June 2026
District Director Notes - Jay Harris
As drought conditions continue across much of Kansas, conversations about water use are becoming increasingly important. While many of us are hoping for timely rains, drought reminds us that water is one of our most valuable natural resources and something we all play a role in conserving.
In western Kansas especially, every gallon matters. Water conservation is not just an agricultural issue or a concern for municipalities. Small changes made by individuals and families at home can collectively make a meaningful impact on local water supplies.
Outdoor watering is often one of the largest household uses of water during the summer months. Many lawns receive more water than they actually need, especially when irrigation systems are set to run automatically regardless of weather conditions. Most established lawns only require about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. Watering deeply and less frequently is generally more beneficial than shallow daily watering.
However, conserving water goes far beyond lawn irrigation. There are many simple practices that can help reduce water use both indoors and outdoors:
• Water lawns and gardens early in the morning to reduce evaporation losses.
• Use mulch instead of rock around flowers, vegetables, and trees to help soils retain moisture.
• Consider drought-tolerant or native plants that require less supplemental watering once established.
• Fix leaking faucets, outdoor hydrants, or running toilets.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
• Collect rainwater for watering flowers or garden plants when possible.
• Check sprinkler systems for broken heads or areas watering pavement instead of plants.
• Raise mower height during hot weather to help turfgrass shade the soil and conserve moisture.
Drought can also be hard on trees, particularly newly planted ones. If watering priorities need to be made, young trees and shrubs should generally take precedence over lawns because they represent a longer-term investment in the landscape.
Kansas has always experienced cycles of dry weather, and communities across the state have a long history of adapting to changing conditions. Conservation efforts made today help support water availability not only for ourselves, but also for agriculture, businesses, wildlife, and future generations.
If you have questions about drought management, lawn care, gardening, or water conservation practices, contact the Cottonwood Extension District office in either Great Bend or Hays for research-based information tailored to our area.
Making Every Gallon Count During Drought