Water continues to be a primary topic among Hays city officials. The Hays City Commission will discuss ramping up its water-conservation efforts at meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall.
In the midst of a persistent drought that shows no signs of relenting, commissioners will consider moving the city from a Stage 1 “watch” to a Stage 2 “warning,” a move that would kick off several changes in water-use policy.
If the elevated response is approved:
• Outdoor water use, including lawn watering and car washing, will be limited to 9 p.m. to 10 a.m.
• Newly seeded lawn permits would be issued for warm-season grasses only, and only during designated planting times.
• The city no longer would approve connections or upsizing for irrigation purposes.
• The city will enact its drought-response second-tier conservation rate. High-end water users would see their rate increase from $7.42 to $10.30.
• No permits will be issued for benefit car washes, house washing or the washing of hard surfaces.
• No additional new connections to potable water will be issued outside of city limits.
Upgrading the water-conservation status this early in the year will allow residents time to adjust plans for gardens and lawns for the upcoming growing season.
The city of Hays has been in a water “watch” since August 2012.
The next, and most severe, stage of the drought response would be a Stage 3 water “emergency,” which would heighten restrictions and lead to closure of municipal pools, a complete ban on outdoor watering, a prohibition on filling private swimming pools and a lockout on irrigation meters.
At the current rate of depletion, the city has the potential of reaching the need for a water “emergency” as soon as 2015, according to City Manager Toby Dougherty’s memo to commissioners.
The city recently adopted a resolution declaring the intent to develop a new water resource with the construction of a pipeline to Edwards County, south of Hays. Water from the R9 Ranch, however, is a long-term solution, and Dougherty has said the regulatory approval process alone could take between five and 15 years.