Sen. Titus briefs committee on Kansas water task force, flags groundwater decline and reservoir sedimentation

Sen. Titus updated the Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee on the work of a 13‑member water task force established by HB 2172, saying the group’s preliminary work has identified declining Western Kansas groundwater and reservoir sedimentation in Eastern Kansas as the two most serious near‑term risks to the state’s water supply.

The task force, led by legislators with a mix of appropriators and nonlegislative stakeholders, has three principal charges: evaluate major risks to water quality and quantity (and the related economic impacts); identify steps needed to define and secure future supply; and review current funding to judge whether it will meet future needs. Titus said the group has formed a five‑member technical working group of engineers, geologists, environmental scientists and attorneys to “get into the weeds” on the Water Planning Act and to draft potential statutory changes.

“The Water Planning Act creates the water authority and authorizes a state water plan,” Titus said. “If we’re going to pour a lot of money into water, we need to make sure we’re prioritizing the right things, with transparency and accountability.” She said a preliminary report will…