“The state Legislature came together and worked hard on this issue. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
State Sen. Carolyn McGinn speaking at the May 22 Legislative Recognition Reception at the WATER Center.

The “winning” situation that has Sen. McGinn and so many others excited is an innovative water-storage plan, known as the Equus Beds Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project, that is being directed by the City of Wichita to ensure the water needs of citizens, farmers and business owners are met through the year 2050. Simply put, the project will allow the city to take water out of the Little Arkansas River during periods of heavy rainfall, treat it to meet drinking-water standards and pump it underground into the nearby Equus Beds aquifer to await future use.

It is such an important project to our region that members of the South-Central Kansas Legislative Delegation made it one of their priorities during the 2008 Legislative session. They were a key reason a $1 million state appropriation was passed to assist in its continued implementation that is estimated at more than $250 million.

City-state partnership

To welcome the State of Kansas as a partner in the ASR project and honor the efforts of the South-Central Kansas Legislative Delegation, the City of Wichita and Water Utilities department hosted a Legislative Recognition Reception on May 22 at the Wichita WATER Center. In addition to McGinn, State Sen. Jean Schodorf and State Reps. Vincent Wetta, Oletha Faust-Goudeau, Jo Ann Pottorff and Delia Garcia were in attendance. Other special guests included Sam Sackett, from Congressman Todd Tiahrt’s office, John Waltner, Hesston mayor and chair of the Regional Economic Area Partnership, Kathy Sexton, Derby city manager and Wichita City Council members Sharon Fearey and Lavonta Williams.

“Wichita’s ASR project is groundbreaking water-resource development in Kansas with far-reaching implications not just for Wichita, but for all of Kansas,” said Water Utilities Director David Warren. “The financial support provided by the Kansas Legislature during its 2008 session affirms the state’s understanding and support of Wichita’s leadership and innovation in water-resource development.”

In addition to the $1 million allocated in 2008, the State of Kansas is expected to give a total of $7 million over the life of the project. The city has also received federal funding of up to $30 million, and the remaining costs will be paid by Wichita Water Utilities customers.

Scope of project

The ASR project encompasses approximately 165 square miles and extends northwest of the city across parts of Harvey and Sedgwick counties. Already, it has given Wichita the demonstrated ability to safely pump 10 million gallons of drinkable water a day into the aquifer – an underground layer of sand and gravel that can hold water. By the time it is completed in about seven years, that number will go up to 100 million gallons of water a day. The project will ultimately add 65 billion gallons of water to the aquifer.

While building up an ample water reserve to meet an ever-growing demand is the main driver behind the ASR project, the threat of saltwater contamination is also an issue that is being addressed. Essentially, by keeping this underground space adequately filled with water, it will push away any saltwater coming in from the Arkansas River and oil field evaporation pits used in the 1930s.

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