Governor Laura Kelly is applauding a Kansas Advisory Board for recommending water conservation in western Kansas. The Kansas News Service reports that Kelly says action is needed sooner rather than later. The board that advises Kansas lawmakers and the Governor says the state needs to change course when it comes to depleting the Ogallala Aquifer. Board members say the State should not pump the aquifer dry to support crop irrigation.
Kelly says water conservation has been talked about for decades without enough action. She says Kansans need to come together to find a solution, and that involves farmers and ranchers, adding that farmers and ranchers are the best conservators of our land, so yes, they do have to have a seat at the table and input on to the solution to the problem. Parts of the aquifer that supplies water to western Kansas could be largely depleted in 10 years. Kelly hopes state action changes that.
