NWS: Cheney Reservoir drops to lowest level since 2013

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - The National Weather Service in Wichita said Cheney Reservoir is the lowest it’s been since 2013, “which is a little over 6 feet below the normal conservation level.”

The NWS said the low water level is a result of a dry first half of the year and current drought conditions. As of Wednesday, the lake is at 1,145.4 feet, or 6.22 feet below average.

The City of Wichita and surrounding areas use the Cheney Reservoir as a main water source. City leaders continue to push conservation efforts as the water level drops.

Just last month, the Wichita City Council approved a change to the city’s drought response plan, allowing the city manager with guidance from Wichita Public Works leadership to help determine when the city would enact mandatory conservation efforts.

According to the city’s drought response plan, we are currently in Stage 1, meaning the 12-month average level is at 71.3%, a decrease of 0.75 % in April. The next drought trigger is at a level of 50%-69% of the conservation pool.

“Although we use the 12-month average to determine the drought stage, the current level of Cheney Reservoir is 69% full a decrease of 1.2% in April,” said the city on the drought response plan website.

The Equus Bed Aquifer is where the city stores groundwater for future use.