Ross_Irrigation
75th Anniversary
2020 marked 75 years of the Kansas Water Appropriations Act
"First in time, first in right"
Read more about the KWAA:
KWAA at 50
Read more about Kansas water law:
Kansas Water Law by KSRE

The Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Water Resources field offices are now making themselves available to the public by appointment during regular business hours.

KDA field offices serve water users statewide. Each office is managed by a water commissioner, who is the chief engineer's agent, and each is staffed with employees familiar with local water issues.

If you need to speak with someone in person, please contact the appropriate field office to schedule an appointment. All staff and visitors are required to wear face coverings in public areas of KDA buildings, except where social distancing can be maintained.

Topeka/Parsons     785-296-5733      Brett.Bunger@ks.gov
Stafford   620-234-5311      Jeff.Lanterman@ks.gov
Stockton   785-425-6787  Kelly.Stewart@ks.gov
Garden City   620-276-2901, or
620-765-7110 
Mike.Meyer@ks.gov



Division of Water Resources

The Division of Water Resources administers 30 laws and responsibilities including the Kansas Water Appropriation Act which governs how water is allocated and used; statutes regulating the construction of dams, levees and other changes to streams; the state's four interstate river compacts; as well as coordinating the national flood insurance program in Kansas.

COMMON SEARCHES


  • Paper Filing Fee / Online support options: Information about the $20 per water right paper filing fee that will be applied to 2018 water use reporting.
  • Quivira: Information about the investigation of the impairment complaint filed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on behalf of the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. 
  • Hays R9: Information about the City of Hays' applications to KDA-DWR for water right changes and water transfer of the R9 Ranch.
  • Water Conservation Area (WCA): Information about WCAs and active or pending WCA plans. 
  • Local Enhanced Management Area (LEMA): Information about LEMAs including the GMD No. 4 District-wide LEMA, the Sheridan County 6 LEMA and the proposed GMD No. 5 Rattlesnake/Quivira LEMA.
  • Wichita ASR: Information about the City's request for changes to the conditions associated with the Phase II Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project.
  • Kickapoo Water Right: Information on the Kickapoo Indian Reservation Water Right Settlement Agreement.
  • Republican River CompactInformation on the latest resolutions and annual meetings between Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska on this compact.
  • Multi-Year Flex Accounts (MYFAs)
  • DWR Approved Meter List: Current list of approved water flowmeters, forms and instructions.
  • Minimum Desirable Streamflow (MDS): Streams subject to and currently under MDS administration.
Division of Water Resources in the News

Kansas Department of Agriculture Names Earl Lewis as Chief Engineer

The Kansas Department of Agriculture announced today that Earl Lewis has been selected to serve as the Chief Engineer for the agency’s Division of Water Resources. As the Chief Engineer, Lewis will manage the personnel and programs of KDA–DWR and administer laws related to conservation, management, use and control of water and water structures in Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture announced today that Earl Lewis has been selected to serve as the Chief Engineer for the agency’s Division of Water Resources. As the Chief Engineer, Lewis will manage the personnel and programs of KDA–DWR and administer laws related to conservation, management, use and control of water and water structures in Kansas.

Lewis has dedicated his career to water resources in Kansas, including more than 20 years with the Kansas Water Office where has been serving as the director since December 2018. He began his career with KDA–DWR in 1992, and has been a licensed professional engineer since 1998. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Kansas.

“The breadth and depth of experience in the field of water resources that Earl brings to this position will serve Kansas well,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “We look forward to the leadership he will provide to this critical division within KDA.”

KDA–DWR administers 30 laws and responsibilities including the Kansas Water Appropriation Act which governs how water is allocated and used. The Chief Engineer oversees policies related to these laws, conducts hearings related to groundwater areas across the state, and represents Kansas in interstate water matters.

To learn more about the KDA Division of Water Resources, visit the KDA website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/DWR.


DWR Index

Questions about the Division of Water Resources 

Looking for answers to frequently asked questions? Check out our FAQ page.