The first draft of the Kansas Water Vision will be posted to the Kansas Water Office website on July 1 so citizens are able to provide input to the Governor’s Water Vision Team on the statewide tour that will be held July 7-11.

 “The Team began gathering input in December from stakeholders of all water uses to develop this first draft,” said Susan Metzger, Vision Team Leader -Kansas Water Office. “There were some resounding messages throughout the last few months: a strong, long-term water Vision for Kansas must be statewide while recognizing that one size does not fit all; a reliable water supply is bigger than quantity and the quality of our water resources is equally important; and public information and education is critical to the successful adoption of the Vision.”

 As seen the past few years with extremes of extended drought to cases of flooding, the entire state and its citizens are affected by what happens with water supplies and its management. Last fall Governor Sam Brownback called for a 50 Year Vision to ensure a reliable water supply for Kansas citizens.

 “We are looking forward to hearing from Kansans,” said Secretary Jackie McClaskey. “The entire state is affected by what happens with our water, no matter what area of Kansas you live in. Water determines everything from community and industry survival and growth to making us marketable for other opportunities.”

 Stakeholders and Kansas citizens are encouraged to attend one of the Vision Tour input sessions. For more information about the Governor’s Call to Action for a 50-Year Vision and a list of times and addresses for each tour location, visit www.kwo.org