Wichita ? Calling water essential to Kansas, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Wednesday said she was disappointed to learn upon taking office that funding for the Kansas Water Authority had been diverted elsewhere.

Sebelius, the keynote speaker at the annual conference of rural water officials, said her administration had worked to restore the water authority, re-establish the water plan and restore the water fund.

“We don’t have an infinite supply,” said Sebelius, who added that Kansas has a good supply of water but that the resource doesn’t always reach areas where it is most needed. “Let’s take the politics out and look for the best technical and financial solutions.”

Sebelius also discussed the severe drought that has led to a rash of spring wildfires in parts of Kansas, promising that the state drought response team will continue to look for ways to conserve water and prevent fires.