Equus Beds Chloride Plume Project

Program Objective

Chloride contamination within the Equus Beds Aquifer from previous oil field production has created large pockets of groundwater which are unsuitable for most uses. Remediation of high chloride hot spots within the Equus Beds would help generate an additional water supply source as well as protect and prolong the useable lifespan of groundwater wells within the formation. Over time, these hot spots migrate and mix with adjacent freshwater, making the chloride more difficult to remove.

KWO Program Activities

Collaborate with KDHE on framework development for a pilot treatment project within the Equus Beds Aquifer to remediate the Burrton chloride plume impacting groundwater within the regions as well as the City of Wichita's groundwater well field.
Evaluate and assist in securing additional funding for pilot project through federal programs, local water users, or other sources of funding as they become known.
Key Dates and Deliverables
- Remedial Investigation Report Burrton Oil Field Brine Plume (January 2020)
- Feasibility Study Report: Burrton Oil Field Brine Plume (January 2020)
- Feasibility Study Update Report (December 2024)

Recent Program Budget

SWPF FY2023 Appropriation: $50,000
SWPF FY2024 Appropriation: $50,000
SWPF FY2025 Appropriation: $50,000

Potential Additional Funding Resources

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
City of Wichita
Groundwater Management District #2

Consequences of Not Funding

Continued movement of the Burrton chloride plume within the Equus Beds Aquifer towards the east-southeast, leading to impacts with the City of Wichita's groundwater well field as well as other regional groundwater users.

Project Managers

Matt Unruh & Riley Vande Ven

Page last updated on 7/21/2025

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