The city of Hays uses an average 1.8 million gallons of water every day.  During the summer, daily water use has shot as high as 3.8 million gallons.

Most of that extra 2 million gallons of water is going on lawns and gardens, according Director of Parks Jeff Boyle.

The city has begun new initiatives demonstrating how to use water more efficiently.  “The ‘Water $mart Landscape Series’ kicks off Tuesday night,” says Boyle, “and the programs are free and open to the public.”

“We’ll have information about soil testing, plant location and species best to grow in our area, efficient landscape watering and healthy lawn care tips.”

Each program begins at 6:30p.m. at the KSU Agricultural Research Center, 1232 240th Avenue.

• March 26–Soil Health, Fertilizer and Pesticides
• April 2–Right Plants, Right Place
• April 9–Water Wise, Stormwater Runoff and Private Wells
• April 23–Lawns:  Cool Season to Warm Season Turf Conversion and Healthy Lawn Care Tips

The series is sponsored by K-State Research and Extension-Ellis County, City of Hays, Ellis County Extension Master Gardeners, and KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds.