Major Projects and Initiatives

Upper Arkansas River Projects
These studies evaluate the fate and transport of the dissolved solids that are contaminating the ground-water resources of the High Plains aquifer in the Arkansas River corridor.
Kansas River Index Well Network
In the spring and summer of 2018, the KGS established a network of observations wells in the Kansas River alluvial aquifer. The wells operate under the Kansas Index Well Program to provide continuously recorded water levels of the aquifer throughout the year. October 2018
Addressing the Groundwater Goals of the Missouri Regional Planning Area
This work aims to fulfill the data and research portions of two of the main goals for the Missouri Regional Planning Area (MRPA), namely: compile existing and collect additional groundwater quality data over the next five years to establish a baseline and collect additional information to improve safe yield estimates of groundwater and tributary streams. August 2018
Index Well Program
The index well program is a pilot study of an improved approach to measuring hydrologic responses at the local level. The program is expected to make a significant contribution to understanding the aquifer dynamics at scales appropriate to the definition and management of aquifer subunits, and ultimately, providing cost-effective improvements for long-term management.
High Plains Aquifer/Ogallala Aquifer Information
This web site includes the Atlas of the High Plains Aquifer under development.
Water-level Program
Includes reports and links to other pages supporting this project.
KGS Stream-Aquifer Interactions Project
Includes reports and software supporting the project.
Barometric Response Function Software
The KGS Barometric Response Function software computes a function describing the influence of barometric (atmospheric) pressure variations on water levels in wells and uses that function to filter atmospherically induced fluctuations from observed water levels. The software can also compute earth tide response functions and correct water levels for the influence of earth tides.
CLASS
The Kansas Geological Survey in conjunction with Michigan State University received a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to model the entire High Plains Aquifer (HPA). This code set will expand and compile existing work to create a comprehensive model factoring in climate, economic, social, crop, and hydrological models.
KGS Direct Push Methods for Hydrostratigraphic Characterization Project
Brings together investigations supporting this project.
Water-quality Effects of Stormwater Runoff into Sand Pits
Reports, data, and presentation on sand and gravel pits in Wichita in response to Senate Bill 364 and related to the Groundwater Quality Task Force.
PlumeBusters
An interactive simulator in which students take on the role of an environmental consultant to solve a contamination problem.
Ponds
A research initiation website exploring the role of small, artificial water impoundments in landscape-scale biogeochemistry and biocomplexity
Dakota Aquifer Program
An online version of the results of the Kansas Geological Survey's investigation of the Dakota aquifer is online. The site includes an overview of the aquifer, archives of data used in the study, and web versions of study reports.
Equus Beds Mineral Intrusion Project
A cooperative study of the potential for salt contamination of public water supplies in the Equus Beds by the Kansas Geological Survey, the Equus Beds Groundwater Management District No. 2, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Phreatophyte Research Project
A joint project of the Kansas Geological Survey and Kansas State University.
KGS Well Tests for Site Characterization Project
Brings together investigations supporting this project.