Major Lakes and Rivers of Kansas: Reservoirs and Prairie Streams

Kansas, often pictured as flat prairie, has significant water resources—mostly human-made reservoirs and two major river systems.

Key Reservoirs (Lakes)

• Milford Lake (Geary/Wabaunsee Cos.) – 15,700 acres; largest in KS. Flood control, recreation, water supply.
• Tuttle Creek Lake (Pottawatomie/Riley Cos.) – 12,500 acres; on Big Blue River. Flood control, irrigation, wildlife.
• Clinton Lake (Douglas/Osage Cos.) – 7,500 acres; near Lawrence. Water supply, recreation.
• El Dorado Lake (Butler Co.) – 8,000 acres; on Walnut River. Water supply, flood control.
• Pomona Lake (Osage Co.) – 3,500 acres; on Marais des Cygnes River.

Most were built 1950s–70s by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and municipal water.

Major Rivers

• Missouri River – Forms NE border; navigable, commercial barge traffic.
• Kansas (Kaw) River – Longest river entirely in KS; flows from Junction City to KC; recreation, water supply.
• Arkansas River – Crosses SW KS; irrigation-dependent, often dry in west.
• Big Blue River – Tributary of Kansas River; feeds Tuttle Creek Lake.
• Cimarron River – SW KS; scenic canyons, intermittent flow.

Water management is critical in semi-arid western KS, where the Ogallala Aquifer declines. Reservoirs buffer variability but face sedimentation.