Verdigris Regional Advisory Committee

Current Focus Area

Evaluating changes in reservoir operations to manage and increase water supply within the Region.

About the RAC

RAC Planner: Lauren Campbell

The Verdigris RAC members represent the following categories of water users: WRAPS, agriculture, industry and commerce, conservation and environment, public water supply, local government and the general public. View the full Verdigris Regional Advisory Committee Membership.

The Verdigris Region is located in the southeast area of Kansas covering all or parts of 11 counties. RAC members meet throughout the year to discuss the vital needs of the region to address water resource issues and what projects would most address those needs.

The Verdigris RAC has previously completed action plans for three goals addressing water issues in the region. Read the full Verdigris Action Plan. Reference recently approved goals and action plan by the Kansas Water Authority for inclusion within the draft State Water Plan for the Verdigris and other regional planning areas.

The Verdigris River basin's four federal reservoirs—Toronto Lake, Fall River Lake, Elk City Lake, and Big Hill Lake—were constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers primarily between the 1940s and 1970s in response to recurring and often severe flooding in the Verdigris watershed. Developed as part of a coordinated system for managing river flows, these reservoirs were designed mainly for flood risk reduction but have become essential for regional water supply, water quality improvement, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitat. Collectively, they play a critical role in moderating downstream flooding, supporting local communities and industry, and enhancing the economic and environmental resilience of the Verdigris region in Kansas.

State of the Resource

View the Verdigris Fact Sheet.

Regional Activities

The KWO models the region to determine supply and demand in the areas that are served by the mainstem Verdigris River. These modeling efforts inform the need for reservoir management changes.

In line with RAC Goal #1, the biggest impact to the region for water supply reliability would be to reduce target flows in the basin during drought conditions. The RAC and KWO are identifying possible next steps to work towards this goal. The KWO, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is looking into modifications of the Coffeyville Resource Dam and Intake to increase the efficiency of utilization of water.

The RAC support WRAPS and Conservation Districts implementing educational events such as soil health field days, in order to improve both water quality and quantity.

The Verdigris basin is also one of the pilot regions for Regional Planning Effort. The KWO and other state agencies related to water are working with contractors to conduct an in-depth analysis of the region and recommend water management strategies. The result of this study will become available by the end of 2026.

Meeting Notes and Presentations