Water restrictions in effect
Hays has conservation restrictions in place to ensure an adequate water supply for the future. Restrictions include well-water usage, extending a half-mile outside the city limits.
Those restrictions include:
* Outside watering -- including car washing -- is allowed all year, but from June 1 through Sept. 30, outside water usage is prohibited between noon and 7 p.m. It is against the law to waste water in the city of Hays.
The use of water for washing buildings, sidewalks and hard-surfaced areas is prohibited. Overwatering lawns and allowing water to run down the curb is prohibited.
* Water permits for newly seeded lawns are issued to allow residents to water from noon to 7 p.m. from June 1 to Sept. 30. Permits also may be issued to wash down surfaced areas for safety or sanitary reasons. A permit for a benefit car wash is necessary if it is held between June 1 and Sept. 30 from noon to 7 p.m. Permits can be obtained in the City Clerk's office or by calling (785) 628-7300.
* Customers can exchange showerheads for ultralow-flow showerheads free of charge in the city clerk's office at City Hall, 16th and Main.
* A customer can use as much water as needed, however a "conservation" tier of charges will apply for usage over and above the water use average. Each residence and business has a water use average, which is the average of the usage as shown on the January, February and March utility bill or a minimum threshold water use average of 500 cubic feet. If usage exceeds the water average, an additional charge of $1.60 per 100 cubic foot is charged. The rate will increase 3 percent Jan. 1, 2008.