Concordia City Commission Approves Revised Water Conservation Plan

The Concordia City Commission approved an ordinance providing for a progressive water supply conservation program during its regular meeting on Monday, January 22nd.  The ordinance includes implementation of voluntary and mandatory water conservation measures throughout the city in the event a water supply watch, warning or emergency is declared by the commission.

The city is required to maintain a water conservation plan on file for Kansas Department of Health and Environment water system inspections.  The city's prior version was adopted in 1995.

The primary objectives of the water conservation plan are to develop long-term water conservation practices and short-term water emergency responses to assure city customers of an adequate water supply to meet their needs.  Water conservation typically includes measures like fixing leaks, promoting water efficient appliances, implementing landscaping practices that minimize water usage, enforcing regulations, and raising awareness to address water sustainability and promote responsible water use.

The City of Concordia has undertaken a number of steps to ensure a dependable water supply for its customers for over 80 years.  The water supply for Concordia is obtained from six active wells for municipal use.  The city water supply and distribution system have ample capacity to meet current customer demands and future projected demands for several years, except during extreme drought periods.

In the event the city determines that the city's water supply may be subject to a shortage in supply, or determines there is need for conservation of city's water resources for any reason, the city may begin a progressive three stage water conservation program by declaring a water watch, a water warning, and/or a water emergency.

During a water watch declaration, the city will take steps to inform the public and ask for voluntary reductions in water use.

Under a water warning declaration, the city will recommend restrictions on nonessential uses, which, pursuant to the approval of the Chief Engineer of the Kansas Department of Agriculture - Division of Water Resources, may be extended to private wells within the city limits.

If a water emergency is declared, the city will impose mandatory restrictions on water use, which again may be extended to private wells within the city limits.  Mandatory water conservation measures may include suspension of new connections to the city's water distribution system, restrictions on the uses of water, restrictions on the sales of water at point-of-sale facilities or sites, the imposition of water rationing, and complete or partial bans on the waste of water.

The ordinance will take effect upon its publication in the Concordia Blade-Empire.

In other action, the commission approved a bid for a replacement rooftop HVAC unit at Concordia City Hall from Hood Heating Air Plumbing Electric in the amount of $13,777.00.  This unit, estimated to be over 20-years-old, serves the public lobby and restrooms and stopped working in December.

The Concordia Land Bank 2023 Annual Report was also reviewed and accepted.

During her manager's report, City Manager Amy Lange said they have received 14 applicants for their open Public Works Director position and have narrowed the list of candidates down to three finalists.  The Public Works Director is responsible for a variety of professional, administrative and supervisory tasks in planning, directing and participating in the maintenance and improvement of city paved and unpaved streets, alleys, snow removal, storm drains, traffic control systems, airport improvement projects, city-owned fueling stations, and all equipment.

The goal of the Public Works Director is to continue to build on the infrastructure the city has and to keep the City of Concordia a place where people are proud to live as well as making it appealing to future residents and travelers alike.