GMD 4 Metering Program


Last Updated:  November 7, 2007

Click here for a printable copy of the METER NOTICE OF COMPLETION form.

On November 10, 2005 the GMD 4 board approved and signed a metering MOU with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources (DWR) that sets up the process and responsibilities for requiring meters on all wells within the district.

To cover this topic the district and DWR have scheduled 4 public meetings as follows:

  • December 16, 2005:  St. Francis, KS; 1:00 p.m., Dusty Farmer Cafe, Hwy 36, South side;
  • January 4, 2006:  Goodland, KS; 1:30 p.m., Elks Lodge, 1523 Arcade St.;
  • January 5, 2006:  Colby, KS; 1:30 p.m., City Limits Convention, 2227 S Range; and
  • January 6, 2006:  Hoxie, KS; 1:30 p.m., 1st National Bank, 801 Main St.

    •  Aspects of the MOU are:

    1)  DWR will issue all the orders for meters - December, 2005 - to ALL well owners in GMD 4 simultaneously.

    Phase-in Schedule:

    Wells in NW Quarter of any section must be metered before the well pumps in 2006 or no later than December 31, 2006, whichever date comes first.
    Wells in NE Quarter of any section - Before the well pumps in 2007 or no later than December 31, 2007, whichever date comes first.
    Wells in SE Quarter of any Section - Before the well pumps in 2008 or no later than December 31, 2008, whichever date comes first.
    Wells in SW Quarter of any Section - Before the well pumps in 2009 or no later than December 31, 2009, whichever date comes first.

     Exceptions: All wells described without a specific quarter section designation will be required to meter in 2006 unless the legal description can be specified to a quarter section. Then the above phase-in schedule will apply. Examples of wells NOT described with a specific quarter section are:  "lot 4, block 2"; "near center of the S/2"; etc.

    District staff is often able to convert these types of descriptions to a specified quarter section, and is authorized to do so, but will NOT presume that any well owner wants this done on their behalf.  If you want staff to do this for you, contact the office.  You can also contact DWR and do this yourself.

    2)  Reminder letters will be generated by the district each year on or before September 1 for those next in the phase-in schedule.  The 2007 scheduled wells (NE/4) reminder letters went out September 3, 2006.

    3)  A computer data base will be co-developed to facilitate easy and coordinated data entry and tracking.

    4)  Both GMD and DWR staff will inspect the meter installations.  Inspections will collect the following information: specific location of the meter by GPS or footages; meter manufacturer, serial number and model number; meter units and multiplier; dated meter reading; and a comment line for remarks or periodic inspection data.

    5)  Installation compliance:

    If a well is already metered when the orders are generated - either by previous order or voluntarily:

    If the existing meter was a state approved meter when installed, was installed to state installation specifications in effect at the time it was installed, and there are no obvious operational deficiencies it will be assumed to be accurate and will be allowed to remain in place until it needs repair or replacement.  At that time the repaired or replaced meter will need to meet all current specifications.

    If the existing meter does NOT meet the specs at the time it was installed, the owner must either replace it with a new meter that meets all specifications or request a one-time calibration check to test the meter's accuracy. If it tests within 94% - 106% of the state-approved test meter it will pass the inspection - if all three of the following conditions are also met: a) there is no other location to install it properly (without reconstructing piping, pump or well components); b) a measuring chamber and strightening vanes are installed; and 3) the meter runs a full pipe.

    Any meter inspected that was installed under the current specifications that does not satisfy them will also have the opportunity for a one-time, accuracy verification test as above.

    6)  There are NO meter waivers contemplated under this program.

    7)  The MOU will be annually evaluated and can be amended by agreement of both parties. It can also be rescinded by either party with 90 days notice.

    Questions or comments can be directed to the district office (e-mail GMD4) or to Scott Ross, DWR, Stockton, KS (e-mail DWR Stockton). Stockton's phone is 785-425-6787. Both the Division of Water Resources and GMD 4 are responsible for public education regarding this new effort.

    A .pdf listing of all state approved flowmeters, can be obtained from the Division of Water Resources Document Center.  Look for Document titled:  "Certified Waterflow Meter List".  NOTE:  These "Document Center" pages change often, so if you don't see the meters listing on this exact page, use the "search" box provided and search on:  "certified waterflow meter list".

    || Home Page || General Overview || Personnel || Budget Info || Management Program ||
    || Annual Meeting || Related Links || Water Level Data || Formulas || Water Quotes ||
    || Board Minutes || District Meetings || Water Law || Newsletter || Open Records || Metering || Forms ||