{"id":85171,"date":"2025-02-28T08:29:37","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T14:29:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=85171"},"modified":"2025-02-28T08:30:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T14:30:06","slug":"city-commission-hears-update-on-water-conservation-outreach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=85171","title":{"rendered":"City Commission hears update on water conservation outreach"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By ALICIA FEYERHERM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tiger Media Network<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman provided an update to the City Commission during Thursday\u2019s meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the early 1990s, Water Conservation has been a top priority in the City of Hays. To further that cause, the City has instituted several water conservation programs, including a rebate program for water efficient appliances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through the program in 2024, 210 toilets were replaced, along with 91 washing machines and four smart irrigation controllers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While 2023 saw the most turf conversions in the City with 23 projects, last year had the least with only six participating projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI personally feel the economy has something to do with that too,\u201d Dickman said. \u201cTurf conversions can be a pricey project for a lot of homeowners.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dickman said that Bermuda grass is becoming more popular, but she said there is sometimes an increase in turf conversion after exceptionally dry years and 2022 was drier than 2023. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat makes a difference in my opinion,\u201d Dickman said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2024, 88 free shower heads were distributed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to a \u201claundry list\u201d of education and outreach programs, the Water Conservation office also advertises through traditional media outlets. Last year over 3,000 radio spots were aired and KHAZ hosted 46 live interviews with Dickman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water Conservation mascot WaterSmart Wally appeared in several TV ads for KSN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe might be asking for a sponsor or an agent soon,\u201d Dickman said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All social media platforms grew in 2024, and 2024 also 10 years of the Water Poster Contest, where over 500 students participated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Right now, Dickman is helping organize the \u201cKnow Your Water\u201d summit. This conference will be May 1 and 2 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She also mentioned Fort Hays State University\u2019s new Water Officer. She has been working with that new position to make the campus more water efficient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs usual, it\u2019s absolutely wonderful everything you do, Holly,\u201d Mayor Sandy Jacobs said. \u201cI can\u2019t ever express how often I talk about you and our programs when I\u2019m outside the community.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other items from the meeting included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n