ELLIS — The city of Ellis and a Fort Hays State University Leadership 310 team will hold a Water Festival and rain barrel event from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at Ellis High School for local students and residents.

“The idea behind the Water Festival and rain barrel events are to show Ellis residents some easy ways to conserve water that are very cost-effective while also showing how they can protect the water resources that we do have,” said Stacie Minson, Kansas State University Research and Extension watershed specialist.

Ellis is suffering from a water shortage and is in a Stage 3 water emergency, the highest water emergency level possible. These levels are put in place to promote water conservation, which is one of the most important ways residents can help.

To register for the rain barrel event, contact Minson at (785) 769-3297 or [email protected]. For more information on the Water Festival, call the Ellis City Clerk’s office at (785) 726-4812.