WICHITA, Kan. (AP) 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.
This recommendation will go before the Wichita City Council June 4.
Wichita is working to respond to low water in Cheney Reservoir, which provides 64 percent of the city’s water. Currently, the reservoir is forecast to go dry in mid-2015.
