TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Parts of Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s plan for revising the state’s water policy are beginning to move through the Legislature.
The Senate Agriculture Committee has begun discussing a proposal to give water-rights holders more flexibility in using water.
Brownback wants to allow farmers and ranchers more discretion over how much water they use for irrigation or other agriculture purposes, especially in dry years.
Other pieces of the plan include removing provisions that require a minimum amount of water use each year before water rights are forfeited.
The Republican governor proposed the changes as parts of Kansas feel the effects of prolonged drought. Brownback says his plan is aimed at extending groundwater supplies, including the Ogallala aquifer.
