Concerns growing for drought conditions, calls for water conservation

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - A heatwave across Kansas adds to growing concerns for current drought conditions and water conservation. FactFinder explains that water restrictions could become a major priority if the situation doesn’t improve drastically.

Many Kansas towns continue to fight to stay ahead of the drought. Governor Laura Kelly updated a Declaration of Drought Emergencies and Warnings for several counties. The City of Wichita, the Sunflower State’s largest municipal water supplier. is far from all-clear.

“The last time we were in this kind of shape was in 2013,” said Wichita Public Works and Utilities Assistant Director Don Henry said.

Each year, Wichita treats about 19 billion gallons of water for nearly half a million customers. Half of that water comes from Cheney Lake. And while recent rainfall has been a welcome sight, the lake can’t seem to catch a break.

“Cheney Lake has been going down, down, down now, I think it’s been four years,” said Brady Nursery Owner Cathy Brady.

Last January, the City of Wichita moved to a Stage 1 drought response with voluntary water conservation.

“We really want to work together to save water and just use common sense when it comes to water conservation,” Henry said.

Why is there such a push for water conservation? While several areas have benefited from recent rainfall, the precipitation needed to fill Cheney Reservoir hasn’t come. Wichita is approaching a Stage 2 drought response, meaning forced water restrictions.

“Stage 2 is pending. It’s out there a little ways,” Henry said. “Could it happen before the end of summer? It might.”

Brady advised that the most significant way to start conserving water is to change how you water outside.

“Did it rain? I check my own rain gauge. I got a half inch, I don’t need to water this week. It’s just extremely wasteful,” she said.

Breaking wasteful habits, Henry said, will help everyone in the end.

“What we do now will help us in the long run,” he said.