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 </figure>By HOLLY DICKMAN City of Hays Water Conservation SpecialistTo say these are “interesting times” would be an understatement!&nbsp; Like so many, I find myself trying to navigate the new normal of cancelled programs and events, schools being closed - yet still in session, being at home A LOT, trying to stay informed, but not go crazy watching/reading too many news stories, and working in new and creative ways.&nbsp; Generally, just trying to make it all work somehow! &nbsp;With little control over the events occurring in the world right now, it is helpful for me to concentrate on things I can control.&nbsp; Things like what to cook for supper, how much attention I give to my kids (who seem to be constantly hungry these days, teaching them things that I feel are important and continuing to spread the word about the importance of water conservation (even now). &nbsp;City of Hays residents are very familiar with water conservation for the most part…as a matter of fact, many are experts on the topic and saving water is simply “the norm."&nbsp; With an average water use per capita of 90 gallons/day; Hays residents are the most efficient water users in the State! &nbsp; Even with all this knowledge about water efficiency, it is good to have reminders now and then – especially at a time when our minds might be on other things.&nbsp; Here are some simple tips to save water while we stay at home:<ol>
 <li>Shut the water off while brushing your teeth or shaving.&nbsp; This simple act can save up to 4 gallons/minute.</li><li>Take a 5-minute shower.&nbsp; Don’t have a shower timer?&nbsp; Listen to two of your favorite songs and see if you can finish showering before the second one ends.&nbsp; Challenge others in the house to do the same!</li><li>Only run the dishwasher when fully loaded and use it vs. handwashing if possible.</li><li>When washing dishes by hand (and there seem to be SO MANY DISHES right now, fill one basin with soapy water and one with rinse water to prevent running the faucet constantly.</li><li>Encourage family members to keep one drinking cup for the day vs. getting a new one every time they need a drink. (Again, SO MANY DISHES!)</li><li>Only run full loads of laundry.</li><li>Check toilets for leaks.&nbsp; Simply place a drop or two of food coloring in the tank, wait 15-20 minutes, and then check the bowl.&nbsp; If you see color in the bowl, you have a leak!</li><li>Check out <a href="http://www.watersmarthays.com">www.watersmarthays.com</a> for many more tips!</li>
 </ol>Need a more extensive project to keep your mind occupied?&nbsp; Take advantage of the City of Hays Water Conservation Rebate programs and save even more water.&nbsp; How about rainwater harvesting?&nbsp; We are barreling forward with rain barrel distribution this year.&nbsp; Stacie Minson, local K-State Research and Extension Watershed Specialist, will deliver them to your door if you live in Hays!&nbsp; Find the details for rebates, rain barrels, WaterSmart landscaping, and even educational resources to keep kids busy at <a href="http://www.watersmarthays.com">www.watersmarthays.com</a> or follow us @WaterSmartHays on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.We can’t control Stay at Home Orders, COVID-19 or the Nightly News, but we can control how we use our most precious resource.&nbsp; Water Conservation (both indoors and out) is NOT canceled.&nbsp; Please contact me at <a href="mailto:hdickman@haysusa.com">hdickman@haysusa.com</a> if you have questions.&nbsp; If I am not working, I am probably doing the dishes!

DICKMAN: Saving water — a comforting norm?