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GMD 1 reports falling use, AEM mapping and $3,500 pivot cost share under ITI
Summary
Western Kansas Groundwater Management District 1 told the Committee on Water its Wichita County program has reduced pumpage by roughly 38–40% from historical baselines, is integrating AEM mapping into a model update and is offering irrigation evaluations with a roughly $3,500 pivot cost share to help producers implement efficiency upgrades.
Western Kansas Groundwater Management District 1 told the Committee on Water that its conservation measures are producing early signs of aquifer stabilization and that the district is moving to refine monitoring and expand outreach.
Katie Durham, executive director for GMD 1, said the Wichita County Water Conservation Area (WCA), established in 2017, initially targeted about 29% reductions from historical use and recently reached a higher threshold of roughly 38% reductions. Durham said the district estimates total reductions of about 40% when compared with 2016 baselines and that some portions of the county are approaching a “Q stable” condition.
Durham highlighted two management tools driving those results: airborne electromagnetic (AEM) mapping conducted in 2025 and the Irrigation Technology Initiative (ITI). She said AEM work by KGS and contractors will be interpolated into a renewed district groundwater model and that the data should improve fine-scale management and spacing decisions.
On technology and cost sharing, Durham described ITI evaluations — field visits with certified irrigation engineers that assess well performance, pumps, power and irrigation application — and said the program offered roughly $3,500 per pivot in cost-share for upgrades. She credited certified evaluators (including Lee Wheeler) and staff members (Tali Davis and others) for outreach and onboarding.
Durham also reviewed outreach and education: school programs, a museum irrigation exhibit in Scott City and multiple public meetings used to gather feedback on LIMA renewals. She said a recent renewal hearing (Jan. 13) was well attended and that the district has submitted its annual report to the committee.
Committee members applauded the outreach. Representative Smith thanked GMD 1 for local office hours in remote Wallace County communities and asked whether attitudes among producers have changed — Durham replied that producers are increasingly willing to adopt new technology and competitive about conserving water. Durham urged continued state support for 2302 funding and ITI-style cost shares and for sustaining local control of conservation initiatives.
Durham closed by offering to answer financial and technical questions; the committee moved on to the next district presentation.
