The Hays Daily News

Despite foreclosure, business goes on at Fox Pavilion -2/3/2012, 10:22 AM

E-Communities receive $900,000 in tax credits -2/3/2012, 10:22 AM

Couple bound over on charges -2/3/2012, 10:21 AM

Thomas County accident sends man to hospital -2/3/2012, 10:21 AM

KDOT to host informational meeting in Winona -2/3/2012, 10:21 AM

Interstate 70 road construction begins -2/3/2012, 10:21 AM

Road closings and cancellations -2/3/2012, 2:42 PM

FHSU students head to Topeka to lobby for higher ed -2/3/2012, 10:21 AM

Indians narrowly miss out on trip to 5A state scholars bowl tourney -2/3/2012, 10:21 AM

Counties hope to develop wind energy in NW Kansas -2/3/2012, 10:12 AM

Case load study: Too many judges -2/3/2012, 10:12 AM

Monarchs' reign ends -2/3/2012, 10:14 AM

Banquet shines light -2/3/2012, 10:02 AM

AUDIO: Phelps talks with KIOGA official -2/3/2012, 7:13 AM

Chamber honors five at banquet -2/3/2012, 7:02 AM

Contraception mandate outrages religious groups -2/3/2012, 6:58 AM

Major winter storm sweeping across Colorado -2/3/2012, 6:58 AM

Kansas lawmakers warned to keep records on meetings -2/3/2012, 6:57 AM

Kansas water policy proposals advancing -2/2/2012, 6:38 PM

Trump's twist: The Don will endorse Romney? -2/2/2012, 12:54 PM

Blue Cross won't bid for Medicaid contract in Kansas -2/2/2012, 12:54 PM

Felten, Building F.A.S.T., contracts on agenda -2/2/2012, 11:59 AM

NEW working to help employees -2/2/2012, 10:11 AM

Steward: Money move smart at time -2/2/2012, 10:11 AM

KDOT snow crews play key role in saving heart attack patient -2/2/2012, 10:11 AM

HaysMed verified as Level III Trauma Center by KDHE -2/2/2012, 10:11 AM

Youth participate in Catholic Schools Week -2/2/2012, 10:11 AM

First students enroll at new school -2/2/2012, 10:10 AM

Snow on the way for area -2/2/2012, 10:09 AM

National Guard to assist in southwest Asia -2/2/2012, 10:00 AM

Rest area near Kanorado closed -2/2/2012, 10:00 AM

Extension office provides burn school -2/2/2012, 10:00 AM

AUDIO: Phelps talks taxes, gambling, immigration -2/2/2012, 9:01 AM

Driver crashes car into Oakley house -2/2/2012, 7:18 AM

Punxsutawney Phil: Six more weeks of winter -2/2/2012, 8:11 AM

Senate panel OKs congressional redistricting plan -2/2/2012, 6:22 AM

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New chief water regulator: Climate change a challenge

Published on -11/19/2007, 1:46 PM

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By SARAH KESSINGER Harris News Service TOPEKA -- The state's newly appointed water-use regulator expects climate change to be one of Kansas' challenges in coming years. Kansas Agriculture Secretary Adrian Polansky selected David Barfield on Monday as new chief engineer for the Kansas Division of Water Resources. In an interview, Barfield reviewed progress on river compact negotiations with neighboring states. He, too, said changes in climate likely would draw more attention in coming years. At a recent meeting of the Western States Water Council, Barfield said, it was clear climate change is getting a significant look from western states. "It's starting to affect snow pack and when we get precipitation. Many states are starting to take large-scale models and see how it affects them." "As we have another level of uncertainty out there, I guess it should give us pause to make sure our operating rules are flexible and adaptable to whatever may come," he said. "We need to be good stewards of the Ogallala (aquifer) because we really don't know what the future brings." Barfield, who worked for former chief engineer David Pope since 1984, was the acting division head in recent months. He now has the permanent job of administering water rights for the state while overseeing 92 employees and an $8.4 million annual budget. Pope earlier this year became executive director of the Missouri River Association of States and Tribes. As a longtime division employee, Barfield spent much time on the state's river compacts with Colorado and Nebraska and other interstate issues. Both compact court cases are settled, but the state plans to start a formal process soon to resolve differences with Nebraska about the lack of Republican River water sent to Kansas in recent years. Kansas alleges Nebraska fell behind by 26 billion gallons of river water in 2005 and 2006. Nebraska disputes the figure, saying it's too high. The Republican River case also involves Colorado's usage of water owed to Kansas. That part of the compact won't see negotiations until next year after the two states begin a five-year review of a U.S. Supreme Court settlement. "They're both taking steps. Nebraska is purchasing surface water and providing it to Kansas, and Colorado has engineering consultants figuring ways for them to get into compliance," Barfield said. "But they're still both short." Barfield also monitors Colorado's use of Arkansas River water. "We're very near the end," Barfield said of the 1985 Kansas v. Colorado lawsuit over Arkansas River flow. "A special master for the U.S. Supreme Court is finalizing his last report to the court, which summarizes the case and provides for how we move forward from here." Yet, keeping an eye on the western state's compliance "is something we'll always have to do," Barfield said. The chief engineer also has the reins on water use in Kansas and is responsible for public safety in the construction and maintenance of dams. Barfield has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a master's degree in water resources, both from the University of Kansas. "The depth and breadth of Mr. Barfield's understanding of Kansas water issues make him the most logical choice to fill this important position," Polansky said.