IRP: a case study from Kansas

Abstract

Recharging a depleted aquifer is an integral part of the resource plan in Wichita, Kan.Because current supplies will not adequately meet its needs beyond 2010, the city of Wichita, Kan., applied the integrated resource planning (IRP) process to develop a long‐term water resource plan. The plan is environmentally, socially, and economically acceptable to the community and holistically uses the city's local water resources on an “as‐available” basis. Key elements of the plan in addition to water conservation and watershed management are use of trichloroethylene‐remediated and high‐chloride groundwater, above‐base (excess) flow from the Little Arkansas River, expansion of a local wellfield, and recharge of a primary existing water source called the Equus Beds Wellfield. Overpumping by irrigators, industries, and municipalities during the last 40 years caused a drawdown storage volume in the Equus Bed Wellfield, which can hold 100 bil gal of water. Recharging the aquifer replenishes groundwater storage and minimizes flow of chloride‐contaminated water into the wellfield.