There is only one 16-inch line providing water to properties north of Interstate 70 in Hays. The city is planning to build another 12-inch water main for redundancy. There were only a few businesses to be served in the area when the 500,000 gallon water tower was built and city water was extended north of I-70 in 1993. Since then, many businesses vital to the economy and daily needs of Hays residents and the surrounding area have located north of I-70, and more new businesses are planned.
“The economic impact of being without water service north of I-70 for any length of time would be significant,” said John Braun, project manager. “A failure of the current water main could have catastrophic consequences in case of fire.”
(Read more: Hays Post)