The city of Salina and other water users are considering forming a new group to buy additional storage at Kanopolis Reservoir.

Salina city commissioners decided Monday that the city should pursue creating a Lower Smoky Hill Water Supply Access District. The group would include other cities, industries and farmers that get water from the Smoky Hill River.

The Kansas Legislature approved creation of the district in 2011. Detailed regulations were finished last August but the group has not been formed yet.

By buying storage in the lake, members of the access district would be able to have water sent to them during drought, and those with older water rights wouldn’t be able to use that water.

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Associated Press information from: The Salina Journal