BY JASMINE PANKRATZ
KU Statehouse Wire Service
TOPEKA – The Kansas Water Authority has asked the Legislature for $8 million in funding that would include doing more to protect reservoirs, reduce water pollution and extend the life of the Ogallala-High Plains Aquifer.
Authority Chairwoman Connie Owen told the House Agriculture Committee that 2019’s extreme flooding and drought across Kansas took a toll. Last May was the wettest on record in 125 years.
Thirty-one counties received presidential disaster declarations and 17 public water supply systems were affected by flooding. She thanked the Legislature for funding $4.5 million in 2019.
“We are doing what we can with what we have,” Owen said at a recent hearing. “But it’s not enough.”
She said the $8 million will help prepare against the effects of future extreme weather. She laid out the 2021 state water plan fund expenditure recommendations.
Recommendations include:
● $500,000 for a drinking water protection program
● $350,000 for crop and livestock research
● $1 million for streambank stabilization -- a key component in the reduction of sediment entering water supply reservoirs
● $450,000 for harmful blue algae bloom pilot -- removes harmful algae blooms that produce toxins that can sicken people and animals
● $1,088,301 for the removal of contaminants from the environment
Owen emphasized the urgency to act before it’s too late. Some areas, such as Garden City, can no longer rely on the Ogallala-High Plains Aquifer for groundwater.
The city was hit hard by the decline in groundwater, forcing farmers to abandon wells. It would take more than 6,000 years to refill the aquifer naturally. Owen said these things cannot be fixed.
“If ignored, the critical water issues we are facing will become unfixable,” Owen said. “If we fail to act, and we fail to act sufficiently, our reservoirs will become so full of sediment that they can no longer store enough water to prevent flood damage and to provide safe drinking water.”
Owen said the studies continue to move forward as more research comes in.
Rep. Ron Highland, R-Wamego, asked if the funding they’re requesting is within the budget of Gov. Laura Kelly. Owen said it is not within the budget at this point.
Jasmine Pankratz is a University of Kansas senior from Abbyville majoring in journalism.
The Eudora Times will use content from journalism students in the statehouse reporting class this semester to help provide legislative news.
You can reach us at eudoratimes@gmail.com.
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