The Middle North Platte Scotts Bluff Watershed (HUC 10180009) is located in the western part of Nebraska and covers an area of approximately 2,953 square miles. The watershed is primarily agricultural, with irrigated crop production being the dominant land use. The hydrology of the watershed is characterized by a semi-arid climate, which results in low precipitation rates and high evapotranspiration rates. Snowpack is not a significant contributor to surface water, as the watershed receives minimal snowfall. The North Platte River is the primary source of surface water in the watershed, with the Lake Minatare Reservoir serving as a critical storage facility. The reservoir's constituents include irrigation water, domestic water, and recreation. Interesting climatic facts include the area's susceptibility to drought, with prolonged droughts occurring periodically. In recent years, the frequency and severity of droughts have increased, placing additional pressure on the watershed's water resources.