DEVELOP GROUNDWATER ALTERNATIVES 

In Arkansas, groundwater supplies nearly 71% of all water demand—billions of gallons every year, so in places like the Grand Prairie Region, now designated a ‘Critical Groundwater Use Area,’ those reserves are being depleted far faster than they can recharge. DROP is developing innovative alternatives by working with farmers to shut down groundwater wells and replace them with sustainable surface water. This approach not only preserves groundwater for the future but also delivers cost savings today, incentivizing farmers to join our programs and proving that development and conservation can work hand in hand.

How does it work?

Infrastructure is key. Working with civil engineers, we designed a delivery system that channels collected surface water through miles of pipelines and canals that distributes the water to participating farms. Unique water infrastructure controls the flow into and out of the canals, ensuring water is delivered exactly where it’s needed. After irrigation, excess water is captured and recycled through strategic tail water recovery systems, creating a closed-loop network that maximizes efficiency and drives DROP’s water stewardship goals.