Hays families are invited to take part in a survey designed offer guidance regarding how water is used in local homes.
The survey, which can be viewed HERE, is designed to educate and inform about water use and offer simple ways to conserve water.
After completing the survey, participants totals will be added up, ranking them from “water wise” to “have potential.”
Those taking the survey will be entered to win a free low-flow toilet, including installation costs, according to Stacie Minson, Kansas State University Watershed Specialist.
Paper copies of the survey can be picked up at Hays City Hall.
Police officers are citing more residents with water use violations lately than is normal for this time of year, said Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler.
What makes this year different is the persistent drought increased water conservation efforts.
In February, Hays city commissioners moved the city from a water watch to a water warning, which restricts outside water use, such as watering lawns and washing cars, between the hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“The key for us is to educate people,” Scheibler said. “We have had a change in watering times so (officers) are going to be out in full force to remind and educate.
“But also this is serious because of the drought, and we will have to take enforcement action,” Scheibler added. “People should not expect multiple warnings this summer. We just can’t afford it. There is not enough water out there to be wasting.”
Scheibler said his department is serious about water conservation and urges residents to think to the long term.
“This is about the future of my community,” he said. “It is truly not about whether or not I have a green grass this summer. Its’s about whether or not my children will have water in the future.”
Scheibler said an initial offense of the outside water restrictions will result a warning. If a water violation happens a second time, a $50 dollar fine will be issued. A third water violation results in a $200 fine, then a $250 fine for every subsequent. City officials also have the authority to shut off water supplies.
Scheibler said the city will be on the lookout for people who are watering lawns or washing cars within the restricted times and also will be looking for water wasting.
“If you are watering your lawn all night long and water is running down the streets, that is going to be a violation and we are going to have to address that,” he said.
For more information on city rules and tips on water conservation, visit the City of Hays website.
The city of Hays plans to hold a town hall meeting soon to discuss water issues and the possibility of having to declare a Water Warning, which would severely limit outdoor water use.
Commissioner Eber Phelps says it’s a “pre-emptive move as opposed to a reactionary situation, which could be unpleasant for residents who’ve already purchased plants and lawn seed for spring planting:”
Phelps and Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty recently attended the 2014 Land and Water Summit in Albuquerque, N.M. Phelps expects Hays to take a closer look at several ideas including more education about xeriscaping and use of gray water irrigation.
Xeriscaping — it’s a word that is being thrown around quite often these days with the continuing drought and water shortage issues facing the area. With conversations I have been a part of recently, and in listening to the conversations of others, it is obvious that this word – xeriscaping – or the concept of it can be a source of confusion in some instances.
Holly Dickman is Ellis County Horticulture Extension Agent.
I will try my best to explain what xeriscaping truly means and hopefully eliminate some of the confusion.
Xeriscaping is a word originally coined by the Denver Water Department several decades ago to describe landscaping with water conservation as a major objective. The word is derived from the Greek “xeros” meaning dry, and landscaping – thus, xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is not a specific “look” or a particular group of plants; it is actually a combination of seven gardening principles that maximizes water efficiency while creating an attractive landscape at the same time. Here are the steps required to create a true xeriscape:
Step #1: Planning and Design
Planning is essential in creating a sustainable, attractive xeriscape. Take into consideration site characteristics that affect water use (i.e. slopes, exposures, micro-climates) and then design the area with these things in mind. Put it on paper. A scale drawing or diagram can go a long way in helping you to visualize what your xeriscape might look like. Group plants according to water use and take into account mature plant size.
Step #2: Soil Preparation
“Take care of the roots and the tops will grow themselves”…this is a phrase that has been used to describe soil’s importance in plant growth. A healthy soil will result in healthier root systems which, in turn, create a more drought tolerant landscape. Amending entire garden beds (not just planting holes) with organic matter such as compost can help loosen heavy, clay soils allowing moisture and nutrients to infiltrate more readily to the roots vs. running off. On the other hand, adding organic matter to sandy soils will help increase the soil’s water holding capacity vs. water loss due to leaching below the root zone.
Step #3: Efficient Irrigation
Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep, more drought tolerant roots. Only water when absolutely necessary! Turfgrass should be watered to a depth of at least 6-8” while flowers and gardens should be watered to a depth of at least 8-12 inches. Trees and shrubs need to be watered to a depth of 12-18 inches as that is where the bulk of their roots are located. Watering much deeper than these depths is a waste of water. Check watering depth by using a probe of some sort (i.e. long screwdriver, piece of rebar, strong wire, etc.). When the probe hits resistance you have likely hit dry soil and this is the depth to which the moisture has reached.
Drip or sub-surface irrigation is the most efficient method as it places the water exactly where you need it. If watering with sprinkler systems or by hand, irrigate early in the morning to take advantage of lower wind speeds (hopefully), less evaporation, and higher humidity levels. Watering at this time of day also allows plant leaves to dry off quickly, lessening the threat of potential disease problems.
