Kansas Legislators Take Up Water Policy

Parts of Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s plan
for revising the state’s water policy are beginning to move through
the Legislature.
The Senate Agriculture Committee has begun discussing a proposal
to give water-rights holders more flexibility in using water.
Brownback wants to allow farmers and ranchers more discretion
over how much water they use for irrigation or other agriculture
purposes, especially in dry years.
Other pieces of the plan include removing provisions that
require a minimum amount of water use each year before water rights
are forfeited.
The Republican governor proposed the changes as parts of Kansas
feel the effects of prolonged drought. Brownback says his plan is
aimed at extending groundwater supplies, including the Ogallala
aquifer.