Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
As we dip into a new year, the memory of the 2024 summer drought is still fresh in our minds as we watch the snow melt into the ground, hoping it can help the water issue Kansas is experiencing statewide. Though a lot more snow is going to be needed to help solve that. Now, with Wichita increasing their water rates, which passes onto Andover residents, Mayor Ronnie Price says the issue could be solved by connecting Andover to the El Dorado Lake.
The Wichita City Council approved a 6.75% rate increase for water on Tuesday, December 3, effective with bills issued on or after January 1, 2025. Low-volume water users will see their bills rise by $3.21, mid-volume users will experience a $4.79 increase, and high-volume users will face an increase of $9.59. The rate increase comes due to inflation, operational adjustments, and other challenges.
In addition to rising water rates, Andover and other Wichita water buyers grappled with a drought from Cheney Lake, which supplies Wichita’s water, affecting all water buyers. The cities who purchase Wichita water went into Stage 2 water restrictions in August with a goal of decreasing water usage by 10%. Cheney Lake was over 7ft below normal level last summer.
Mayor Price says he’d like to avoid future water restrictions and higher rates by connecting Andover to the El Dorado Lake, a large project that he says will keep him running for a third term if it can come to fruition.
“It’ll take 5 years or more but I’m willing to do it,” said Mayor Price. “It’s time to do it. It’s time we start having an adult conversation about this water issue.”
He’s already started the conversation with Representative Mike Fagg, who he says was supportive of the idea. The project would take years to accomplish but needs to begin soon if Butler County wants to keep their dollars in Butler County and help preserve Cheney Lake in the future.
“Cheney Lake was never built to support this many residents,” said Mayor Price. “We’re building 600 houses in the next six years in just one housing addition, so I just don’t think continuing this way is sustainable for Andover, Wichita or Cheney Lake.”
