David Barfield, P.E.
David Barfield is a water resources engineer with over 40 years of experience in water rights administration, interstate water compacts, and groundwater management. He is a former Chief Engineer of the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) and a recognized expert in Kansas water law and policy.
David holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering (1978) and an M.S. in Water Resources Engineering (1991) from the University of Kansas and is a registered Professional Engineer in Kansas.
He began his career in consulting in Minnesota followed by international water resources work in southern Africa before joining DWR in 1984. Over a 36-year career with the agency, he served in multiple leadership roles, including dam safety program manager, technical lead for interstate water programs, and ultimately Chief Engineer (2007–2020).
As Chief Engineer, David directed statewide water resources programs, including administration of four interstate compacts, more than 30,000 active water rights, and regulation of dams and water structures across Kansas. His work also included:
· Supporting legislative and policy initiatives to extend the usable life of the Ogallala Aquifer
· Leading Kansas’ efforts under the Republican River and Arkansas River compacts including negotiating interstate agreements and implementing U.S. Supreme Court decrees
· Negotiating Kansas’ first tribal water rights settlement
Since 2020, David has provided consulting services to groundwater management districts, municipalities, and private clients on water rights, water supply development, and regulatory strategy. His work includes evaluating and assisting clients in acquisition of water rights, assisting clients with change applications, evaluating options for clients to develop new water supplies, and expert testimony on water rights matters.
From 2023 to 2026, David also served part-time as a Senior Civil Engineer with Burns & McDonnell.