A State of Knowledge on Indian Water Rights in Kansas

摘要

Much uncertainty surrounds Indian water rights in Kansas since they may be in conflict with State given rights to water. The ever increasing shortage of water in the arid areas of Kansas is forcing the State to clarify Indian water rights to avoid continuing and future conflicts. Kansas water law subscribed to both riparian water rights and to appropriation which provides all users as much water as they need toward a beneficial use. If the water supply is not adequate then those 'first in time' are 'first in right'. This leads to problems of whether or not Indian reserves were 'first in time'. Indian land tenure in Kansas is discussed for the original tribes as well as those brought to Kansas reservations from other states.