http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Phase two water restrictions were in effect for Wichita and have been since August 2024. June was the city’s sixth wettest on record, and Cheney Reservoir has refilled to 95.88% of capacity and less than a foot below normal. Wichita determines drought stages by the 12-month rolling average of the conservation pool. By that calculation, the soonest that the city might emerge from phase two drought restrictions would be March 2026. The Wichita Eagle (Kan.), June 24, 2025 Wichita remained in stage two drought conditions with outdoor watering allowed once per week. Cheney Lake was nearly eight feet below normal. KWCH 12 (Wichita, Kan.), April 9, 2025 Wichita remained in stage 2 drought restrictions. Given the level of Cheney Reservoir, which was nearly 59% full, the stage 2 restrictions could persist for a while as stage 2 restrictions are in effect when the 12-month moving average of Cheney Reservoir’s conservation pool is between 50% and 69%. KWCH 12 (Wichita, Kan.), Feb 26, 2025 Wichita remained in stage 2 of its drought response plan and will continue at that level beyond the end of September as Cheney Lake continued to become more depleted. Water restriction violators will also be fined. The city has also sent out 302 warning letters to people thought to be violating the restrictions. KSN.com (Wichita, Kan.), Sept 19, 2024 Stage 2 water restrictions will begin in Wichita on Monday, August 5, due to drought, intense heat, rapid evaporation and poor water conservation. The restrictions, with the aim of reducing communitywide water use by 10%, will last for two months until irrigation season is over at the end of September. At that time, city leaders will reassess the need for restrictions. KAKE (Wichita, Kan.), Aug 1, 2024