped daily. Pumping at this rate causes us to pump faster than the aquifer was recharging and thus the decision to enter Stage 3. Water conservation has allowed us to slow the withdraw rate and is keeping the equipment from failure.
Longs Creek Treatment plant will not be in service until Spring of 2026 for drinking water. Water pumped for garden use and ball fields will not affect the alluvial wellfield due to pulling water straight from the creek and not from the aquifer. There is not a well structure, but rather water from another source that does not feed our alluvial aquifer. While we had hoped a couple of rains would give us adequate recharge, that has not happened. While the numbers are rising, we are not getting enough rain to force water into the aquifer.
BPW Board meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month. In addition, BPW is happy to answer any questions. We will continue to provide data with daily readings on the number of gallons pumped, pumping times, and reservoir levels. This will keep the public informed of current conditions. See the City of Auburn website at https://auburn.ne.gov for updates. The reservoir holds 1.5 million gallons of water and has not dropped below the normal levels and is currently stable. This is due to the implementation of the plan and the collaboration of the members of the Auburn and Peru communities’ reduction in use. We appreciate all efforts for conserving usage until levels return to normal.
Alan Slater
Water/Wastewater Manager
Daily Water Readings: July 28, 2025