How Can I Change my

Point of Diversion?

The question is often asked, can I change the location of my well and what is the process to accomplish it.  There is a process for changing your point of diversion (well) that is set forth by State and GMD3 rules and regulations.  The guidelines that we follow are set forth in K.A.R. 5-23-3.

To start exploring your options, we recommend you contact our office to see if and where you might have a chance to re-drill your well.  We can create a map that will show you where you could possibly re-drill your well that will meet spacing requirements to neighboring wells.  The first thing to be aware of is that you cannot move your currently authorized well further than a half mile.  Spacing to neighboring wells is regulated by the authorized quantity of your well and the neighboring well.  Whichever well is authorized the larger quantity, your well or the neighboring well, will dictate which spacing requirement must be met.  The spacing requirement increases as the set ranges of authorized quantity increases.  The highest spacing requirement is for any well that is authorized more than 500 acre feet, which must maintain a minimum spacing of 2300' from any neighboring well.

There are a couple of additional issues that you need to keep in mind whenever you re-drill a well.  The first is that you must maintain 660' from any domestic well.  The other issue is that even though you may own the neighboring well in question, you will be required to maintain the required minimum well spacing.

A lot of the time, the answer to whether you can re-drill your well is not a simple yes or no answer.  Before a lot of time and money is spent, please call or come to our office to see what your options are.  If you decide you want to proceed with changing your point of diversion, we would be happy to assist with the application process.

As spring arrives, producers prepare for another season of watering crops and livestock.  Here at GMD3, we respond regularly to requests for assistance with water right and flowmeter issues. 

One issue that seems to occur every winter is people preparing water use reports and finding that the flowmeter has failed at some point during the year, making it difficult to provide an accurate accounting of water use.  While the problem usually presents itself at the end of the year the time to prevent it is now.

·         Start by checking the flowmeter closely before first use.

·         Know your annual authorized quantity and calculate the ending flowmeter reading for the year.

·         Monitor your flowmeter and record the readings regularly throughout the year.

·         Time the flowmeter register occasionally to determine the rate at which the flowmeter is recording use.

·         Be aware that on a McCrometer brand flowmeter the needle and register can read differently.

·         Track and record hour meters, electric meters and/or gas meter readings regularly.  When combined with a rate these could provide a backup quantity of water use.

GMD3 has forms and online calculators to help you calculate and track this information, as well as, knowledgeable staff available to answer questions or meet you in the field to assist in your efforts to manage water use throughout the year.

At GMD3 we are committed to assisting water users with beneficial use and conservation of this most vital resource.  If you have any questions, topics you would like to see covered or would like to discuss flowmeters or other water issues, please don't hesitate to contact us.

The Real Cost

to Pump that Last Bit of Water

As the beginning of the irrigation season rapidly approaches, operators are faced with the dilemma of determining which crops to plant on which acres and also matching the water needs of those crops to the production of their irrigation wells.  There is also the uncertainty of whether or not Mother Nature will provide any assistance in the form of rain.  When it comes to the water needs of a crop, your first step should be to make sure you know what your authorized quantity is and verify that all of the acres are authorized to be watered.  If you have been following our articles, you will already know how that our office is more than happy to make sure you have a full understanding of your water rights.  Once you have the knowledge of your water right, it is also important that you know what the consequences can be if you exceed your authorized quantity.

The Kansas Department of Ag., Division of Water Resources, with the backing of the GMD3 board, has increased the enforcement of water users that overpump their water rights.  There is a progression process for the penalties of overpumping, which are as follows:

1^st offense:  DWR will send out a notice of noncompliance, stating that your authorized quantity was exceeded.  This notice is permanently in the action trail for the water right. 

2^nd offense:  You can be fined $500 and your water right will be reduced the following season the same amount you overpumped.  For example, say you exceeded your authorized quantity by 25 acre feet this year.  This would lead to your water right being reduced by 25 acre feet going into next year. 

3^rd offense:  You can be fined $500 a day for each day you overpumped and a reduction of twice the amount you overpumped the next season.  Using the same example as previously mentioned and you are capable of pumping 5 acre foot per day (roughly 1100gpm), you would be fined 5 days X $500 for a total of $2500, PLUS your water right would be reduced 50 acre feet next year. 

4^th offense:  Could result in a one year suspension of the water right, which means you will not be able to use that authorization at all for a year.

5^th offense:  The water right could be revoked.

With the chance of a suspension of a portion or your entire water right, it is critical that you are aware of the consequences of exceeding your authorized quantity.  It also means that you have to make sure you regularly monitor and maintain your installed flowmeter.  For additional help or information, visit our web site or call our office anytime you have questions or concerns.

                                         

Quick Links