Walnut Creek IGUCA

Background

The Walnut Creek Intensive Groundwater Use Control Area (IGUCA), established in 1992, encompasses portions of Rush, Ness, and Barton counties. At the time of its creation, the IGUCA order allocated an average annual volume of 22,700 acre-feet (AF) of groundwater to be distributed among water rights within the area. This framework established five-year allocations based on each water right’s priority date and county location.

For example, a junior water right (priority date after October 1, 1965) in Barton County was assigned a five-year allocation equivalent to 5.25 inches per acre, while a comparable right in Ness County received 6.25 inches per acre. Senior water rights (priority date before October 1, 1965) were allocated higher amounts—12 inches per acre in Barton County and 14 inches per acre in Ness County.

Although several amendments have been adopted over time to introduce flexibility and address issues not anticipated in the original order, the IGUCA has remained largely unchanged since 1992. A formal review of the IGUCA has not yet been completed, despite a request from the GMD in 2015. While the Kansas Department of Agriculture–Division of Water Resources (KDA-DWR) initiated a review in 2021, it remains ongoing.

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[DRAFT] ACTION ITEMS

Monitor Water Level Trends

The District will continue to monitor the water level trends throughout the region.

Water Flow Meter Program

The District will continue the water flow meter program to inspect, test, and provide assistance to water users throughout the region to ensure proper measurement of water withdrawals within the region.

Irrigation Technology Initiative

The Irrigation Technology Initiative (ITI), funded in part by the State of Kansas Water Plan fund, offers free irrigation system assessments to help producers better understand and improve the efficiency of the water system.

Upon submission of the application, a professional irrigation engineer will visit the irrigation system and thoroughly evaluate the irrigation system - from the well all the way to the last sprinkler. The engineer will identify any inefficiencies in water use or energy consumption and provide a detailed report with practical recommendations for improvements.

This report can then be used to apply for the associated cost-share funding to help implement those upgrades. The on-site evaluation is completely free to the producer. Each entity is eligible for up to two free assessments.

Walnut Creek IGUCA Review

Since the IGUCA review is still pending, the District will reemphasize the need for the review with KDA-DWR.

Following review of the IGUCA, consider conversion of the Barton county portion of the IGUCA to a Local Enhanced Management Area.