Things found in Arkansas River

You would not believe the items that are found in the Arkansas River. As a rower we find all kinds of things in the river. One morning we almost rowed into a large trash can. The coachs had to yell at the coxes to make sure that we did not hit the trash can. One of our coachs found a lawn chair in the water. Balls, bottles and logs are items that row by almost every morning.

I use the river more often than most most in Wichita but I think that it is sad that all these items are found in the river. Even people that live by the river have to look at these items. We should be keep our river clean because we can. Right now we only clean the once a year. Because of all the things found in the river I think that we should clean the river four times a year.

Fish Consumption Advisory & Poor Water Quality

Due to the mercury contamination, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) recommend a limit of one 8-ounce serving per week for adults or one 4-ounce serving per week for children (12 years or younger) of predatory fish which include bass, crappie, walleye, etc. for the following location:

The Little Arkansas River from the Main Street Bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Wichita.


Due to pollution and contamination, the Little Arkansas River is currently ranked at a Level 2 (green) for water quality. This means that the river is safe for boating and other recreational activities so long as basic personal hygiene practices are followed. Practices include:

*Avoid swallowing river water.
*Wash hands before eating or drinking.
*Shower or rinse off if full body exposure to the water has taken place.
*Those who have recently undergone surgery, have open cuts or sores, or suffer from a chronic illness should avoid contact with the water.
*Those participating in events on the water are also urged to wear life preservers, follow safe boating practices and avoid use of alcohol.

-Ashley Grubb

(This information is brought to you by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at www.kdheks.gov)

Little Arkansas River Use

There are many establishments, groups, and individuals who use the Little Arkansas River on a daily basis. The Hyatt Regency Hotel, Exploration Place, WSU Crew, Wichita Rowing Association (WRA), Wichita Festivals Inc., and Keeper of the Plains are just a few of the users of the river. WRA, WSU Crew, and Wichita Festivals Inc. are some of the groups that actually go onto the river. The Hyatt Regency Hotel, Keeper of the Plains, and The Exploration Place are all located near the river.

The Little Arkansas River is not exactly the best looking river in Kansas and has an overabundance of litter, pollution, and miscellaneous items. These all attribute to its lack of appeal as well as its poor water quality. Those groups and establishments who go onto the river are in danger of becoming sick or injured because of the lack of cleanliness. Those establishments and groups who are located near the river are in danger of losing business because it is not a great asset to the companies.

Downtown Wichita is a vital part of the city of Wichita because it brings in a considerable amount of revenue. If the river continues to stay polluted with litter and contaminaton, then the revenue will suffer.

-Ashley Grubb

Volunteer for a Clean Arkansas River

Since the Arkansas River is such a vital asset to the Wichita community, we are in great need of volunteers to come and devote their time and efforts in picking up trash and debris from in and around the river. Every single person will make a difference into how much cleaner we can make the Arkansas River.
We encourage everyone to come out and help make a difference in the community. A group making a difference to one thing can help everything else make Wichita a better place for everyone to live. However, we also encourage people to make a difference everyday by cleaning up after pets and keeping harmful chemical from cars from running off into the river. The more every citizen can do everyday will make a difference tomorrow!!

Cleanup must be done!

The Little Arkansas River is a vital use to many Wichita people. Going down to the river or downtown to see the annual River Fest or going to the annual car show, you don't want to see baby diapers and trashcans in the river! Or when the rowing team is using the river during the fall and spring, visitors all over come to watch, and all they see is the nasty river. We don't want that! We want people to come and be impressed with how clean our community is! As of right now we only clean the river once a year as well as test the water! That needs to change! Change is vital to make sure our river stays in our community as an asset not an eye soar. So we definitely need a river cleanup at least once a month!!