Minimum Desirable Streamflow Overview
New: Lower Republican River Streamflow Information
No streams are currently under MDS administration.
Minimum desirable streamflow requirements were made part of the Kansas Water Appropriation Act by the 1984 Kansas Legislature to ensure base flows in certain streams to protect existing water rights and to meet in-stream water uses related to water quality, fish and wildlife, and recreation.
The Division monitors 23 streams and rivers at 33 locations for minimum desirable streamflow. When flow drops below an established threshold, pumping restrictions are imposed on permits or water rights granted after the minimum desirable streamflow provision was made into law in 1984.
All applications to appropriate water for beneficial use filed on or after April 12, 1984, are subject to any minimum desirable streamflow requirements identified and established pursuant to the following statutes:
K.S.A. 82a-703a: Minimum Streamflows - Duties of Chief Engineer
K.S.A. 82a-703b: Minimum Streamflows - Condition of Appropriation Right
K.S.A. 82a-703c: Minimum Streamflows Established (PDF)
