The High Plains region of the United States is home to some of the most productive land to be found anywhere in the world. However, this region is dependent almost exclusively on the one natural resource, the ground water in the Ogallala formation underlying the High Plains. There is no substitute for this resource, but over the years the prediction that it is being rapidly used up has proven to be true. This book was written in order to inform people and their communities about the implication of the depletion of the Ogallala aquifer which not only is vital to the agricultural sector, but many urban and suburban areas rely on it for their water source. This book has been cited and referenced in numerous papers, journals, and books continuously since it was published. It addresses the importance of the Ogallala aquifer, especially in agricultural use and the need to preserve this natural resource. In 2010, WRP is pleased to re-release this book as part of its Classic Resource Edition since the message it gives to the reader is just as important now as it was years ago. Included in this edition is the USGS Fact Sheet 2007-3029 by V.L. McGuire.