Step #4: Mulch
The need for supplemental irrigation is reduced when organic mulches are properly applied around plants. Examples of organic mulches include wood chips, cedar mulch, straw, leaves, cottonseed hulls, etc. These types of mulches decrease soil temperatures in the heat of summer while limiting evaporation from the soil surface. Organic mulch also discourages weed growth and breaks down over time helping to improve the condition of the soil (See Step #2). Generally, a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch is ideal in most situations.
Inorganic mulches such as gravel are generally not recommended for use around plants as they can create a hotter, harsher environment for plant roots. Organic mulches are preferred for use around plants in our area.
Step #5: Right Plant, Right Place – Plant zones
An extremely important step of xeriscaping is to plant the right plant in the right place. Plants vary in the amount of moisture they require so it is critical to know what those requirements are. Additionally, different areas of the yard may receive different amounts of moisture, sunlight, and wind. Take this into consideration when choosing plants for the xeriscape. Group or zone plants with similar water requirements together.
For example, group a crabapple tree with shrub roses in a planting bed vs. planting the trees and shrubs sporadically throughout a turfgrass area. Since trees and shrubs need to be watered differently than turf, planting them in separate zones will allow for more efficient watering and healthier plants.
Select low-water-use or drought-tolerant plants if possible. Remember all plants require additional moisture to get established. Drought tolerant does not mean “plant it and forget it.”
Step #6: Practical Turf Areas
Cool-season turfgrass such as Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass typically require the most water and maintenance in the landscape. Limit cool-season turf areas. Consider using mulches, groundcovers, ornamental or native grasses, shrub beds, decks or patios instead. Avoid odd shaped or narrow strips of turfgrass as these can be difficult to irrigate and may result in wasted water.
If you have full sun, consider planting warm-season turfgrasses such as Buffalo and Bermudagrass. These warm-season grasses are well suited to our area and, once established, will require very little supplemental irrigation (if any) in comparison to the cool-season grasses.
Keep areas designated to turfgrass practical for your use. Do you really need that vast expanse of green grass in the front yard?
Step #7: Proper Maintenance
While xeric landscapes can be low maintenance, they will still require some degree of care throughout the year. At appropriate times, proper pruning, mowing, weeding, fertilizing, watering, and insect/disease control are important to maintain the health of your xeriscape.
Overall, these seven steps create a true xeriscape. As you can see, it is not just about rocks! Reducing outdoor water use does not have to mean replacing lawns and trees with plastic and gravel, or turning flower gardens into cactus gardens. Xeriscaping is not Zero-scaping! Water conserving landscapes, as I prefer to call them, can look just as beautiful – if not more so – than water wasting ones.
For more information on water conserving landscapes or if you have questions regarding water conservation in general please contact the Ellis County Extension Office at (785) 628-9430 or check out our website, www.ellis.ksu.edu, for more information. You can also find us on Facebook under K-State Research and Extension – Ellis County.
Holly Dickman is Ellis County Horticulture Extension Agent.
WASHINGTON — Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 37 counties in Kansas, including Ellis County, as natural disaster areas due to severe and ongoing drought.
“Kansas continues to face one of the worst droughts since the Dust Bowl,” Roberts said. “The lack of rainfall has had a devastating impact on our crops, and our ranchers are facing severe hardship due to a lack of available feed caused by the drought. I applaud the USDA for continuing to recognize this hardship, and I am pleased that Kansans can tap into vital USDA resources and rebuild their farms, ranches and communities.”
“The USDA’s Disaster Designation is welcome news at a time when Kansas producers — who contribute to an affordable food supply across the globe — are experiencing the results of a devastating drought,” Moran said. “In spite of the exceedingly dry conditions, this designation will mitigate the drought’s effects and enable farmers and ranchers to continue their agricultural operations.”
Farmers and ranchers in the following eight counties in Kansas also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous: Barber, Barton, Edwards, Kiowa, Osborne, Russell, Smith and Stafford.
These counties will now be eligible for important disaster programs, such as the emergency loan program administrated by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). These programs will help the farmers and ranchers of Kansas make it through one of the most difficult growing seasons on record.
Affected farmers should contact their local FSA office for more information.
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UPDATE: 12:43 p.m. Jan. 16
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Federal officials have designated portions of 11 western and central states as primary natural disaster areas because of a drought.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announcement Wednesday includes counties in Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Kansas, Texas, Utah, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Oklahoma and California.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement that he sympathizes with farmers and ranchers who are dealing with the lack of rain and snow, and assured them that the USDA will stand by them.
The designation means eligible farmers can qualify for low-interest emergency loans from the Agriculture Department.
Counties adjacent to those that are affected also are eligible for assistance.
The United States Drought Monitor reports that while storms have dumped rain and snow in the East, droughts are persisting or intensifying in the West.
