Access to irrigation increases the value of western Kansas land by $3.8 billion, according to the Kansas Water Office.

Of course, the water’s additional value to the economy doesn’t stop at the field’s edge. Like ripples in a pond, that economic value spreads through the local economy and into the state’s economy and beyond.

Now, according to 2024 declining well levels measured by the Kansas Geological Survey, there are about 55 communities over the High Plains Aquifer in western and central Kansas that are at risk of losing their economic base and water supply in 25 years or fewer if we don’t make some concentrated efforts toward conservation.

You read that right: By 2049 or sooner, 90,000 Kansans could see their economic future turn to dust. Many of those communities have strong farm-based economies such as St. Francis, Tribune, Leoti, Cimarron, Minneola, Larned and Hutchinson. I imagine if that came to fruition, the “Ye Olde Mill” ride at the Kansas State Fair in 2050 would be a completely changed experience.

If you’re curious, in 50 years, the list of communities at risk based on declining water levels includes an additional 58,000 Kansans in regional hubs such as Dodge City, Colby and McPherson.

So what? After all, I have spoken to some farmers out there who take the stance to pump the aquifer dry. They justify it by saying that all things come to an end, and why should they take an economic hit to save water for a neighbor to use it for their farm instead of their land.

Likewise, I’ve also heard the argument about how vital it is to extend the life of the aquifer and our water resources across the state. From economic stability and progress to community preservation and food security, the reasons for acting now to extend our state’s water resources are many and varied.

The one thing both sides seem to agree on is that water is a big concern to agriculture and the communities that rely on agriculture. How our state approaches the management of our water resources? Well, there’s an ocean between the two sides.

Earlier this summer, the Kansas Water Authority held its first round of local consult meetings meant to gather local stakeholders’ input for strategic implementation of the Kansas Water Plan. Specifically, the governor’s goal is to get recommendations for a large-scale, long-term investment framework before the 2025 legislative session. Every idea was brought to the table — policy changes, water-saving technology, cropping systems, peer-to-peer education and more.

All told, 600 Kansans came to this first round of meetings in June, during wheat harvest for some, to have their say. Of those who attended, only 6% were grain farmers and 6% were livestock producers. That’s about 72 self-identified farmers in those spaces providing their thoughts for the management of 84% of all Kansas water that supports crops and livestock production.

The second round of these local consult meetings is set for Sept. 17-30. And the timing is once again regrettable. But if there was ever a cause to climb down from the harvest combine, this might just be it.

Friends, this is the time to speak up. Whether you’re in the camp of “pump it 'til it’s dry” or in the camp of “conserve and protect,” you have a right to make your voice heard in how our Kansas Water Plan is implemented. Remember, the decisions made today by those who participate will have ripples of consequences for future generations, whether you’re in the room or not.

Learn more and register for a meeting near you at kwo.ks.gov/news-events/kwa-strategic-planning.