This week, I'd like to address a major topic that concerns western Kansas: conservation.

Now we know that farmers and lawmakers created a fairly efficient system of soil conservation in Kansas since the Dust Bowl in the early 1930s. What went into effect then concerning soil conservation and its "roots" to the region has protected western Kansas and the High Plains for more than 70 years.

But that's not our discussion today. Our discussion today is water conservation and how terrible our state lawmakers and regional industrial style farming and the city of Hays have destroyed western Kansas' most valuable resource through poor techniques in water conservation.

My father and my two great-uncles have successfully used dryland farming techniques without the heavy use of chemicals for as long as they have operated their farms. The Conkeys have no irrigation systems and no need for an unsustainable agricultural infrastructure that is present in many sections of this verdant country.

Needless to say, our style of farming does not produce the sheer quantity of grain as some of our neighbors. Nevertheless, our costs on equipment and maintenance are more efficient and sustainable than those practicing a more industrialized and resource destructive version of a similar agricultural operation.

With the increased use of industrial chemicals, fertilizers which increases soil nitration, and, pesticides, herbicides and whateverelseicides during the last 60 years, the area's water supply is becoming increasingly toxic. High nitrate levels can lead to blue baby syndrome and can kill livestock fairly quickly. Research on water quality from the U.S. Geological Survey and the KDHE Bureau of Water suggests that water quality only improves the deeper the water well is. These findings also suggest that surface water and water just below the surface in most areas is more toxic and less sustainable as a resource as the years pass. We also can conclude that major users of water such as the city of Hays and livestock producers will increasingly fight over the remnants of the Ogallala Aquifer, which is depleting at an unsustainable rate.

I am fully aware that the state of Kansas has a conservation plan and management operation for water conservation, but I am also aware how underutilized and inefficient these groups are against large livestock operations and city water uses. These plans are ineffective against gross powers.

Farmers know how beneficial the soil conservationists were, so why not conserve the water?

This is not merely a question of toxicity but also and predominantly a question of overuse. I expect some of you might remember the good old days when hog farming industrialists in Norton County succeeded in winning a case against the county commissioners and were essentially given a free hand by our justice system to kill us all with nitrates statewide and nationally. Poor, poor Mr. Lang, what good intentions you had 10 years ago.

Last week, this periodical printed an article concerning the 4-foot depletion of water in Wilson Lake. The powers that be including the city of Hays were present, but Commissioner Henry Schwaller stated that Hays was not seeking any water from the plan produced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. But given the past state of affairs concerning eminent domain southeast of Hays of original homesteaders' properties for water rights, and the depletion of this same resource from Cedar Bluff Reservoir, I might just bet that isn't one bit true. The city of Hays is bordering on criminal depletion of a water resource, in my opinion, and I can logically infer that this is an unsustainable practice. You are creating ghost towns.

Green lawns utilizing Kentucky bluegrass in Hays (not native buffalo grass) in neat cookie-cutter suburban lawns, a myriad of businesses on Vine and 27th, and Fort Hays State University use far more water than necessary. Hardly any homes collect rainwater from eaves to use on gardens. What's wrong with buffalo grass and wheat, rye, or oats? They are all proper plants for this region, utilize their potentials. In fact, few homeowners in Hays use water for gardens, only lawn maintenance. Grow things that are sustainable -- you're all good responsible businessmen aren't you? No, I think they all died long ago judging by how our economy and our banking and auto industries are doing nationally. Do I think these are treasonable offenses for living in this part of the state? You bet. I wouldn't be too upset about the firing squads coming to town.

The problem at the heart of this is greed and selfish behavior toward future generations. This is not just a question of water conservation; it is question of future economic and generational conservation. Without an economy and without water, your children and your grandchildren will never return to this region. It will become the wasteland prophesied by many others, not only by me.

The thinkers and doers in this region are not a crop of people willing to mend their ways and make the region more industrious and more efficient through economy of resources.

I am not an idealist, as many of you are, I am a realist.

Adam Conkey, an Edmond native living in Hays, is the son of a Kansas farmer and a graduate of Fort Hays State University.