The cities of Hays and Russell want to study the possibility of using low head dams in the Smoky Well Field in an attempt to recharge the aquifer. Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty says a similar project was proposed in the 1980’s, but not studied.

Dougherty says due to the lack of evaporation, aquifers are the best water storage method.

Funding has been approved by the Corps of Engineers, the Kansas Water Office, Russell and Hays. The study is anticipated to take six months.