© 2024 KMUW
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

US Senate Passes Legislation Protecting Drinking Water In South Kansas

City of Wichita

Legislation that would ensure a safe drinking water supply in south-central Kansas passed the U.S. Senate today.

The legislation extends the authorization of federal funding for the Equus Beds Aquifer Recharge and Recovery Project by 10 years. The aquifer is the primary fresh water source for south-central Kansas and lies under parts of Sedgwick, Harvey, Reno and McPherson Counties.

And because these sources are not expected to meet projected city water needs into the 21st century, steps have been taken to artificially recharge the aquifer with storm runoff water from the Little Arkansas River. Artificial recharge is being used to increase water levels and storage volume in the aquifer.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran introduced the measure, which addressed a previous agreement set to expire this October that required federal funding for the project. The new agreement allows for ongoing discussion to take place with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation about available options to ensure the federal government fulfills its obligations to protect Wichita’s primary source of potable water.

The legislation is also sponsored by U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts. Rep. Mike Pompeo introduced the companion legislation in the House earlier this year.

--

Follow Abigail Wilson on Twitter @AbigailKMUW.

To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.