Our Process for Water Depletion Valuation

The groundwater depletion deduction is one of the most underutilized agricultural tax benefits available to landowners who irrigate over declining aquifers like the Ogallala. Whether you're claiming the deduction for the first time or retroactively through IRS Form 3115, our streamlined process makes it easy to document groundwater loss and secure a defensible farm tax deduction.

Step 1: Submit Your Intake

Complete our secure intake form to share the basics:

  • When you acquired the land

  • Parcel location and acreage

  • Whether you irrigate

  • Purchase price and improvements

We use this to determine eligibility — no cost, no obligation.

Step 2: Free Eligibility Review

We’ll run a quick review to confirm:

  • Your land sits over depleting groundwater (like the Ogallala)

  • You irrigate (or did in past years)

  • You haven't already claimed this deduction

If it looks promising, we’ll get your signoff to proceed with the valuation.

Step 3: Scientific Valuation

We calculate the decline in groundwater under your land from the date of purchase to today.

Our team uses:

  • USGS and state well data

  • Aquifer thickness and base rock depth

  • Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) modeling

  • Parcel boundaries and irrigation use

The result: A defensible, IRS-ready depletion valuation.

Step 4: Final Report

You’ll receive:

  • A parcel-level valuation report

  • Scientific backup and source data

  • IRS-ready documentation

  • Form 3115 support, if applicable

  • CPA/tax attorney guidance

We’ve built this all to slot easily into your tax return.

Timeline & Support

Most reports are completed in 3–4 weeks. Need it faster? Contact us for rush options.

Throughout the process, we’re here to support your CPA or tax attorney — and we’re ready to explain every step of the process and methodology if the IRS ever asks questions.

Ready to Get Started?

  • Start with our short intake form or email us directly. We’ll review your submission and respond with a custom quote within 1 business week.

  • We’re happy to coordinate with you or your tax advisor at any point in the process.