City of Hays
The Kansas Water Office has announced a scheduled water release from Cedar Bluff Reservoir in Trego County will begin May 5 to support water supplies for the cities of Hays and Russell.
This release will help recharge the groundwater resources and increase streamflow in the Smoky Hill River, benefiting municipal water wells for both communities.
The decision to release water follows written requests by the City of Hays on March 31 and the City of Russell on April 2.
Both cities have dedicated water storage rights within Cedar Bluff Reservoir which allows them to request water releases when groundwater and river conditions require it.
Currently, groundwater levels along the Smoky Hill River near Hays and Russell have dropped significantly due to dry conditions. Low groundwater levels can limit the ability of cities to draw sufficient water for residents and businesses.
The upcoming release is strategically planned at a critical time before summer heat and vegetation growth further reduce groundwater recharge effectiveness.
Releasing water during late spring maximizes its benefit. Cooler temperatures and lower levels of plant activity in May enable more of the released water to seep into the groundwater, replenishing the aquifer efficiently.
If the release were delayed until the hotter months, more water would evaporate or be used by plants before reaching underground reservoirs.
This timing ensures that the cities' wells and water infrastructure will have adequate supplies heading into the traditionally dry summer months.
The combined release from the Artificial Recharge Pool, water specifically stored for groundwater replenishment, and the City of Russell's reserved water supply will start May 5 and is expected to continue at least through May 16.
Residents living along the Smoky Hill River from Cedar Bluff Reservoir downstream to areas near Schoenchen and Pfeifer should be aware of higher water flows during this period. Increased water flow may affect low-lying areas or property located within or near the river channel.
Officials have emphasized that this scheduled release will have minimal impact on Cedar Bluff Reservoir’s overall water levels. The amount released is carefully calculated and will not significantly affect recreational opportunities or other water uses at the reservoir.
The volume being released represents water already designated and reserved for municipal use by Hays and Russell, rather than additional water being drawn from other reservoir allocations.
The Kansas Water Office, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources and the cities of Hays and Russell, will closely monitor groundwater levels, streamflow, and weather conditions throughout the release period.
This proactive approach is part of a broader water management strategy designed to ensure long-term water availability for both cities.
Regular management practices like these help maintain a sustainable water supply during periods of drought or prolonged dry spells, which frequently impact western Kansas communities.
Officials advise the public to remain informed and aware of river conditions during the release period.
Updates and additional information regarding the release schedule and conditions can be obtained from the Kansas Water Office.
For additional information or questions regarding water management and local impacts, residents may contact their city water departments directly or visit the Kansas Water Office website.