Stream obstructions and channel changes.

Water Structures is the permitting entity that monitors the impacts of structures on  affected landowners.  Structures can include bridges, culverts, pipeline crossings, weirs, and low-water crossings.

In Kansas, a stream is any watercourse that has a well-defined bed and well-defined banks and that has a watershed exceeding a certain number of acres in three zones.  The chart below explains this further:

Minimum drainage area to constitute a stream image in green, yellow and tan. Notice the counties are abbreviated

Other permits may be required, including but not limited to:

1.  Permit to Appropriate Water from the Water Appropriation Program
2.  Construction permits from county and local government
3.  Corps of  Engineers NOTICE! This link will open in a new New WindowClean Water Act permit
     Phone: 816-389-3990
4.  Kansas Department of Health and Environment NOTICE! This link will open in a new New Windowpermit for stormwater run-off
     Phone: 785-296-5545

PDF ImageK.S.A. 82a-301 to 305a -The Stream Obstructions Act

PDF ImageStream Obstructions Rules and Regulations - Rules and regulations pertaining to only stream obstructions, excluding dams

PDF ImageDesign of Levees - Rules and regulations for the design of levees

Applications for Permit to Construct a Dam

PDF ImageCombined application for permit - obstructions in streams and appropriation of water for recreational use.

PDF ImageBeneficial Use of Water 

PDF ImageApplication for certificate of completion of dam and capacity of reservoir and reduction of valued land - donation of land, easements or rights of way (watershed dam)

Application for Permit of a Stream Obstuction

PDF ImageApplication for Permit - Dams, Stream Obstructions and Channel Changes

PDF ImageApplication for general permit- For bridge or culvert replacement

PDF ImageApplication for general permit- For pipeline crossing or buried cable

Application for Permit of Levees

PDF ImageApplication and supplement for approval of levee plans or floodplain fills

Contact Information:
Ed Byrd, P.E.
109 SW 9th Street, 2nd Floor
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: 785-296-2937
Fax: 785-296-4835
WaterStructures@kda.ks.gov