In the midst of the effort to clear streets, city officials are keeping their eyes on water conservation.

In a release today, the city asked residents to pile snow from sidewalks and driveways on grass, flower beds, and around trees or shrubs.

After it melts, the moisture “will saturate the soil. … This moisture is very important given the continued drought conditions,” the release said.

In addition, snow piled on city streets is hampering the efforts of crews attempting to clear streets.

“Please do not plow or dump snow from your property onto city streets,” the city asked. “This practice leaves large mounds of snow which slows/hinders the cleanup process. Leaving large piles of snow in the street also creates problems for neighbors and motorists.”

Tuesday’s snowstorm dumped 6 inches of snow on Hays, and bitterly cold temperatures projected into the weekend are preventing any melt.