Quality Water Quality Life - Addressing Water Quantity and Quality Concerns in Kansas through the Conservation Partnership
During the recent KACD convention attendees were given the opportunity to attend the conservation symposium titled Quality Water, Quality Life, addressing water quantity and quality concerns in Kansas.
Kansas is blessed with rich agricultural heritage and vibrant economy deeply rooted in farming and industry. However, this prosperity has always been linked to a stable and sustainable water supply. With a complex web of streams, surface water reservoirs, underground aquifers and a diverse climate, Kansas faces unique challenges in balancing the competing demands of agriculture, community development, industry, and environmental conservation. A panel of experts, policy makers and stakeholders who are deeply engaged in addressing the multifaceted issues surrounding water quantity and quality resources in Kansas came together for the conservation symposium at the 79th Annual KACD Convention.
“Kansas is very diverse in water issues with southwest Kansas averaging fewer than 18 inches of annual rainfall and extreme southeast Kansas receiving more than 46 inches of rainfall a year. This same diversity of water precipitation is not seen when you go from the Missouri border east to the Atlantic Ocean, but we experience those extremes right here in Kansas” stated Susan Metzger, director of Strategic Interdisciplinary Program Development at KSU, as she opened the conservation symposium.
Symposium attendees heard about the toolbox of water quantity resources available that have lead to success stories and valuable data for future implementation from panelists:
- Shannon Kenyon, Groundwater Management District #4
- Wes McCary, Kansas Water Office, technology project coordinator
- Larry Schiefericke, USDA-NRCS, Kansas State Conservation Engineer
- Pat Janssen, ILS Farm Manager
- Brian Olson, Western Ks Ag Research Center with KSU Research & Extension, department head.
The panelists, and organizations they represent, are all actively engaged in slowing the decline, and when possible, reaching a point of stability for water quantity levels of the Ogallala High Plains Aquifer. More active engagement by producers to make a change in water conservation practices will be key to seeing measurable changes in water management in Kansas. Technologies and tools are being developed and funds are being ear marked for conservation, but continued partnerships and producer buy in are key to future success.