Wednesday, Feb 6 2013 2:51PM

New technology has enabled many farmers to conserve water.

Farmers in New Mexico are employing newer technologies to conserve their water resources and slow down the shrinking rate of the Ogallala Aquifer, upon which many farmers depend for agriculture, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Through the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and Environmental Quality Incentives Program, local farmers, such as Joseph and Jeremy Gonzales, have obtained the financing to replace older and inefficient crop and pivot systems, and purchase new efficient water tools. For example, the farmers now use a Low-Elevation Spray Application (LESA) system which not only ensures that farms receive the sufficient amount of water they need, but also allows them to boost efficiency and reduce manual labor. 

"Even with the drought and persistent heat and wind we have actually seen yield increases," said Jeremy Gonzales, according to the USDA.

The program has also allowed the Gonzaleses to install flow meters, chemigation valves and computerized pivot panels. The updates help them measure the exact amount of water needed to avoid wasting additional resources, and also prevent harmful pesticides from entering the clean groundwater supply. 

Gaining access to water system services may become more difficult for rural agricultural communities in the future as shrinking water supplies and lawsuits over water rights hinder usage. As a result, more communities are seeking out unique ways to curb water usage and focus on conservation to ensure future generations have access to this limited resource. 

For more information, check out this resource: The U.S. Department of Agriculture