Due to the state’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Kansas Department of Agriculture will be working on an extremely limited staff beginning March 23. We will continue to operate and provide services with this reduction in staffing, which will likely delay our response time.

If you need assistance during this interim period, please direct your questions to Water Structures via email, KDA.WaterStructures@ks.gov or leave a message at 785-564-6670. We will respond as soon as possible.

For more information about the State of Kansas response to COVID-19, please consult the KDHE Resource Center.

The goal of the Dam Safety Program in the Division of Water Resources is to reduce risks to life and property from dam failure. This goal is addressed through review and approval of plans for constructing new dams and for modifying existing dams, ensuring quality control during construction, and monitoring dams that, if they failed, could cause loss of life, or interrupt public utilities or services.

To meet its obligation to protect people and property, DWR regulates the construction, operation, and maintenance of all dams or other water obstructions, with the exception of federal reservoirs. 

If you notice anything unusual that may have an impact on the safety of a dam, please contact DWR. 

2020 Kansas Department of Agriculture Dam Safety Conference

The Dam Safety Conference was held March 11, 2020, at Washburn University Memorial Union. Below are the presentations we were given permission to post. 

Water Issues and Water Planning for Kansas
What Is a Jurisdictional Dam
Kansas Dam Permitting
Hec-RAS 2D Rain on Grid for Dam H&H
Service Life of Corrugated Metal Pipe Coatings
Dam Inspections
Holding Back Water Kansas Federal Reservoir Conditions Surrounding the Spring 2019 Floods
Kansas Flooding 2019