The Winfield City Lake is at its lowest levels in 12 years.
According to a news release from the City of Winfield via its Facebook page Monday, extended drought conditions in Cowley County and upper Timber Creek water shed area means the Winfield City Lake is at its lowest level since 2011.
“The recent rain falls in some areas have helped, while other locations remain dry,” the city said. “Keep in mind, there is still a significant supply of water for the city residents.”
Earlier this month, City Manager Taggart Wall said the city was entering a Stage 1 Water Watch as part of its state-mandated Drought Response Plan
Below is a lake level history provided by the city Monday, reflecting levels have been much lower in the past.
Lake Level History
- June 2023 60.5 inches low
- April 2013 59.5 inches low
- Oct 2011 69.5 inches low
- Mar 1992 82.5 inches low
- Nov 1991 81.4 inches low
- Feb 1982 103 inches low
- Oct 1981 109 inches low
- Dec 1980 63.5 inches low
The city said it updated its Water Conservation Plan in March, then submitted the revised plan to the Kansas Water Office.
The division approved the plan earlier this year. Since the level of the lake has decreased by five feet, the plan is now engaged, which includes guidelines for public awareness and conservation practices.
The City’s Water Conservation Tips:
- Do not let faucets run while using your sink. Run as much as you need then turn off the tap until you need some more.
- Take shorter showers. Older showerheads can use as much as 8 gallons of water per minute.
- Take baths, a partially filled tub uses less water than showers.
- When doing laundry or running a dishwasher only complete full loads, its going to use the same amount of water. An added benefit will be saving energy also.
- Keep a container of water in the refrigerator. This stops the running of water to cool it for drinking.
- Check your toilet for leaks. Put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If, without flushing the color begins to appear in the bowl, you have a leak. This can waste more than 100 gallons a day.
- Check for leaks and dripping faucets. A slow drip can add up to 20 gallons a day.
- Lawn and garden watering, only water when the plants need it.
- Water only the areas that need water, streets, sidewalks, and driveways don’t need water.
- Water during the cooler calm part of the day. Heat and Wind will rob your lawn before the plant can use it.
- Consider drought tolerant landscaping and plants.
- Let water soak in slowly. Lots of water applied fast mostly runs off into streets and gutters.
- Instead of water, use a broom to clean driveways and sidewalks.
- Don’t leave the hose running while washing vehicles. Use a pail of soapy water, then rinse with hose.
- When replacing fixtures in your home, consider low-flow devices. This makes conserving water easier.
“Conserving this precious resource should not just be practiced during times of drought,” the city said. “Water conservation is a good way of life, and it is easy to do. It’s mostly a matter of good common sense. When you think about water — think about conserving it.”
