Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Division of Water Resources within the Kansas Department of Agriculture governs the use and allocation of the state's water resources; regulates the construction of dams, levees and other changes to streams; represents Kansas on its four interstate river compacts; and coordinates the National Flood Insurance Program in Kansas.[2] These responsibilities are accomplished through the administration of 30 state laws, including the Kansas Water Appropriation Act, Groundwater Management District Act, Obstructions in Streams, and the Levee Law.[3]
Agency overview | |
---|---|
Formed | 1927 |
Headquarters | 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, Kansas |
Agency executive |
|
Parent agency | Kansas Department of Agriculture |
Website | agriculture.ks.gov/water |
The Division of Water Resources is one of several state agencies managing the state's water resources. Its role is principally regulatory. Other agencies and their roles associated with water include the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (water quality regulation); Kansas Water Office (water planning and policy); and the Division of Conservation (soil and water conservation projects).
The chief engineer leads the Division of Water Resources. Earl Lewis has served as chief engineer since 2020, being the sixth chief engineer since the Division’s inception. The Division of Water Resources is organized around three programs: Water Appropriation, Water Structures, and Water Management Services. The Division of Water Resources is headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas, with field office locations in Topeka, Stafford, Stockton, and Garden City.