The Twin Platte Natural Resources District is proposing a three to five year ban on well drilling near the North and South Platte Rivers.

Kent Miller, general manager of the district, said that in light of the ongoing drought's drying effect on surface and groundwater, the district needs to determine if water supplies are being over-appropriated.

That means additional studies have to be done on water management, and well drilling would affect those studies.

Millers said studies have shown a direct connection between ground water and surface water, showing that every well drilled has some impact on the rivers.

The district will vote on the ban on Feb. 7 after taking public input.