TOPEKA - Water users in drought areas of Kansas have been concerned with potential relief from the drought, which has resulted in many irrigators having insufficient remaining allocation to complete irrigation of their crops. To cease pumping when the maximum authorized quantity is reached could result in a greatly reduced yield, a waste of the water that was already pumped and a waste of the energy it took to pump the water.

The Division of Water Resources (DWR) has created options for water users needing additional pumping authorization, which are summarized below. These options are intended to prevent crop failure while insuring the additional pumping will not worsen aquifer declines. While these alternatives are designed primarily for irrigation, other users of water can apply for use of these programs.

MULTI-YEAR FLEX ACCOUNT PERMITS
Five-Year Allocation - Term Permit: $400 Filing Fee

* Allows the authorized annual quantity to be exceeded, provided the 5-year allocation is not exceeded.

* The 5-Year allocation total is computed by multiplying the average reported water use (NOT permitted amount) for the years 2000-2009 by 5, less a 10% conservation factor.

* Allows for current year sign-up (i.e., a water right holder can apply for the flex account permit this year to finish irrigating the 2011 crop). The existing water right is suspended during the 5-year period.

* Exceeding the 5-year allocation results in a 2-year suspension of the water right.

* It is a statewide program, available in an IGUCA, provided the approval would not be inconsistent with IGUCA provisions.

EXAMPLE:
 - Water Right No. XXXXX is authorized for 200 acre-feet per year.

 - The average reported use for 2000-2009 is 150 ac-ft.

 - The 5-year allocation is computed as: 150 ac-ft X 5 = 750 ac-ft.  750 ac-ft - 75 ac-ft (10%) = 675 ac-ft.

 - The water right owner signs up in 2011. Existing Water Right No. XXXXX is suspended in 2011-2015.

 - For the years 2011-2015, a total of 675 ac-ft can be pumped.

 - The authorized annual quantity of 200 ac-ft per year can be exceeded in any year during the 5-year period.

 - Once the total pumped equals 675 ac-ft, no more water can be pumped until 2016.

Water users can also access the Kansas Geological Survey's WIMAS website to find their authorized annual quantity.

Information can be found on the Kansas Department of Agriculture's website. Additional information and assistance can also be obtained by contacting the District office at (316) 835-2224, or the Stafford Field Office (DWR) at (620) 234-5311.