More information about the first two pending bills:
Multi-Year Flex Accounts: The flex account program was enacted through K.S.A. 82a-736 in 2001 and amended in 2005. It provides an opportunity for water users with established water rights to obtain 5-year term permits that allow for exceeding the annual authorized quantity of a water right as long as the 5-year term permit limitation is met. For example, an irrigator could benefit from a flex account to lawfully apply more water to crops in dry years and make up for it with reduced use in wet years. The five-year allocation is based on actual use as opposed to authorized use, and includes a 10 percent reduction for water conservation. There has been little enrollment over the program since its inception, and no enrollment the past couple years. (more…)
On Jan. 28, DWR finalized its report for an impairment investigation in rural Harvey County. This is the first groundwater impairment investigation to be completed since the rules and regulations were amended in October 2010. (more…)
Debunking Myths About “Use It or Lose It” Regarding Water Right Abandonment
“Based on conversations with water users, stakeholder organizations, and government officials, there seems to be widespread misconceptions that water rights can easily be lost if not exercised frequently,” said Lane Letourneau, Water Appropriation program manager for DWR. “The truth is the Kansas Water Appropriation Act sets a high standard for finding a water right abandoned.” (more…)