(AP) — The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District is taking an expensive, high-tech look at groundwater levels in Colfax County in an effort to better budget water use during drought.

The district is paying $200,000 to a Mississippi company to study the groundwater under approximately 36 square miles in the Clarkson and Howells areas. Officials say water supplies there came dangerously close to running dry during last year’s drought.

Next week, the company will use low-flying helicopters outfitted with instruments that can “see” hundreds of feet below the surface.

Data collected during the flights will be used to locate and estimate the size of groundwater aquifers to help officials decide whether there is enough water for continued use during dry spells, or whether restrictions are needed.