HALSTEAD, Kan. — It won’t be known for awhile how much the flooding has helped or hurt the Equus Beds aquifer in central Kansas.

But the numbers for the previous year show the aquifer’s level continued to increase in 2018. While the numbers in some parts of the county either stayed the same or even declined a little overall, the underground water table increased by 1.7 feet. With the recent flooding and the close connection between the area rivers and the aquifer, that level could increase again when the next measurements are taken later this summer.

Tim Boese with the Equus Beds Groundwater Management District says the flooding could also have a negative impact on the aquifer. The significant rainfall could also bring contaminants into the underground spring. Boese says runoff from farm fields and such can be drawn into the aquifer from the river water.

Like Reno County, the other three counties that are part of the Equus Beds saw increased levels as well, although some were small. Harvey County levels were up by nearly 3 feet. Sedgwick County’s level rose by just under 6 inches and McPherson County, which has the deepest water table, saw an increase of about 4 inches.

The groundwater management district tests levels in more than 500 wells.