SEDIMENTATION AND RESERVOIR SUSTAINABILITY IN KANSAS

Two thirds of the population and more than half of the power production of the state of Kansas are dependent upon reservoirs for water supply as either a primary or drought source. Sedimentation is reducing our ability to ensure a stable water supply for current and future demands. Actions taken in the watersheds above these reservoirs can have either positive or negative effect on the rate of sedimentation. Due to the large reliance on reservoirs and the impact of sedimentation, the Kansas Water Authority adopted a Reservoir Sustainability Initiative to secure, protect and restore reservoir storage for water supply purposes. This talk will discuss some of the current research being conducted on this issue, the results to date and the proposed actions to provide for sustainable supplies.