Water Quality
KACD is committed to improving water quality across the state of Kansas through education/outreach and technical and financial assistance at the local level.
Water quality is measured by several factors, such as the concentration of dissolved oxygen, bacteria levels, the amount of salt (or salinity), or the amount of material suspended in the water (turbidity) depending on the intended use for the water. In some bodies of water, the concentration of microscopic algae and quantities of pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and other contaminants may also be measured to determine water quality. According to Tom Stiles, KDHE, during the 2023 Water symposium "Water quality has no meaning, unless it is tied to a use." The desginated water use catagories are:
- aquatic life
- recreation
- domestic water supply
- groundwater recharge
- irrigation
- stockwater
- industrial
The first four serve as primary drivers for the (water quality related) actions we take to try to reduce or eliminate the discharge of polluntants into our water.
KACD and our local districts work to provide water quality related education for the public by offering:
- Field days
- Farmer-to-farmer conversations
- Educational materials
- Various demonstration tools, such as rainfall simulator, stream trailer, Watershed Enviroscapes, etc.
Principles of Water Quality
Resources and opportunities for education can be found at many of our partners web pages.
United States Department of Agriculture
Environmental Protection Agency
Natural Resources Conservation Service
KS Dept of Health and Environment
Financial Resources for Water Quality
Financial resources are available from a variety of resources and partnerships. There are many programs and initiatives available. KACD's options include: ADM, NRCS Climate Smart Initiative, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, Kansas Division of Conservation, KS WRAPS and NRCS.
Water Quality Practices
Water quality practices are proven to reduce sedimentation and filter runoff which in turn reduces fertilizers, chemicals and waste from entering our streams and improves downstream water quality. Water quality practices also reduces the amount of contaminants polluting our groundwater. Examples of water quality practices include nutrient management, cover crops, no-till, grassed waterways and terraces.
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Aquatic Weed Control
Aquatic plants are a natural part of the aquatic ecosystem however when they occur in over-abundance they are often considered “weeds” and some control is desired. Excessive aquatic vegetation can impact water quality by impeding water flow, increasing rates of sedimentation and can even lead to fish kills following large quantity plant die-offs. Proper weed control can help manage aquatic weeds while keeping water quality in mind. The KSU Research & Extension bookstore offers a detailed aquatic plant guide for free reference or download.
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Abandonded Water Wells Pose Water Quality Concerns
In accordance with Kansas Law KAR 28-30-7(a), all water wells abandoned by the landowner on/after 1 July 1979, and all wells abandoned prior to that date which pose a threat to groundwater supplies, shall be plugged. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Water Well Program oversees the proper construction, reconstruction, treatment and plugging of water wells. KSU Research & Extension provides guidelines for properly plugging both hand-dug and cased water wells. All conservation districts offer both technical and financial assistance related to well plugging. Contact your local conservation district for more information on well pluggings.
