Kansas farming is critical to the state’s economy. How do we save water without hurting it?

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This graph shows what percent the aquifer has decreased since pumping began. GMD 3 takes up the southwest corner of Kansas. Kansas Geological Survey

This graph shows what percent the aquifer has decreased since pumping began. GMD 3 takes up the southwest corner of Kansas. Kansas Geological Survey

Kansas farming is critical to the state’s economy. How do we save water without hurting it?

Kansas farming is critical to the state’s economy. How do we save water without hurting it?

Southwest Kansas farmers have a tough task: Decide on a plan to reduce their irrigation or have the state decide it for them. Groundwater Management District 3 is proposing an unprecedented district-wide conservation area. But a lot of farmers think there are some holes in this plan.

PLAINS, Kansas — Southwest Kansas might take a big step toward water conservation in ways previously thought to be i…