Glossary

Aquifer – A geologic formation, group of formations, or part of a formation that contains sufficient saturated permeable material to yield significant quantities of water to wells and springs.

Compact, Water — An agreement between states, ratified by Congress, providing for the division and apportionment of waters of an interstate river or other body of water.

Groundwater – Water below the surface of the earth.

Groundwater Model - A groundwater model is a computer model of groundwater flow systems, used by hydrogeologists. Groundwater models are used to simulate and predict aquifer conditions. Groundwater modeling is also referred to as hydrologic modeling. For more information on groundwater modeling visit: http://www.ksda.gov/subbasin/content/317

Interstate Water Compact — (1) Broadly, an agreement between two or more states regarding competing demands for a water resource which are beyond the legal authority of one state alone to solve. (2) States administer water rights within their own political boundaries; however, the process becomes more complicated when involving an interstate body of water (Interstate Water). Under these conditions there are three possible ways to achieve an interstate allocation of water: (1) A suit for equitable apportionment brought by the states in the U.S. Supreme Court; (2) a Congressional act; and (3) an interstate compact. An interstate compact is an agreement negotiated between states, adopted by their state legislatures, and then approved by Congress. Once an allocation of interstate water is determined by such a means, the individual states may then issue water rights to its share of the water through their normal administrative process. Interstate compacts have been traditionally used in making water allocations in the western states.

Water Right – Any vested or appropriated right under which a person may lawfully divert and use water. It is a real property right appurtenant to and severable from the land on or in connection with which the water is used and such water right passes as an appurtenance with a conveyance of the land by deeds, lease, mortgage, will, or other voluntary disposal, or by inheritance.