City of Hays Press Briefing Summary
May 19, 2026
State orders daytime watering restrictions for private wells
City reminds residents of year-round water prohibitions
Police department to step up enforcement of water conservation rules
Commercial businesses warned to monitor overnight sprinkler systems
Hays commission to weigh fireworks, bids and tax incentives at Thursday work session
State orders daytime watering restrictions for private wells
HAYS, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Water Resources has issued a control order restricting the watering of lawns and vegetation from private wells in Hays. From June 1 through Sept. 30, 2026, residents using private wells within the Hays Intensive Groundwater Use Control Area are prohibited from outdoor watering between noon and 7 p.m. City of Hays Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman said the measure was requested by the City of Hays to reduce preventable water waste, minimize evaporation loss and improve local groundwater conservation.
City reminds residents of year-round water prohibitions
HAYS, Kan. — Ahead of the summer season, City of Hays officials reminded residents of year-round municipal water conservation ordinances that remain strictly enforced. Prohibited activities include washing down sidewalks, parking lots and driveways, failing to repair known plumbing leaks and allowing irrigation water to escape private property and flow into streets or gutters. Officials noted that these regulations aim to preserve the region's vital water resources for more efficient use.
Police department to step up enforcement of water conservation rules
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays Police Department will act as the primary enforcement agency for City of Hays water conservation ordinances this summer, enforcing the rules for both municipal water and private well users. Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said officers and community service officers will investigate observed violations, looking specifically for a discernible flow of water running off private property. Violators will generally receive a written warning first, with fines escalating for repeated violations at the same address within a 24-hour period.
Commercial businesses warned to monitor overnight sprinkler systems
HAYS, Kan. — Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler urged commercial business owners to closely monitor their overnight irrigation systems to prevent accidental water waste. Scheibler noted that businesses often run unmonitored sprinklers at night, which can lead to flooded streets — such as Vine Street — if a malfunction, leak or high wind occurs. Officers will enforce the City of Hays' runoff ordinances if commercial irrigation systems cause substantial water to drain onto public areas.
Hays commission to weigh fireworks, bids and tax incentives at Thursday work session
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays City Commission will take up eight items at its Thursday, May 21 work session. Hays Assistant City Manager Jarrod Kuckelman said city staff will not recommend suspending the sale and use of fireworks within city limits for the 2026 season, citing recent and forecasted rainfall that has improved ground moisture despite ongoing drought, though the Ellis County Commission is expected to discuss its countywide policy at its first June meeting. The commission will also be asked to award two budgeted infrastructure bids: a 23rd Street waterline replacement between Lincoln Drive and Fort Street, with a low bid of $511,411 from J Corp., Inc. against a $600,000 budget; and the replacement of the influent mag meter at the city water production plant, with installation bid at $38,570 by Topeka-based CAS Constructors for a total project cost of $53,100, below the $90,000 budgeted.
Other agenda items include the rezoning and annexation of 1375 East 41st Street, a property owned by Kathy Brown that sits outside city limits but within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction; both the planning commission and city staff recommend approval, though future development will be constrained by the lack of sewer infrastructure and floodplain regulations. The commission will also consider two ordinances authorizing industrial revenue bonds — one for the redeveloped Cervs convenience store and gas station at 3701 Vine Street, and one for the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center at The Grove housing development. Both projects qualify for sales tax exemptions only, with no property tax abatement, and have reached substantial completion. The final item is a public hearing and resolution supporting a $300,000 community development block grant application by 127 Investments LLC, through the Kansas Department of Commerce Commercial Rehabilitation Program, for the renovation of the second story of 1012 Main Street into three short-term rental units; the project was denied funding in 2025.
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
