Welcome to the Kansas Water Office

As the state's water agency, we conduct water planning, policy, marketing and coordination throughout the state. We also make recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for needed legislation to ensure water policies and programs address the needs of all Kansans. Please visit about us to learn more about our agency and the Kansas Water Authority.

In some areas of Kansas this is the third year of drought. Public water suppliers have been asked to evaluate their water supply and review their water conservation plans and its drought response triggers and actions. KWO staff is ready to provide assistance with this review if needed.

Drought has placed a great deal of stress on our water supply resources, statewide.  This includes depleting water in storage in our federal reservoirs, most significantly at John Redmond Reservoir.  We have recognized for some time the growing problem of sedimentation at John Redmond, but this fact was heightened even more due to 2012 drought conditions. With concentrated support from Governor Brownback  this problem at John Redmond will be addressed and become the first project of its kind. I encourage you to visit our Projects/Programs page to learn more about this.

The drought has shown farmers the value of the Ogallala Aquifer and the need to make sure it is available into the future. Following stakeholder input, the Ogallala Aquifer Advisory Committee, KWA, KWO and KDA-DWR developed recommendations which became the Governor's 2012 water policy legislation. KWO staff are working to assist with implementation of tools provided by the legislation.

It is essential to protect, extend and conserve our vital resource for future generations while also supporting Kansas economy.

Tracy Streeter, Director