Welcome to the Kansas Water Office

The Kansas Water Office coordinates the Kansas water planning process in cooperation with the Kansas Water Authority. The Authority's 24 members include representatives from diverse water use interest groups and leaders of the state's natural resource agencies.

Advice on policy development comes from Basin Advisory Committees in each of the state's 12 river basins and other local stakeholders. The Authority, in turn, advises the Governor and Legislature on water issues to be considered for policy enactment.

Last year was a significant year in Kansas' water history. The drought this past year 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 to the Governor for 2012 water legislation.

This Legislation is fundamental in changing from a culture of consumption to a culture of conservation in order to conserve and extend this vital resource that supports the entire western third of Kansas.

Tracy Streeter, Director

Kansas Water Issues Forum
February 29, 2012 - Wichita, KS
March 1, 2012 - Hays, KS
Brochure

The Kansas Water Issues Forum brings together experts and citizens to learn and discuss current topics in water and the related fields of energy, climate, economy and the environment. The theme of the fifth annual forum is Just Add Water: Kansas and the Economy. The Forum will look at water planning, oil and gas development history, trends and potential in Kansas, horizontal wells and fracking and water permitting. Oklahoma will share their experiences on their experience with shale gas development and how they are dealing with the boom, and we will bring you up to date on 2012 Water Legislation. We will hear from Westar Energy on how they decide the mix of energy sources to meet future demands. There will also be a panel discussion about what the role of government is in energy development.