By Becky Kiser

Hays Post

A 10-page draft recommendation for regulation of irrigation systems underwent another review at Monday’s meeting of the Hays Area Planning Commission.

Hays, along with much of western Kansas, is in the third year of a drought.  Ellis County does not lie within any water resource.

“We’re in a tough place when it comes to getting water, and there’s no getting around it,” said Nick Willis, stormwater/water conservation superintendent.

Most of the water used in Hays is for lawn irrigation, he said.

“Hays is failing when it comes to being good stewards of outdoor water use,” Willis said.

With the ultimate goal of water conservation, commissioners reviewed language which will add irrigation regulations to the current zoning regulations.  Landscaping regulations already in effect are also being fine-tuned.

Proposed changes  include:

New commercial properties

• 30 percent of landscaping to be xeriscaped
• 10,000 square feet total irrigated area
• 5,000 square feet of irrigated turf, with 30 percent or less consisting of cool-season grass

New residential properties

• 5,000 square feet irrigated turf, with up to 2,000 square feet of cool-season grass
• 10,000 square feet of irrigation total; Balance in irrigated xeriscaping

The planning commission will discuss the newest changes at its January meeting.

A public hearing, likely to be held in February, is required to change any part of the current zoning regulations.