Many critics of proposed limits on water use in the Lower Platte River Basin say the state erred in determining water demand was threatening the supply.

"If you're going to do something of this magnitude, you'd better make sure you've got the facts right and the process right," John Hansen of the Nebraska Farmers Union said Thursday.

He was among at least 300 farmers and others concerned about water development in the river basin who turned out for a hearing on proposed limits on irrigation and other water use. Most, if not all, were against the water limits.

Representatives from nine natural resources districts also expressed their disapproval.

Stan Staab, general manager of the Lower Elkorn NRD in Norfolk, said there's been a major expansion in irrigation in the basin over the past several decades.

"Yet," he said, "it appears the water resources in our area have remained stable."

A report issued in December by the state Department of Natural Resources says the Platte River Basin upstream of the Missouri River has reached its limit for irrigation or other uses. It preliminarily considers the basin, including its tributary drainages, fully appropriated.

Thursday's hearing in Fremont was the last of a series of hearings required before a final determination is made. The department will accept written comments through Friday.

So far, the majority of comments have been negative. Only the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, during a hearing in Lincoln earlier this year, have supported the limitations.

A final decision is due in mid-April.

If the designation holds, it would require the development of water-management plans involving the department, local natural resources districts, irrigators and others with a particular interest in the basin. Such plans would have to be created within three to five years of the designation, according to the report.

The designation limits new uses for surface and groundwater, including restricting the number of irrigated acres in the basin.