As natural phenomena, lakes are rare in Kansas. However, twenty reservoirs have been constructed. It is becoming increasingly clear that for many individuals their main function is to provide recreation. It is obvious that the potential for a problem situation to develop is created by these circumstances. People are attracted to the reservoir for the recreational opportunities but bring with them considerable potential for destroying the water quality of the reservoir. The research was focused on the decision-makers involved in the planning around two of these reservoirs. Also examined is the legal matrix in which the activities took place. There were two major objectives. The first was to uncover variables which were important in policy formation. The second was to gain a better understanding of variables which are important to individual or collective behavior as it relates to water quality policy.