On July 6, 2012, the City of Salina issued a “Water Watch” in an attempt to heighten public awareness of water supply conditions and to ask for voluntary reductions in water use to avoid implementing mandatory restrictions. In order to keep citizens informed, the City of Salina is providing weekly reports on weather conditions, river flows and water usage.

Last week had normal to above normal temperatures and one day of precipitation. The “Water Watch” is in place due to the river flow being below 30 cfs and above 20 cfs (triggers Water Warning). Flows in the river were in a declining trend all week. The Kansas Water Office requested an increase in the release from Kanopolis Lake on June 10, 2013. The increased release of flow was delayed until June 14, 2013 due to a search and rescue at the lake. It typically takes 3 to 4 days (June 17th or 18th) for the increased flow to travel from the lake to the Mentor Gauge. The goal is to have 20 cfs at the Mentor Gauge.

The City of Salina continues to encourage water customers to practice water conservation, especially regarding lawn-watering and other outdoor uses.

The City recommends that private domestic well users follow the same practices as the public water users, as the water comes from the same aquifer.

The high temperatures are expected to be between 87 and 101 degrees this week, and four days of precipitation are forecasted. Overall conditions warrant that the “Water Watch” remain in effect until further notice.