Kansas has released its first draft of a 50-year “water vision” plan that aims to ensure a reliable supply for all citizens.
The Kansas Water Office posted the document Tuesday on its website. It plans a statewide tour starting July 7 to gather public input.
The plan includes an ambitious blend of conservation, reservoir management, technological advancements in irrigation and plant varieties and development of new sources.
Without action, it contends that in the next 50 years the Ogallala Aquifer will be 70 percent depleted and Kansas reservoirs will be 40 percent filled with sediment.
Among the suggestions is the transfer of water supplies between basins.
Kansas wants to reduce municipal and statewide water consumption by 20 percent by 2065.
