Wichita City Council considers next steps for drought plans – KAKE

Wichita City Council Addresses Water Security Amid Rising Cheney Reservoir Levels

Overview

Wichita, Kansas is currently witnessing an increase in water levels at Cheney Reservoir. This development has prompted the Wichita City Council to engage in discussions focused on drought preparedness and sustainable water management strategies.

Council Workshop Highlights

• Council members acknowledged significant public interest and opinions regarding water resource management.
• There was notable enthusiasm about the rising water levels in Cheney Reservoir.
• Discussions centered on proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of future droughts.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The council’s approach aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water resources.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action – Strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards such as droughts.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Enhancing urban resilience through sustainable infrastructure and resource management.

Future Actions and Recommendations

• Develop comprehensive drought preparedness plans incorporating community input.
• Invest in water conservation technologies and infrastructure upgrades.
• Promote public awareness campaigns on sustainable water use.
• Collaborate with regional and environmental agencies to monitor and manage water resources effectively.

Conclusion

The proactive stance of the Wichita City Council in addressing water security reflects a commitment to sustainable development and resilience against climate variability. By integrating SDG principles into local governance, Wichita aims to safeguard its water resources for current and future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article discusses the water levels in Cheney Reservoir and preparations for drought, directly relating to water resource management and ensuring availability of clean water.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Preparation for future droughts implies addressing climate-related risks and enhancing resilience to climate change impacts.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Wichita City Council’s involvement in managing water resources reflects efforts to build sustainable and resilient urban communities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6 Targets
   • 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals to address water scarcity.
   • 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including transboundary cooperation as appropriate.
2. SDG 13 Targets
   • 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. SDG 11 Targets
   • 11.5: Significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related disasters.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 6
   • 6.4.1: Change in water-use efficiency over time – implied by discussions on water levels and drought preparation.
   • 6.5.1: Degree of integrated water resources management implementation – implied by city council’s planning and management efforts.
2. Indicators for SDG 13
   • 13.1.2: Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies – implied by the city council’s proactive drought preparation workshop.
3. Indicators for SDG 11
   • 11.5.1: Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population – indirectly relevant as preparation aims to reduce impacts.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: kake.com