If I pay my bills through automatic withdrawal from my bank account, will these payment dates change? 
Yes. If you have your bill processed through your bank by the AutoBill Pay System, you should note the due date on the bill. It is important to remember that due dates vary and that it is your responsibility to make sure appropriate funds are available on the due dates indicated on the bill.

How does the "water use average" work in calculating my bill?
Water consumption as shown on the January-March bills will be averaged to determine a "water use average" for both residential and business accounts. This average will be re-calculated every year. Usage that falls within this average during the following twelve months will be billed at one rate. All usage exceeding the water use average will be billed at a "conservation tier" rate. For more information on new rates, please refer to the City's web site at www.haysusa.com or contact the City Clerk/Finance office.

What if I use a lot of water in January-March, will this benefit me when I need more water in the summer? The answer is No. By using more water in these months, your sewer average for the following 12 months will be higher, which would offset any water charges billed at the conservation tier.

What will I be charged for having a separate meter for irrigation?
 If you have an irrigation meter installed for lawn watering, you will be billed at the "conservation tier" rate for that meter which is $3.40 per 100 c.f. of usage over the 100 c.f. included in the minimum

Will the sewer part of my bill change?
Residential accounts are billed a sewer charge based on the average water usage as shown on the January – March bills. You will be billed at this average rate for the following twelve months and the average is recalculated annually after the March billing. Business accounts do not have a sewer average fee and are charged according to actual usage per month.  

What are your service hours?
Service personnel work on a set schedule. They will be available from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m., and 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.  The City of Hays will no longer accept any requests for same-day service after 4:00 p.m. unless you are willing to pay a $30.00 service fee. In the case of an emergency, service personnel will be dispatched to assist you.

Can I still obtain a permit for special watering situations such as putting in a new lawn?
Yes. Please keep in mind, the City of Hays still does not allow outside watering between the hours of 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m. from June 1 – September 30. A permit will be required for the watering of newly seeded lawns or for other specified situations. Please call or refer to the City's web site for a listing of use requirements involving the permit process . This permit process also applies to non-profit organizations raising funds through events such as car washes. Remember, while there is no cost for these permits, the customer will still be responsible for the total amount of water used, and conservation tier rates will apply. Permits are issued for water use involving individual, limited time period events. Permits will not be issued on a continuing or long-term basis. The City reserves the right to deny or discontinue permits requested or issued at any time. Permits can be obtained, at no charge, by visiting the City Clerk/Finance office at 1507 Main Street and completing an application process.

Where can I go to get more information?
As always, please feel free to contact the City Clerk/Finance Office at (785) 628-7300 or access the City's web site at www.haysusa.com for further information.