Minimum Desirable Streamflow in the Lower Republican River Basin
Current Overview
Flows in the Republican River are currently above minimum desirable streamflow (MDS) at the Concordia gage and Clay Center gage.
Criteria for initiation of MDS administration are contained in K.A.R. 5-15-1(d). For the Republican River, criteria are: A) when flows drop below established MDS levels at certain gages for 7 consecutive days; and B) when the streamflow trigger value set in K.A.R. 5-15-4 is not met for the preceding 60-day period.
Provided flows remain above MDS and the 60-day streamflow trigger remains above the acceptable value, "junior" water right holders (those with water rights established after April 12, 1984) may continue to divert water. Several variable factors influence when water rights administration may be required to meet MDS values on the Republican River, including precipitation, reservoir releases and area water use.
Additional information will be posted on this page if MDS administration becomes likely.
Data
The following graphs for Concordia and Clay Center plot the actual daily average flow value divided by the MDS value (dashed purple line) and the 150 percent value (1.50 as a solid purple line), representing the triggers outlined by K.A.R. 5-15-1(a)(1) and K.A.R. 5-15-4. (Click graphs to enlarge.)
Related Links
USGS Gage on the Republican River near Hardy, NebraskaUSGS Gage on the Republican River at Concordia, KansasUSGS Gage on the Republican River at Clay Center, Kansas US Army Corps of Engineers Milford Lake Daily Lake information Page
Contact
Katie Tietsort, Water Commissioner of the Topeka Field Office (785) 368-8251
Scott Ross, Water Commissioner of the Stockton Field Office (785) 425-6787