Tagged: water conservation

Updated a 11:03 a.m.

There was a significant development this weekend with water levels at Cheney Reservoir.

Last Thursday's storm created heavy drainage into the lake, causing the level to rise from 64 percent last Thursday to 72 percent on Saturday. As of Monday morning, Cheney is up more than 13,000 acre feet of water since before the rain event last Thursday.

Wichita residents and businesses might be required to pay a $1,000 fine a month if they use too much water.

The city staff made that recommendation as part of a water conservation proposal unveiled Wednesday.

The fine would be imposed on those who use 310 percent more than their average winter water usage.

Public Works official Ben Nelson says surveys and meetings found that water rates and indoor and business water use were residents' top priorities, while outdoor use was the lowest priority.

A drought-induced water shortage could force Wichita officials to idle the city's fountain systems this summer.

City Manager Robert Layton says water use across all city operations is under review.

City officials say Cheney Reservoir could dry up by mid-2015 if the drought continues, and the city would no longer have enough water to meet demand if that happens.

What is being called a "community sustainability" event will be part of the annual KidFest this Saturday in Expo Hall at Century II in downtown Wichita, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Green Zone will feature family-friendly activities in an effort to encourage people to conserve water, save energy, recycle, improve air quality and garden.

Free vehicle-emission testing will be available.