Proposed rules on irrigation efficiency will continue to move forward, but at a slower pace than originally anticipated in order to protect the state’s Arkansas River Compact with Kansas and in-state water rights. Whether the state or water rights holders should pick up the tab for complicated engineering associated with the plan remains at issue. “What is going to happen depends on whether we have learned from history,” said Water Division 2 Engineer Steve Witte. “Over the past two years I have tried to explain how it absolutely does make sense to be concerned about efficiency.” Thursday, he faced a room full of people who generally disagree with the premise. Questions from farmers were far-reaching, ranging from why the growth of cities is not being questioned to why more emphasis is not being put on tamarisk removal as a way to improve flows. Mostly, they questioned how the state expects them to find qualified engineers and pay for complicated studies in the short time period proposed in the draft rules and why the studies are even needed. “Irrigation efficiency improves the bottom line. I get that. If you reduce deep percolation, you reduce salts and improve water quality. I get that. There are many benefits, and I get all that,” Witte said. “And, I think that trying to stop progress is like standing with your arms in the air and trying to stop the wind. . . . Just because you apply an improvement does not mean you diminish flows.” Still, the state has an obligation to act before there is a problem, Witte said. “As citizens of the valley and the planet, we have to engage new ideas and make better use of the water,” said John Singletary Lower Ark board Chairman. He said the proposed rules are “diametrically opposed” to the goal of providing more efficient use of the water. What we decide in this basin could have impacts across the state.”

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