With the exception of steeper emergency water rate increases, Bartlesville water customers will move to Phase 3 of the Water Shortage Ordinance next week, Director of Water Utilities Terry Lauritsen said today.
Due to ongoing drought conditions resulting in declining water supply for the Bartlesville area, Phase 2 of the Water Shortage Ordinance went into effect on Monday, April 10. Phase 2 limits outdoor water use to twice weekly, among other measures, and calls for the implementation of emergency water rates for households and businesses using more than 10,000 gallons of water per month.
Phase 3, which will go into effect Monday, April 24, further limits outdoor water use to one day per week, drops the written warning for the first violation, includes reduced water pressure within the distribution system, and could later result in higher rates for households and businesses using more than 2,001 gallons of water per month.
“Implementing an increased fee schedule requires approval of a resolution by the City Council, so we will maintain Phase 2 rates for now,” said Lauritsen. “If we are still in Phase 3 in early May, the council will be asked to approve the resolution for Phase 3 rates at that time.”
Phases of the ordinance are based on the percentage of overall water supply. Stage 1 kicks in when levels fall to 79-70 percent, Stage 2 is 69-60 percent, Stage 3 is 59-50 percent, and Stage 4, which is considered “critical,” is any level below 50 percent.
Numbers
As of Monday morning, the City’s overall water supply was at 58.2 percent, putting the area in Phase 3 of the Water Shortage Ordinance — just above “critical” status. However, Phase 3 restrictions will not be immediately imposed to give everyone more transition time, Lauritsen said.
“We will stay with Phase 2 restrictions for the remainder of this week to give everyone a chance to transition to Phase 3,” he said. “With the exception of the emergency water rates, which will remain as they are until further notice, Phase 3 restrictions will become effective on Monday, April 24.”
What to do
Beginning April 24, the following provisions will be effective for all City of Bartlesville water customers:
- Rates increases (remain at Phase 2 rates) for customers using more than 10,000 gallons of water per month.
- 10,001 gallons and 25,000 gallons – 5 percent increase
- 25,001 gallons and 50,000 gallons – 10 percent increase
- In excess of 50,000 gallons – 15 percent increase
- Outdoor water use will be restricted to one day per week
- Even-numbered properties may water on Thursdays
- Odd-numbered properties may water on Fridays
- Water pressure will be reduced within the distribution system to minimum levels allowed by state and federal regulations
- City-owned facilities and capital projects will reduce or discontinue all irrigation except as necessary to preserve greens or newly planted trees. For athletic fields or newly laid sod or seed, the watering shall be restricted to follow the outdoor water restrictions for even numbered properties implemented by each stage.
- A reduced schedule of operation or closure may be implemented for City-owned swimming pools.
- City-owned splash pads will remain closed.
- All leaks in the raw water and treated water system will be repaired immediately, and non-essential operational uses of water by City crews will be suspended. This includes the flushing of water mains and fire hydrants, street sweeping, routine water jet cleaning of sanitary sewer mains, and non-essential training of fire fighters using potable water.
Rates
Based on March water consumption, about 2 percent, or 265 homes, and 24 percent of businesses will be affected by the Phase 2 rates. Any revenue generated by the emergency rates will be allocated to water system improvements and/or conservation efforts in the future.
A variance committee is in place to consider cases of undue hardship.
“Anyone who feels these provisions place an undue burden on them, their organization or business can seek a variance,” Lauritsen said. “This would apply mostly to health care facilities, multi-family dwellings, and things of that nature.” To apply for a variance, complete the “Contact Us” form on the City’s website, www.cityofbartlesville.org, or call 918.338.4100.
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