The Kansas Environmental Leadership Program (KELP) is a cooperative program of K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Water Office (KWO). To successfully complete the course, participants are placed in small teams that identify a project to complete and implement. The 2007 Northeast Kansas KELP Team decided to design and promote a Kansas Water Quality Protection Area Sign for use by public water supply systems to identify the boundaries of wellhead and source water protection areas. These signs are also appropriate for Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) projects.

The 36 x 24 inch aluminum signs can be purchased through Kansas Rural Water Association. The order form can be completed on your computer desktop and then printed, or it can be printed and completed by hand. Be sure that the appropriate protection area is identified by up to three lines with no more than 13 characters and spaces. After completion, mail the form to KRWA with the proper payment.

It is likely that permission to erect signs in rights-of-way will require the approval by the appropriate KDOT District Office or County / Township Road Department. Remember to notify Kansas One-Call before digging any postholes.