During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing water conservation efforts in Derby, highlighting the city's proactive measures amid current drought conditions. The splash pad at Madison Avenue will continue to operate, utilizing recycled water, although it may be shut down if the city enters phase three of water restrictions.

City representatives emphasized the importance of public education regarding water usage, noting that Derby has a higher percentage of private wells compared to other areas, complicating enforcement of water regulations. The city has launched a water customer portal that allows residents to monitor their hourly water usage, helping identify potential leaks and ensuring compliance with conservation measures.

As of now, Derby has achieved a compliance rate of 96% to 98% among its nearly 11,000 water customers, with only a small fraction of residents and businesses reported in violation of the regulations. Officials acknowledged that many violations stem from unintentional errors, such as incorrect irrigation scheduling.

The city is also in the process of designing a new water treatment plant, expected to be operational by 2027. This facility will allow Derby to rely less on water purchased from Wichita, particularly during peak summer months, and will enhance the city's drought resilience. Until then, Derby will continue to purchase water from Wichita, which has a significantly larger customer base and water usage.

Officials reassured residents that while outdoor watering is restricted, activities such as car washing at commercial establishments are permitted. They also clarified that while some residents may be tempted to water gardens, hand watering is encouraged to comply with regulations.

Overall, Derby's water conservation efforts are showing promising results, with significant reductions in water usage already observed. The city aims to continue educating residents and maintaining high compliance rates as it navigates the challenges posed by the ongoing drought.