Drought Management Plan:

Drought is a normal, recurrent feature of climate. It is temporary aberration, and differs from aridity, which is a permanent feature of climate in low rainfall regions. Mesquite Groundwater Conservation District is located in an arid region that also experiences drought.

Drought response conservation measures typically used in other regions (i.e. rationing) cannot be applied to agriculture uses in this region due to their extreme economic impact potential. The District Board recognizes that irrigated agriculture provides primary economic stability to the communities within the District. Periods of precipitation shortage are the periods when agriculture has the greatest need for groundwater. Therefore, the District Board adopts the official position that, in times of precipitation shortage, irrigated agricultural producers will not be limited to any less usage of groundwater than is provided by District rules.

The District stresses groundwater conservation measures at all times. During times of drought, the District will encourage more stringent conservation measures, where practical, but will not limit groundwater use in any way not already provided in the District rules.