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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.
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