The City of Hays is now in a water watch, which is the first level of alert in the city’s water operations plan. City Manager Toby Dougherty says the significant, lingering drought continues to deplete the aquifers from which the city receives its water. Also the peak daily consumption is unusually high.

Residents are asked to voluntarily reduce their water usage. This could mean allowing lawns to go dormant or no longer watering struggling vegetable gardens or flowers.

The city is cutting back significantly on the watering of irrigated parks, allowing the grass to go dormant. Water permits for new lawns will not be issued.

If the conditions do not improve, the city could move into a water warning, which would lead to additional restrictions.