The Kansas Water Office (KWO) was established in 1981 as the water planning, policy, coordination and marketing agency for the state.
The primary statutory function of the agency is the development and implementation of the Kansas Water Plan. State law requires the Kansas Water Office to "Formulate on a continuing basis a comprehensive State Water Plan for the management, conservation and development of the water resources of the state". KWO in coordination with the KWA, also reviews all water laws and makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for needed legislation to ensure water policies and programs address the needs of all Kansans.
As defined in Kansas Statute 74-2608
The Kansas Water Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on State of Kansas holidays.
COVID-19 Operations – In accordance with Ad Astra Reopening Plan guidance, KWO continues agency operations in telework capacity with a limited office presence as needed. To contact the office please email kwo-info@kwo.ks.gov or call 785-296-3185 (toll free 1-888-526-9283) and KWO staff will answer if available and respond as soon as possible.
For directions to our office, please click here.
Connie Owen - Director
Cara Hendricks - Assistant Director
Matt Unruh - Chief of Policy & Communications
Debra Jones, Fiscal Officer
Katie Ingels, Chief of Communications
Amanda Lee, Agency Support & Human Resources
Lauren Koons, Administrative Specialist
Kirk Tjelmeland - Chief of Planning
Gary Koons - Project Coordination
Sara Maguire - Water Resource Planner
Keadron Pearson - Water Resource Planner
Angela Anderson - Education & Outreach
Nathan Westrup - Chief of Hydrology & Evaluation
Richard Rockel - Water Resource Planner
Josh Olson - Water Resource Planner
Katie Goff - Water Resource Planner