Rains slowly replenish Wichita aquifers

Brent D. Wistrom | Wichita Eagle

Farmers and city residents spent decades depleting portions of the Equus Beds aquifer, drying out part of the aquifer roughly the size of Cheney Reservoir.

But now 65 percent of that water is back, thanks mostly to several rainy years and reduced pumping by Wichita, according to a new report by the United States Geological Survey that focused on 55 square miles north of Wichita where most pumping happens.

"It's good news for the area," said Andy Ziegler, director of USGS Kansas Water Science Center.

The Equus Beds aquifer is south-central Kansas' primary fresh water source. It lies under parts of Sedgwick, Harvey, Reno and McPherson counties.

Read the complete story at kansas.com

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