NORFOLK, Neb. -- The rain Northeast Nebraska received in recent weeks was a welcome sight, but did little to ease drought levels across the state.

That's according to a news release from the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resource District.

The LENRD said 2022 was the driest year on record for the region, resulting in a lower level of groundwater for farmers.

The board has taken steps to keep as much groundwater as possible, allocating a 15-acre inches limit for the 2023 season.

Even with allocation, and recent storms, groundwater levels continue to shrink.

“While drought conditions are beginning to show signs of decreasing their hold in portions of the area, many of the wells our staff measured this spring are showing declines," LENRD Assistant General Manager, Brian Bruckner said. "Though still at manageable levels as long as the drought doesn’t extend itself into subsequent pumping season.”

Drought levels in the region have receded in some areas. Originally most of the region was in an extreme (D3) or Exceptional (D4) level drought.

Current findings on the US drought monitor show that some regions have been lowered to severe (D2) drought, though much of the area remains at a D3 or D4 level. 

“We would like to see more rain in the coming weeks," Bruckner said. "Hopefully this precipitation will provide sufficient improvement to bring some areas out of allocation. However, if the drought lingers on, producers will need to be prepared for the pumping limits this summer and possibly next year as well.”

If drought conditions in the region are downgraded to a D2 designation for 14 consecutive days, the restriction would be lifted for locations within that area.