With the below-zero temperatures, Tulsa had hundreds of water main breaks with water flowing down streets all over town and backhoes digging holes and closing streets. Every TV newscast showed them digging and adding another 50 or so breaks to the growing total. My question is, how did we compare in Bartlesville? I did not see publicity on this issue. I’m sure we probably had some, but not like Tulsa. Is our infrastructure better than Tulsa’s? I don’t remember hearing about an excess of breaks and street repairs. Are we doing something right?
According to Water Utilities Director Terry Lauritsen, the City logged a reported 19 main breaks between Feb. 10 and Feb. 26 — a fairly substantial number considering the city normally averages 40 main breaks per year, or approximately three per month.
All of the breaks have been repaired, and crews are currently working on the restoration of these areas. Water Department and Street Department staff are working together in this endeavor, with Street Department crews assisting greatly by fixing the higher traffic streets where leaks occurred.
“Due to the volume of breaks, it will take us several weeks to clean up all these areas,” Lauritsen said.
Overall, though, Bartlesville did fare better than its metropolitan neighbor.
“Overall, we were very fortunate,” Lauritsen said. “I’m not sure why we did so much better than Tulsa and other communities.”
He also pointed out the City’s water treatment plant was able to keep up with the demand, pumping out around 10 million gallons of water a day — well over the four million gallons per day average for this time of year.
“This also includes usage from the surrounding municipalities and rural water districts we serve,” he said.
Look ahead: Watch upcoming editions of City Beat for more information about the number of call outs, water meter freeze-ups and other information relevant to the unprecedented winter event.
Look back: Services continue despite frigid temps, snow