The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Water Resources has approved the first Local Enhanced Management Area (LEMA) in Kansas.  Proposed by Groundwater Management District (GMD) 4 in Northwest Kansas, Sheridan 6 LEMA will be located in Sheridan and Thomas counties.

The LEMA process is a central component of legislation supported by Governor Sam Brownback in 2012 to reform multiple Kansas water statutes.

According to the order approving the proposal, the GMD’s plan to reduce water use within the Sheridan 6 LEMA by approximately 20 percent during the next five years will serve the public interest by conserving water and extending the useful life of the Ogallala Aquifer.