Rain helps Newton avoid drought restrictions
Published on May 28, 2025
At Tuesday’s meeting, the City Commission learned how rainfall over Memorial Day weekend has given Newton a reprieve from drought water restrictions.
Last week, the City hit a trigger point for Stage 2 (Water Warning) drought response: Groundwater levels had fallen 10 feet below the normal seasonal level, based on a 10-year running average. City staff drafted a resolution for the Commission to declare a Water Warning and began preparing to roll out public education about water restrictions.
After several inches of rain over the holiday weekend, however, groundwater levels rebounded about a foot, enough to avoid declaring a Water Warning – at least for now. If persistent dry conditions return, it’s possible the City could face Water Warning restrictions later this year.
The City has been operating under a Stage 1 (Water Watch) since September 2023, based on groundwater levels. Water Watch operations include closer monitoring of City water use and conservation and increased public education about water waste.
A Water Warning would have included voluntary restrictions on residents’ outdoor water use, reduced pumping at City wells, and reduced water use for City operations, with a goal of reducing peak demand by 20% and overall weekly consumption by 10%.
Stage 3 is a Water Emergency and would call for a prohibition on outdoor water use and water waste, with a goal to reduce peak usage by 50% and weekly consumption by 25%.
Drought conditions have persisted in south-central Kansas for the past few years. The City of Wichita has been under Stage 2 drought restrictions since August 2024. Earlier this month, Gov. Laura Kelly included Harvey County in a drought emergency declaration, along with Reno and Sedgwick Counties.
Although Newton has avoided water restrictions for the time being, residents are still encouraged to conserve water whenever possible – including watering lawns in the early morning or evening, checking toilets and faucets for leaks, and only running full loads in the washing machine or dishwasher.