Water Conservation, A Way of Life! The City of Hays is the only municipality in Kansas with a population greater than 15,000 that is NOT located near a sustainable source of water. Current water supplies fluctuate based on precipitation received throughout the year. As a result, water conservation has become a “way of life” for citizens of Hays. From tiered water rates to water conservation ordinances, programs and incentives,the City of Hays has worked diligently to ensure that our most precious natural resource – WATER- is not taken for granted!