Statement by the Kansas Rural Water Association On Proposed Rule for Kansas Water Quality Standards

To Ms. Ann Jacobs:

The Kansas Rural Water Association, which has membership of nearly 300 rural water districts and 400 cities in Kansas, considers the delivery of highest quality water possible to customers to be its top priority. In reaching that goal, there are a number of considerations, chief among those being standards based on sound science, economical and efficient treatment methods and local input and control over conditions that vary widely across our State. The recent proposal by EPA raises concerns on all counts.

Kansas, through the work of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Water Office, has made significant strides in protecting and improving water quality throughout the State. This progress has been the result of policy founded on a voluntary, incentive-based approach. Partnerships have been developed between State agencies, private entities and individuals to achieve significant results. Success measured in terms of community involvement and water quality improvement has been strong. The best way to address nonpoint source pollution is to change habits and attitudes. This goal will be reached through cooperation and education, not heavy-handed government regulation.

Detailed information has been submitted by a number of municipalities that will be financially devastated by the treatment methods required in the proposed rules. Will the benefits be in proportion to the estimated costs? Our membership contends that the requirements are unrealistic and unaffordable to their customers for the benefits that "might" result. Again, Kansas's agencies have been and continue to work with cities for realistic and beneficial solutions.

The Kansas Rural Water Association respectfully requests that the Environmental Protection Agency reconsider its proposed rule on Kansas's water quality standards. We ask that EPA allow the State to continue to move forward with methods that have proven successful by community involvement and water quality improvement. This will be the best approach to protect and improve water quality for our customers and all citizens in our State.

Respectfully submitted,

David Mueller, President
Kansas Rural Water Association

Read more about EPA's proposed rules in the November issue of The Kansas Lifeline.