Some exciting developments are formulating from the Neosho Regional Advisory Committee in regards to water conservation efforts.
The Neosho Region is located in the southeast corner of Kansas covering all or parts of 18 counties. RAC members meet throughout the year to discuss the vital needs of the region to address water resource issues and what projects would most address those needs.
Currently, a hot topic amongst the RAC is a partnership with both the Kansas Water Office and K-State to create two water technology farms in Lyon County. Farms such as this allow for testing of new irrigation technologies, management techniques and cropping patterns on a large scale.
According to Bobbi Luttjohan with the Kansas Water Office, one form of research which will take place at these farms is edge-of-field monitoring. This process assesses the quantity and quality of agricultural runoff and evaluates the effectiveness of conservation practices that aim to reduce nutrient loss.
The process involves utilizing devices known as h-flumes to measure sediment and nutrients found in water from runoff events. Luttjohan explains what they can do with the information they gather.
Another area of focus for the RAC is the impact of algae in local water sources. Algae is a prominent issue which mainly effects lakes due to the standing water rather than rivers as they are continuously flowing.
RAC Representative Angela Anderson says they are constantly looking to grow their efforts on research into algae blooms.
Algae blooms were a major issue in the area this year due in part to the longstanding drought. Luttjohan says “dry hot conditions are more likely to bring on algae blooms.”
She adds, the growth of algae has several major impacts on local communities both economically, as it can shut down reservoirs and force some recreational activities such as fishing and swimming to be cancelled. Luttjohan also notes, the presence of algae presents major health concerns as well.
Currently, the RAC is looking for a partner which can help to fund further research efforts on algae in local water supplies.
The RAC is also in the midst of several other projects which include streambank stabilization projects above John Redmond Reservoir, working with the US Army Corps of engineers to implement a HAB study for Marion Reservoir and also modeling region to determine supply and demand in the area.
