By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

ELLIS — The city of Ellis had nearly 15 inches of rain during the first two weeks of June, and water was again flowing through Big Creek.

But, like much of western Kansas, Ellis is in the fourth year of drought, and the city is looking for a new long-term water source, according to mayor Lyle Johnston.

“We’re still in Stage 3 Water Status — no outdoor watering is allowed. There was some talk of downgrading to Stage 2 with the recent rains, but our city water well levels haven’t come up where they should be,” Johnston said.

“Ellis is now working with an engineer to look for a new source of water in Trego County,” he added.

The city gets its water from the Big Creek alluvium.

“The project cost is roughly estimated at $1.7 million,” Johnston said. City staff and council members have talked about the “possibility of a bond issue” to pay for it.

“We’re already socking away the monies Ellis gets from Ellis County half-cent sales tax,” he said. “That money is dedicated to a water exploration fund long-term.”