As the drought intensifies, municipalities are carefully watching their water sources. Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty says the city’s sources are being stressed, but the triggers to move to watch, warning or emergency status have not been met.

He also says residents need to take it upon themselves to obey the water restrictions and conserve as much as they can. Outdoor watering is not allowed between noon and 7pm, and violators should be reported to the police department. On most of the parks and ball fields the city is using a small amount of water to keep them from dying, but also allowing them to go dormant.

The city has a conservation process, and Dougherty says if the triggers are met, then further steps could be taken to restrict water use.