Congressman Ron Estes Protects Drinking Water in Wichita and Surrounding Communities for Next 20 Years

Press Release

Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) has sponsored the Wichita Project Equus Beds Division Authorization Extension Act, a bill to protect drinking water in Wichita and the surrounding area for the next 20 years.

"I am committed to protecting Kansans and our quality of life which relies on a stable water supply," said Rep. Ron Estes. "This bill is an important step to providing long-term confidence in Wichita's water supply for families, businesses and farmers."

The Equus Beds Aquifer Recharge, Storage and Recovery project is a key component of Wichita's Integrated Local Water Supply Plan developed to help the city meet its needs after it was determined in 1993 that the city's water supplies would not meet demand by the year 2015. Since its implementation, the Equus Beds Aquifer has recharged 2.5 billion gallons of water. However, authorization for the project expired October 5, 2016. While initial reauthorization measures called for a 10-year extension, Rep. Estes' bill would authorize the program for 20 years.

The Equus Beds aquifer spans 900,000 acres. In addition to the city of Wichita, the aquifer serves domestic, commercial and agricultural water needs in surrounding communities including Halstead, Newton, Hutchinson, McPherson, Valley Center and others.

Rep. Estes' bill in the House of Representatives is cosponsored by Representatives Jenkins, Yoder and Marshall, and is a companion to legislation filed in the Senate by Senators Moran and Roberts.

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