86 Kansas Academy of Science. 



Granting that the above facts are approximately correct 

 and disregarding the last-named condition, it is interesting 

 to note some of the estimates necessary to restore the ground- 

 water table to its former level. It will take all the rainfall 

 for two average years to restore it; or, it will take twenty 

 per cent above average for ten years or ten per cent above 

 average for twenty years. A gain of two inches per year for 

 thirty-five years would make up the loss. As the surface water 

 is seldom sufficient in any part of Kansas to last through the 

 dry parts of the year, it is evident that stockmen and munici- 

 palities should seek a water supply well below the present 

 water table to be sure of a permanent water supply. Although 

 the records since 1836 show a gradual increase in the rainfall 

 in eastern Kansas, at the same rate it would not restore the 

 shrinkage in the next fifty years. Then the question naturally 

 arises, will the former ground- water table ever be restored? 

 Is there a probability that there will be an excessive rainfall 

 in the next ten or twenty or even fifty years, sufficient to re- 

 store the former level? Can a system of ponds and small 

 lakes be built by damming the draws and creeks sufficient to 

 restore the old table or to aid in maintaining the present level ? 

 Will the creeks continue to build up their flood plains? And 

 if so, will they become permanent surface-water streams? 

 Such questions can not be discussed in this paper, but they 

 suggest that the lowering of the ground-water table is one, 

 not only of much scientific interest, but also one of great 

 economic importance to farmers, stockmen, and city authorities 

 who have to provide a permanent water supply for domestic 

 purposes. 



