A new online atlas chronicles the history of the High Plains Aquifer in Kansas.

The High Plains Aquifer Atlas was launched recently by the Kansas Geological Survey. It features more than 70 maps, many of which are interactive.

The atlas provides insight into the past and future of Kansas’ High Plains Aquifer. The aquifer is considered the lifeblood of the southwest Kansas economy.

Brownie Wilson, with the Kansas Geological Survey, said it’s been talking about putting together an atlas for years, well before Gov. Sam Brownback and others began pushing to find ways to extend the life of the state’s groundwater supplies. Wilson says the atlas also allows users to access individual well data for some of the region’s water wells.