Water is likely to become this nation’s most critical natural resource, and it is good to learn a special task force appointed by Gov. Sam Brownback will be meeting at Kansas University Thursday to discuss a long-term plan for the protection and use of the state’s water resources.

The group, called the Kansas Water Vision Team, will hold a day-long session with KU faculty members and students, Lawrence residents and local government leaders to assess and study water concerns.

This meeting is good for two reasons. There is no question that Kansas faces severe, critical water-related challenges and there is no justification to delay serious, practical and imaginative discussions for how to set priorities and best protect and preserve water for today and tomorrow.

Second, it is good to have state officials coming to KU to visit with faculty members about this issue. It is unfortunate state legislators and political leaders do not visit more often with the state’s academic and research leaders who are nationally and internationally recognized in their respective fields. They can be of great help to legislators. Perhaps — hopefully — this visit will serve as a breakthrough in encouraging a much closer connection between KU faculty and state legislators. It could pay many dividends for both groups, as well as the state.

Hopefully, members of the Vision Team will hear and act upon sound ideas that may emerge in their KU meeting as well as at other similar meetings throughout the state.

The water issue demands serious attention.