Water Transition Assistance Pilot Project Program (WTAP)
WTAP Benefits Landowners and Water Resources
The purpose of this voluntary, incentive-based water right retirement program is to provide a structured mechanism for the permanent dismissal of irrigation water rights and the reduction of the consumptive use of groundwater in focused, over appropriated areas with sustainable irrigation potential. Targeted areas currently approved for the program are the Rattlesnake Creek Subbasin, Prairie Dog Creek Basin, and Groundwater Management District #4 High Priority Areas.
Kansas Legisture authorized this program in 2006. Click here to view the authorizing state statutes. The Rules and Regulations of the Water Right Transition Assistance Pilot Project Program (WTAP) were recently approved. The following link is the updated condensed version, which includes the five regulations (1-4, & 6) which were recently revised, as well as the two others (5 & 7) which had no revisions: Rules and Regulations of the Water Right Transition Assistance Pilot Project Program.
The WTAP is designed to achieve significant impact in meeting State Water Plan goals regarding aquifer depletion levels and stream recovery, as well as in maintaining interstate compact obligations. The State Conservation Commission administers the program with the Groundwater Management Districts and the Kansas Department of Agriculutre Division of Water Resources assist with the implementation.
The links below provide a printable version of documents containing more information concerning WTAP:
Click here for the WTAP 2009 Legislative Report.
WTAP 2008 Brochure (The format of this brochure has been modified for web viewing/printing.)
Click here for the WTAP 2008 Legislative Report.
Click here for the Kansas Water Office's Online Hydrogram, October 2008 article.
WTAP Enrollment
The fall application period runs October 1 - November 15, 2008. If funds are available after the fall enrollment, there will be a spring application period, February 15 - March 31, 2009. Below are the WTAP Applications and Water Right Forms.
Application Attachment- Water Right Dismissal Form
Application Attachment - Water Right Reduction Form
Mail completed WTAP application and related forms to the State Conservation Commission.
If you would like more information on this program please contact Steve Frost, Water Conservation Program Manager, State Conservation Commission.
