Minimum Desirable Streamflows

In 1984, the Kansas Legislature amended the Kansas Water Appropriation Act to establish minimum desirable streamflows (MDS).  This was on four Kansas streams: the Marais des Cygnes, Neosho, Cottonwood and Little Arkansas Rivers.  It also provided for the establishment of MDS on additional streams which were to be designated before July 1, 1990.  Between 1984 and 1990, MDS were established on a number of additional streams. See the link below for a full listing of streams.  The monthly schedule of MDS values at the specified gaging stations on those streams is also available by clicking the link below.

The statute further requires that the chief engineer withhold from appropriation that amount of water deemed necessary to establish and maintain the desired minimum streamflow.  The amount of water withheld is unique to the identified watercourse.  All water appropriations with priority dates junior to April 12, 1984, are subject to MDS.  They may be regulated by the chief engineer, if deemed necessary, to maintain MDS.

The statutory provisions concerning MDS are incorporated into the Kansas Water Appropriation Act in K.S.A. 82a-703a through K.S.A. 82a-703c. 

For more information on MDS, please see Minimum Desirable Streamflow Overview.

Page last updated August 27, 2008