Wichita is in an exceptional drought. Thursday, Wichita officials talked about measures to stave off the drought during a briefing that had to move inside because of rain. “I know it’s raining, but we do have to talk about our drought situation here in Wichita and this region,” Mayor Brandon Whipple said. Joining Whipple was Don Henry, assistant utilities department director of Wichita Public Works & Utilities. Henry said the day’s rain may mean short-term improvements in greener grass, but the threat of the drought still looms. “I know that the farmers will appreciate the rain, but in terms of public water supply and managing that through a drought, we have to keep our eye on Cheney Reservoir.” That reservoir accounts for nearly half of Wichita’s drinking water. Its levels are affected not only by the amount of rainfall, but also by the amount of run-off that reaches Cheney.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
