Aug 01, 2024

Mandatory water restrictions set to begin in Wichita

Posted Aug 01, 2024 6:00 PM
Stage 2 drought watering schedule-image city of Wichita
Stage 2 drought watering schedule-image city of Wichita

SEDGWICK COUNTY —City Manager Robert Layton declared that Wichita is moving to Stage 2 of the City’s drought response plan, according to a statement released Thursday.

In July, levels at Cheney Reservoir dropped below the original Stage 2 trigger of a 12-month average of Cheney conservation pool water levels below 69% full.

Staff determined that the most prudent action at this time is to enact Stage 2 restrictions for two months to get the City past prime irrigation season with a goal to reduce community-wide usage by 10%. The City will monitor levels and will extend Stage 2 into the fall months if necessary.

Beginning August 5, all City of Wichita water customers, including residential users, businesses, wholesale and commercial customers, will be limited to watering their lawns to once a week, based on their location.

Outdoor water usage is limited to one day per week, determined by location:

o Monday - Northwest of Central and Broadway intersection

o Tuesday - Northeast of Central and Broadway intersection

o Wednesday - Southwest of Central and Broadway intersection

o Thursday - Southeast of Central and Broadway intersection

o Friday, Saturday, Sunday - no outdoor water usage allowed

Some exemptions for businesses dependent on water use for their operations such as nurseries, hospitals, car washes and more are applicable. Wichita Public Works staff will monitor accounts of excessive water users and send a warning letter should water use continue to be high throughout Stage 2 restrictions.

If high water use continues after they receive a letter, water users will be levied a $50 penalty the next time they exceed their average winter consumption, and a $100 penalty for each subsequent violation.

Consumers with water usage or drought concerns may report them on the Wichita Report app or by contacting the call center at (316) 942-4482.

Residents on well water or who use well water for irrigation are encouraged to continue to conserve water but are exempt from outdoor watering restrictions.

The City enacted Stage 2 water restrictions for its operations voluntarily in 2023. Stage 3 would be discussed should water levels within Cheney’s conservation pool reach a 12-month average of below 50%.

Click here for more tips and information on Wichita’s drought response.