By Allison Peck
Residents and water users will have an opportunity to learn more about operations at Lake McConaughy during an informational open house hosted by the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District later this month.
The open house is scheduled for October 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. Mountain Time at the NACO West Training Center in Ogallala.
The event was moved from the Lake McConaughy Visitor Center to accommodate strong public interest.
The open house will be set up as an informal, come-and-go event. Visitors can move through information stations at their own pace and speak with Central staff about the district's management of water resources at Lake McConaughy.
Topics will include water supply and demand, federal regulatory requirements and conservation practices being used by the district.
Central says the information will build on material presented during its September 8 Board of Directors meeting, which drew significant interest from Keith County residents and irrigation customers.
The district also plans to discuss how its water operations have changed since the last major drought and efforts being made to maximize water savings.
The event comes as a statewide water conservation plan is also being discussed among water stakeholders. If that plan moves forward, the working group is expected to hold additional public meetings to provide more information.
People who cannot attend the October 19 open house will be able to find the information presented at CNPPID.com/openhouse following the event.
Questions about the open house can also be directed to Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District at 308-995-8601.