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.
This phase calls for outdoor watering two days per week, emergency water rate increases, closes splash pads, and allows a written warning for the first offense to these violations. See more information at City Beat, April 4.
Even stricter measures are on the horizon, however, as lake levels continue to fall with little hope for significant rainfall in the immediate future.
“Unfortunately, we are very close to moving to Phase 3 of the ordinance, which kicks in when overall water levels fall below 60 percent,” said Water Utilities Director Terry Lauritsen. “Phase 3 restricts outdoor watering to one day per week, eliminates the warning for the first violation, and allows for higher emergency rates, if approved by the council. But for now, everyone should comply with Phase 2.”
Until further notice, the following provisions will be effective for all City of Bartlesville water customers:
- Rates increases 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 two days per week
- Even-numbered properties may water on Mondays and Thursdays
- Odd-numbered properties may water on Tuesdays and Fridays
- 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.
Lauritsen said because the rate increases will only apply to households and businesses that use more than 10,000 gallons per month, only about 265 homes and 24 percent of businesses will be affected.
He also said a variance committee will be 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.” For more information variances, call 918.338.4100.
For more information, see City Council OKs drought plan.
