Big Bend Groundwater Management District No. 5

03/31/2026

📣 Public Outreach Meetings Next Week!

Make your voice heard and stay informed on local water issues that impact our community. We’re hosting a series of public outreach meetings where you can learn about current initiatives, explore helpful tools, and ask questions directly.

🗓️ Meeting Dates: April 7, 9, 14, and 16
💧 Open to all residents
🗣️ Discussion + Q&A

👉 Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation—mark your calendar and plan to attend! Your input helps shape the future of water in our area.

03/23/2026

Deadline Approaching: WTAP Enrollment!

Landowners, now is the time to act! The Water Transition Assistance Program (WTAP) is accepting applications to permanently retire irrigation water rights in priority areas of Rattlesnake Creek. Eligible participants can receive up to $6,000 per acre-foot of Historic Consumptive Water Use, with potential for additional funding.

💧 Protect streamflows
🌱 Support long-term groundwater conservation
🚜 Transition from irrigated to dryland farming

📅 Spring Enrollment is Open – Submit Your Application Today!

✅ Learn more & access forms: gmd5.org/wtap-rattlesnake-creek

Don’t wait – the enrollment period is competitive and time is running out!

03/19/2026

📣 Public Outreach Meetings Are Coming Up – Join Us!

Make your voice heard and stay informed on local water issues that impact our community. We’re hosting a series of public outreach meetings where you can learn about current initiatives, explore helpful tools, and ask questions directly.

🗓️ Meeting Dates: April 7, 9, 14, and 16
💧 Open to all residents
🗣️ Discussion + Q&A

👉 Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation—mark your calendar and plan to attend! Your input helps shape the future of water in our area.

03/04/2026

At Big Bend Groundwater Management District No. 5, we are committed to helping water users stay informed and proactive in managing their water use.

The District’s website has recently been updated with two new tools designed to support that effort:

Flowmeter Calculator
https://gmd5.org/flowmeter-calculator-1

This tool helps water users estimate total water use throughout the irrigation season and monitor progress toward their authorized quantities.

Interactive Groundwater Data Portal
https://gmd5.org/portal

This interactive map allows users to explore groundwater data and related information across Central Kansas.

These tools are newly developed and may be updated or refined as improvements are made.

While the District exercises great care in compiling and presenting this information, Big Bend Groundwater Management District No. 5 makes no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the data provided.

Send a message to learn more

02/11/2026

02/04/2026

📣 Important Upcoming Events – February 17 📣

Join us in St. John for a full day of district meetings and discussions:

🕒 3:00 PM – Public Hearing on the District’s revised management program
👉 https://gmd5.org/management-program

🕞 3:30 PM – District Board of Directors Meeting
👉 https://gmd5.org/events

🕖 7:00 PM – District Annual Meeting
👉 https://gmd5.org/events

📍 Location: Stafford County Annex
210 E. 3rd Ave, St. John

We encourage all stakeholders and community members to attend and stay informed on issues that will impact our region for years to come.

Send a message to learn more

01/26/2026

ICYMI
The Rattlesnake Creek Watershed Plan document is updated and published to the Federal Register on January 23.

The public review period will continue until February 23.

Established in 1976

12/18/2025

Stay safe!