A water right, or an approved permit for beneficial use of water, is required prior to diverting and using any surface water or groundwater in Kansas—except for domestic use or certain exempt uses like the production and return of salt water connected with operating oil and gas wells approved by the Kansas Corporation Commission.
Customers of a public water utility do not have to apply for a water appropriation permit, as the municipality or water district is responsible for obtaining a permit or water right to cover its entire service area.
