Update on the Wichita County LEMA Renewal

Over the course of the last several years, Groundwater Management District No. 1 engaged with Wichita County stakeholders through numerous outreach meetings to shape the proposed LEMA renewal. The plan submitted to the Chief Engineer captures what was heard from those stakeholders and their ongoing efforts in reaching and maintaining Q-Stable.

On March 10, 2026, Groundwater Management District No. 1 received an Order of Decision Regarding the Wichita County Local Enhanced Management Area. Per K.S.A 82a-1041(d), the Chief Engineer has four options when reviewing the LEMA proposal: 

1. Can approve the LEMA plan as written;
2. Can approve the LEMA plan with recommended modifications that do not impose further reductions than outlined in the plan;
3. Can return the LEMA plan with recommended modifications. The District has 90 days to submit a modified plan to be brought before a public hearing;
4. Or can deny the plan.

Chief Engineer Earl Lewis returned the LEMA Plan with recommended modifications (K.S.A. 82a-1041 (d)(3)), requiring the plan to be resubmitted with modifications and brought before a public hearing. It is important to note that the Wichita County LEMA Renewal was not denied, however the Groundwater Management District No. 1 Board of Directors has noted the requested modifications and is currently working to submit a modified plan within the 90 day window. 

On March 26, 2026, Groundwater Management District No. 1 Board Representatives and staff met with Chief Engineer, Earl Lewis, and staff to discuss the Order of Decision Regarding the Wichita County Local Enhanced Management Area which can be viewed here:

On March 27, 2026, the Groundwater Management District No. 1 Board held a Special Board Meeting to discuss the next steps to be taken in response to the proposed modifications. An additional meeting with the Chief Engineer is set for April 6, 2026. 

Over the course of the remaining 90 day window, a weekly summary of progress taken will be provided via email to all Wichita County Stakeholders. If you are currently not receiving this update and would like to be added, please submit the required information here: 

If you would like to submit comment on the initial Order of Decision Letter Regarding the Wichita County Local Enhanced Management Area, please contact the Division of Water Resources at 785-296-3556.

If you would also like to contact Groundwater Management District No. 1 please feel free to reach us at 620-872-5563. 

The Wichita County LEMA covers designated areas within Wichita County, whose portions fall inside the boundaries of Groundwater Management District No. 1. These areas are highlighted in the yellow area shown in the image above. 

The Wichita County LEMA is effective 2020-2025. Renewal of the Wichita County LEMA is currently in progress and has the proposed effective years of 2026-2030.

Proposed Wichita County LEMA Request for Renewal

Public Hearing: January 13, 2026 9:00AM (Central)

Wichita County Fairgrounds, 506 E. St., Leoti, Kansas 67861

"Department of Agriculture
Division of Water Resources

Notice of Hearing

Pursuant to K.S.A. 82a-1041(b) and K.A.R. 5-19-3, notice is hereby provided that the Chief Engineer of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources (Chief Engineer) will hold an in-person hearing at 9:00 a.m. (Central Time) January 13, 2026, at the Wichita County Fairgrounds, 506 E. M St., Leoti, Kansas, to consider the proposed Wichita County Local Enhanced Management Area (LEMA) Plan submitted to the Chief Engineer by Western Kansas Groundwater Management District Number 1.

The hearing will be consolidated as provided for in K.A.R. 5-19-3 and will consider whether one or more of the circumstances specified in subsection (a) through (d) of K.S.A. 82a-1036 exist within the proposed boundaries of the proposed LEMA, whether the public interest of K.S.A. 82a-1020 requires that one or more corrective control provisions be adopted, and whether the geographic boundaries of the proposed LEMA are reasonable, and will also consider the LEMA’s proposed corrective controls, the likelihood that the LEMA plan will achieve the stated goals, and any other matters the Chief Engineer deems necessary.

Anyone may submit written or oral statements to be included in the record of the hearing. Oral statements will be accepted only at the public hearing. Written statements may be submitted at the hearing, in advance of the hearing, or following the hearing. The deadline for the submission of written statements following the hearing will be January 27, 2026. Written statements may be provided by mail to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, c/o Ronda Hutton, 1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan, KS 66502, faxed to 785-564-6777, or emailed to ronda.hutton@ks.gov.

Earl D. Lewis, P.E.
Chief Engineer
Division of Water Resources
Department of Agriculture"

 Wichita County LEMA Remaining Allocation Search

This value reflects remaining allocation for 2024 and 2025. Please subtract your 2024 water use from this total to view your actual 2025 remaining allocation.