What is the Ogallala Aquifer and how does it impact the US economy?

The Ogallala Aquifer is a large underground aquifer located beneath the Great Plains of the United States. It is one of the world's largest aquifers and provides water for irrigation, drinking, and other uses to an estimated one-third of the United States. The Ogallala Aquifer is a major source of water for agricultural production in the Great Plains, and its depletion has had a significant impact on the US economy. As the aquifer is depleted, farmers must rely on other sources of water, such as surface water, which is often more expensive and less reliable. This has led to increased costs for farmers, which can be passed on to consumers in the form of higher food prices. Additionally, the depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer has caused a decrease in crop yields, which can lead to a decrease in agricultural production and a decrease in economic activity in the region.