Special Events in Our Kansas Watershed
Our watershed is a special place, and we want to tell you more about it. Throughout the year, we host or sponsor a lot of educational events, contests or workshops to help you learn more about the Big Creek and Middle Smoky Hill watersheds – and how you can be involved with water conservation and water quality efforts in your community. Please join us at one or more of our special events. We would love to see you!
Know Water Summit
The Know Water Summit will take place from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on May 2, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hays, Kansas. Organizers say there will be an optional Environmental Tour will be offered at 5 p.m. on May 1, for those interested in getting a closer look at municipal water quality facilities and water quality efforts at a local farm.
Online registration is required. The cost for the summit (including the tour) is $25. The registration deadline is April 25. Those interested in attending can register at https://bit.ly/KnowWaterSummit.
Register here
Please pay your registration fees online! Cut and paste the following in your browser to get to the payment site: https://commerce.cashnet.com/COAKSRE
The agenda is filled with information and activities focusing on water conservation and water quality specific to western Kansas. Local watershed specialists, city officials, university researchers, and state representatives will be on-hand to answer questions and provide information about local issues affecting water resources.
Those who opt to take the Environmental Tour on May 1 will see how the City of Hays utilizes each drop of water efficiently while protecting water supplies downstream. Stops will include the drinking water treatment plant, the water reclamation and reuse facility, and Pleasant View Farms. Tour spots are limited, and Minson said early registration is the best way to ensure a place.
The Know Water Summit is sponsored by Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds, the City of Hays, Kansas WRAPS program, and K-State 105.
National Fix-a-Leak Week
So, how do you know if you have water leaks in your home? The best place to start is to look at water usage during winter months possibly in January, February, or March before outdoor watering starts. If a family of four is exceeding 12,000 gallons of water/month, leaks may be the culprit. If you have access to your water meter, check and record the reading and after two hours of NO water use, and then check the reading again. If the meter readings change, you must have leaks somewhere inside your home.
So now you know you've got leaks. Today is the perfect time to find those leaks and get them fixed.
- Toilet leaks are easily found and quickly fixed.
- Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings in the kitchen, bathroom, etc. to see if water if visibly present.
- Maintain outdoor irrigation systems.
- Replace toilets, showerheads, faucets and appliances if you still need to reduce your monthly water usage footprint.
To learn more about water leaks, visit EPA’s WaterSense Fix-a-Leak Week homepage.
