Seasonal outdoor watering restrictions to end Sept. 30
September 15, 2026
HAYS, Kan. - The City of Hays will lift its seasonal outdoor water restrictions on Sept. 30, 2026, ending a mandate that prohibited outdoor water use between noon and 7 p.m. Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman issued the reminder for the upcoming change, noting the restrictions have been in place since June 1, 2026, to limit evaporation during the hottest parts of the day. The seasonal mandate applied to all properties within city limits, including those utilizing private wells.
While seasonal watering times are expanding for the fall, the Hays Department of Water Resources reminds residents that several permanent conservation measures remain in effect. Under municipal code Ordinance 65-69 (Water Allotment and Conservation), the following actions are violations year-round to prevent the unnecessary waste of municipal and well water resources:
- Washing hardscapes: A permanent ban remains in effect on the cleaning of sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways with water, serving as a core component of the city's ongoing conservation efforts.
- Unrepaired plumbing leaks: The city enforces a prohibition against the known loss of water from leaks or breaks in plumbing systems. Property owners must address broken pipes promptly.
- Irrigation runoff: The escape of water from private property onto public property remains an ordinance violation. The city specifically warns against allowing landscape irrigation systems to spray onto sidewalks or run off into street guttering.
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