Cheney Reservoir, Wichita’s water source, continues to drop; city council to receive update

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Cheney Reservoir, one of Wichita’s two water sources, continues to decline.

The National Weather Service reported on Monday that the lake dropped more than 4/10 of a foot in the last two weeks. It is more than 6 feet below the normal conservation level and the lowest it has been since February 2013.

Right now, the City of Wichita is in State 1 of drought, but the criteria for Stage 2 will be reached by Aug. 1. Stage 2 is triggered when the 12-month moving average of Cheney Reservoir’s conservation pool level is between 50% and 69%. As of July 1, the 12-month moving average was 69.6%.

Residents can reduce usage by limiting watering to one to two times a week and watering between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.

City Council members will attend a workshop on Tuesday at 9 a.m. to hear more about the drought and the possibility of entering Stage 2. Members will also hear a plan to increase rates for people and businesses that use excessive amounts of water.

No action will be taken at the meeting. To watch, click here .

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