Nebraska advances Perkins County Canal plans to secure water rights from Colorado

During the recent Keith County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 12, 2025, significant discussions centered around the Perkins County Canal project, a crucial initiative for Nebraska's water management. The canal, rooted in the South Platte River Compact signed in 1923, aims to secure irrigation water for Nebraska by diverting flows from the South Platte River in Colorado.

The compact establishes specific flow requirements: 120 cubic feet per second (CFS) during the irrigation season and 500 CFS in the non-irrigation season. These provisions are vital for ensuring adequate water supply for agricultural needs in Nebraska. The canal project is designed to facilitate this water diversion, which has been a topic of interest since the late 1800s, with various attempts to construct it over the years.

Commissioners highlighted the importance of the canal in light of declining water flows observed at the state line, which have dropped significantly since the early 2000s. This decline raises concerns about future water availability for Nebraska, especially as Colorado expresses intentions to utilize most of the water resources, potentially leaving Nebraska with insufficient supply.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing design and permitting processes for the canal, which are essential steps before finalizing the project’s route and reservoir locations. The federal permitting process requires evaluating multiple alternatives, which can delay the designation of a specific path for the canal.

In summary, the Perkins County Canal project represents a critical effort by Nebraska to secure its water rights and ensure sustainable irrigation practices. As discussions continue, the outcomes of this project will have lasting implications for local farmers and the broader community, emphasizing the need for proactive water management strategies in the face of changing environmental conditions.