COLUMBUS — Conservation along Nebraska streams and rivers has become a priority as the state wages so-called “water wars” with its neighbors.

In no area has this become more evident than the Republican River Basin, where a Kansas-Nebraska battle over water flows could significantly impact irrigators.

Robert Heinz, Dawson Public Power District general manager, was at the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) Board meeting Friday to introduce a new non-profit organization whose goal is developing a long-term plan for sustainability of water flows not only along the Republican, but throughout Nebraska.

Nebraska Water Balance Alliance was formed about a month ago, and includes the 35 rural electric utilities that belong to Nebraska Rural Electric Association.

Heinz said now, during a period of non-drought, is the time for public power districts, producers and natural resource districts to collaboratively research ways to keep water supplies flowing adequately.