By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Outdoor watering restrictions in Hays which started June 1 will end Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Until then, outdoor water use is prohibited between noon and 7 p.m., including from private wells.
In addition to the seasonal restrictions, Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist, said the following are banned year-round:
• Washing down of hardscapes such as sidewalks, parking lots, driveways
• Known water loss through breaks, leaks in plumbing systems
• Escape of water from private property onto public property such as landscape irrigation onto sidewalks, street gutters
If the weather is warm and windy in October, Dickman encouraged watering landscape plants and turfgrass if necessary.
"Fortunately, with cooler night temperatures and shorter days, the need for supplemental irrigation is greatly reduced," she said. "Always be sure to check the soil moisture first before turning on the irrigation system or garden hose."
Dickman said fall is also an excellent time to plant deciduous trees and shrubs as well as many drought-tolerant perennials.
"The cooler temperatures make the environment less stressful, while the warm soil temperatures encourage good root growth," she said.