About the Kansas Water Office

The Kansas Water Office (KWO) was established in 1981 as the water planning, policy, coordination and marketing agency for the state.

The primary statutory function of the agency is the development and implementation of the Kansas Water Plan. State law requires the Kansas Water Office to "Formulate on a continuing basis a comprehensive State Water Plan for the management, conservation and development of the water resources of the state". KWO in coordination with the KWA, also reviews all water laws and makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for needed legislation to ensure water policies and programs address the needs of all Kansans.

Kansas Water Office Primary Responsibilities

As defined in Kansas Statute 74-2608

  • Collect and compile information pertaining to climate, water and soil as related to the usage of water for agricultural, industrial and municipal purposes and the availability of water supplies in the several watersheds of the state;
  • Develop a state plan of water resources management, conservation and development for water planning areas;
  • Develop and maintain guidelines for water conservation plans and practices; and
  • Shall establish guidelines as to when conditions indicative of drought exist.

Contact Us

Business Hours

The Kansas Water Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on State of Kansas holidays.

For directions to our office, please click here.

KWO Staff Login

 

Office of the Director

Connie Owen - Director
Matt Unruh - Assistant Director

Administration

Debra Jones - Chief Fiscal Officer 
Sarah Clark - Accountant
Amy Green - Administrative Specialist
Kristin Kaipust - Strategic Communications Coordinator 
Victoria Asbury - Manager, Policy & Governmental Affairs 

 

Planning & Implementation

Angela Anderson - Planning & Outreach Lead
Keadron Pearson - Regional Planning & Outreach Coordinator 
Amelia Lane - Regional Planning & Outreach Coordinator     
Lauren Campbell - Regional Planning & Outreach Coordinator 
Riley Vande Ven - Regional Planning & Outreach Coordinator 
Weston McCary - Technology Projects Coordinator 

 

Hydrology & Evaluation

Nathan Westrup - Manager, Public Water Supply Programs
Richard Rockel - Technical Services Lead
Katie Goff - GIS Coordinator 
Josh Olson - Project Management Lead
Kirk Tjelmeland - Field Services Coordinator

KWO Office
900 SW Jackson Street
Suite 404
Topeka, Kansas 66612
Phone: 785-296-3185
Fax: 785-296-0878
Toll Free: 1-888-526-9283
Email the Office
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