Major water users and regulators in Nebraska would have to come together to develop a water-management plan for each of the state's river basins, under a proposal in the Legislature.
The bill by Sen. Steve Lathrop would require local and state approval of the plans, which would include input from both surface- and groundwater users. If the goals outlined in the plans aren't met in 30 years, the Department of Natural Resources would take over basin management.
Lathrop will present his measure to a legislative committee on Tuesday.
Dean Edson, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts, says the proposed requirements aren't feasible because the state doesn't have enough water to protect the rights of all surface-water users.
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