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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 Compact: Information 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
All news

Water Use Reports Due March 1

The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources reminds water right owners throughout the state that the deadline for filing water use reports is March 1. To aid in the reporting process, reports can now be filed online. K.S.A. 82a-732 requires the owner of a water right or permit to file a complete and accurate water use report.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources reminds water right owners throughout the state that the deadline for filing water use reports is March 1. To aid in the reporting process, reports can now be filed online. K.S.A. 82a-732 requires the owner of a water right or permit to file a complete and accurate water use report.

To file online, go to www.kswaterusereport.org to start the process of completing your report. You will use the PIN and personal ID found on the lower left-hand corner of the report form mailed to you in January. Instructions are provided throughout the filing process. If you prefer to file by mail, the completed report form must be postmarked by March 1.

Failing to submit your water use report may result in suspension of all water use under such water right or permit. If the water use report is not received by March 1, the landowner may be assessed a fine for up to $1,000 per water right or permit. Kansas water use data reporting is essential for management of the state’s water resources, to ensure the people of Kansas — and the officials responsible for managing or monitoring water resources — have access to information about how water is used and how much water is used.

For more information or assistance, please contact your local Division of Water Resources office, call the KDA–DWR Manhattan office at 785-564-6638, or visit www.agriculture.ks.gov/DWR.

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Questions about the Division of Water Resources 

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