Critical resource

Few people pay attention to water issues until the proverbial well runs dry. As much as we hear about energy and food security concerns, water is the resource that most experts believe will be the next major concern for this country. Now is not the time to narrow our options for preparing for a secure water future.

I write on behalf of the Kansas Water Authority to raise awareness for Kansas' most underappreciated resource, its water. The authority, a 24-member advisory board to the governor and Legislature, fully understands the state's current fiscal dilemma.

It's disheartening, however, when the money for water resource projects is disproportionately cut. While overall state budgets have declined by 15 percent, expenditures for water resources have been reduced by 30 percent.

The State Water Plan Fund has provided a funding source for water projects for 20 years. This year, we've witnessed the completion of HorseThief Reservoir near Jetmore; the inaugural lake dredging project at Horton; and the expansion of the nationally recognized Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project at Wichita. The fund also annually finances hundreds of smaller projects across the state.

We realize there are essential programs that are affected by the state's economic downturn. Despite that downturn, water issues must be addressed. The authority has recommended a fully funded budget for fiscal year 2011. Please help us by reminding our elected officials of the importance of the State Water Plan Fund in addressing our future water needs.

Steve Irsik, Ingalls, chairman, Kansas Water Authority