MULTI-YEAR FLEX ACCOUNTS (MYFA)
TOPEKA - The Kansas Legislature made several changes to the water right flex account program through Senate Bill 272, which was signed by Governor Brownback on March 5, 2012.  Most water right holders may apply for a multi-year flex account (MYFA) by which they obtain a 5-year term permit that temporarily replaces an existing (or base) water right.  This term permit allows the water right holder to exceed their annual authorized quantity in any year but restricts total pumping over the 5-year period.

This program is voluntary and does not change the underlying base water right.  At the end of the 5-year period, if not extended by a new MYFA application, the operation of the water right returns back to the original water right conditions.

Below are some basics about the program.  Please contact your local DWR field office or the Equus Beds Groundwater Management District office to schedule an appointment if you need assistance in evaluating your options or completing the application form.

An application for a multi-year flex account shall be subject to a $400 application fee and shall be filed on or before October 1st of the first year of the multi-year flex account term for which the application is being made, except in cases where a water user exceeded their authorized quantity due to the extraordinary drought of 2011.

* Water right holders that received 2011 drought emergency term permits, converting to a MYFA:
    *  The MYFA will NOT be reduced by their 2011 overuse.
    *  The application fee is reduced to $200, if applied for by July 15, 2012.
    *  If applying after July 15, 2012, the fee is $400.

* For those who overused in 2011 but did NOT apply for a 2011 drought emergency term permit:
    *  Water right holders may avoid a sanction for the violation by applying for a MYFA.
    *  The application must be received by July 15, 2012.
    *  The filing fee is $600.
    *  The MYFA is reduced by the amount of the 2011 overuse.
    *  If applying after July 15, 2012, the fee is $400 and the base water right may be subject to a non-compliance violation for overuse in 2011.

Deadlines:
 - Deadlines noted above are in statute and cannot be waived.
 - Separate applications must be received for each point of diversion under the base water right before the deadline.

MYFA Quantities - Generally, The Total Amount Of The 5-Year Flex Account Will Be The Larger Of:
 - 5 times the average use of the water right from 2000-2009, or
 - 5 times the county's net irrigation requirement for corn times the acres irrigated times 110%.

Key Points:
 - Only vested and certified groundwater rights in good standing are eligible for MYFAs.
 - A separate MYFA shall be required for each point of diversion authorized by the base water right.
 - The applicant is required to install and maintain an acceptable water flowmeter that meets all current specifications, to allow the meter to be sealed, to install anti-reverse components directed by DWR, and to maintain monthly records of water used.  In addition to monthly flowmeter readings, monthly hour meter readings must also be recorded.
 - MYFAs are available statewide for uses other than irrigation.
 - The entire water right must be placed in the MYFA program.  If you wish to include only a portion of the water right, you must first apply for a division of the water right.

Additional information can be found on the Division of Water Resources website at:  http://www.ksda.gov/appropriation/?cid=297.

GMD2 MANDATORY METERING BEGINS
Pursuant to updated metering regulations in the District, all non-domestic wells in the Northeast Quarter of every section in the District must be equipped with a flowmeter by December 31, 2012.  Notifications to well owners will be sent soon.