By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Hays City Commissioner Eber Phelps calls it the “Blue Revolution” as the city considers adopting new water conservation regulations.

At Thursday’s city commission work session, city staff asked commissioners to adopt the “Green Code,” which calls for water-efficient plumbing for all new construction in Hays.

City staff also recommended the city adopt landscape irrigation regulations for new commercial construction that require less water usage and xeriscaping plans using drought-tolerant turf, plants, mulch and rock.

Phelps told Hays Post the community has adopted a “positive way of life” when it comes to conserving indoor water usage, but it might be time the city looks at outdoor water use, as well.

Phelps said the city needs to educate the community on the benefits of xeriscaping, which he said can be attractive with the right planning.

“We are trying to stay ahead of the game here,” said Phelps. “Hopefully, we will get some rain, but in the event we don’t, we have got to realize this might not just be a one-time deal.

“But it’s something we have to instill in people, and we would still have a very beautiful community if we do the right plantings and do sensible use of water,” said Phelps.

City commissioners are expected to vote on the new water regulations and codes at next week’s city commission meeting.