SALINA, Kan. (AP) About 40 Kansas cities have either required citizens to conserve water, or are considering doing so.
The conservation effort comes as a drought continues to bake the state, prompting Gov. Sam Brownback to place all of the state’s 105 counties in the emergency drought stage.
Ellsworth is one of the cities that has banned outdoor watering, starting this week. Ellsworth water superintendent Adam Larsen says the town of 300 residents has used 15 million more gallons of water this year than at this time last year.
Larsen says the city will consider buying water from Post Rock Rural Water District.
The Salina Journal reports several cities, including Lawrence, Dodge City, Leawood, Emporia, Seneca and Topeka are asking residents to voluntarily conserve water.