(AP) — Landowners in several northeast Nebraska natural resources districts won’t be able to drill new irrigation wells next year because of groundwater concerns.

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District decided to ban new wells unless they fit one specific exception.

The only new wells allowed will be ones where landowners apply for permission to irrigate up to 10 acres to complete a full circle for pivot irrigation.

The Lower Loup and Upper Elkhorn Natural Resources Districts had already decided not to allow any new wells next year. And the Lower Niobrara NRD has issued a 180-day moratorium on wells.