By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The city of Hays is beginning the process of developing its R9 in Edwards County as a long-term water source for Hays and the region.

During a town hall meeting Wednesday night, city commissioners stressed the regulatory process will be “lengthy and difficult.”

The state’s Water Transfer Act would have to used for the first time and it could be 10 to 15 years before the water is made available.

Meanwhile, city manager Toby Dougherty says the recently enacted Water Warning will help reduce the dramatic jump in outdoor water use during the upcoming summer months.  “Right now, we’re using about 1.2 million gallons of water every day and, of course, that’s mostly indoors:”

Dougherty and city commissioners say the Hays water supply is “not in crisis” , but the city is planning ahead for the next 10 to 15 years.