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
KWO Office
900 SW Jackson Street, Suite 404
Topeka, KS 66612
Get directions
Phone: 785-296-3185
Fax: 785-296-0878
Toll Free: 1-888-526-9283
Email the Office
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.
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
- Richard Rockel, Manager - Public Water Supply Programs
- Katie Goff, GIS Coordinator
- Josh Olson, Project Management Lead
- Kirk Tjelmeland, Field Services Coordinator