Wichita announces water conservation steps as drought continues

Wichita announces water conservation steps as drought continues

Wichita announces water conservation steps as drought continues

water-tap-photo-from-finland

The City ofWichita is taking steps to reduce water usage as drought conditions continue.

Public Works director Don Henry told reporters Thursday that water levels have been declining at Cheney Reservoir, which provides about half of the city’s drinking water.   He said recent rains have been helpful but the city has to protect the levels at Cheney in order to manage the public water supply.  The city has to blend Cheney water with the groundwater from the Equus Beds wellfield in order to meet water quality standards.

Henry said the city has moved into stage two of its drought response plan.  That calls for the city to take conservation steps by reducing water usage at city parks and golf courses, using water efficient devices at city facilities, and reducing its vehicle-cleaning schedule.   Mayor Brandon Whipple said the city will be running public fountains during Riverfest, but they will be turned off when Riverfest ends.

Henry said another part of the drought plan will continue the rebate program offered to water customers who buy water-saving appliances.  He said this year, for the first time, the rebates will be available to residents in other cities and towns that buy water wholesale from the City of Wichita.

Henry said the city is also encouraging residents to reduce their outdoor watering.   He said greatest opportunity to conserve water will be in cutting back on lawn and garden watering.  More information is available on conservation and the city’s drought plan through the web site savewichitawater.com

 

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