Bartlesville remains in Stage 2 of the Water Shortage Ordinance, which serves as the City’s drought contingency plan — though Stage 3 conditions are expected later this month.
“We are tracking to move into Stage 3 of the water restrictions the week of Nov. 13,” Water Utilities Director Terry Lauritsen said this week.
Stage 2 restrictions limit outdoor water use to two days per week, while Stage 3 restrictions limit it to one day per week, with even-numbered properties allowed to water on Saturdays, and odd-numbered properties allowed to water on Sundays.
Emergency water rates — which were implemented earlier this spring but removed following heavy rainfall that filled Hulah Lake in July — have not been implemented recently due to changes in what triggers the increased rates.
“The City Council recently approved a recommendation by the Water Resources Committee that water consumption be taken into account in determining when to apply emergency water rates rather than basing the trigger for increased rates solely on remaining water supply, which is the way the ordinance was originally written,” Lauritsen said.
He said consumption in excess of 4.75 million gallons per day (mgd) would, by ordinance, prompt City staff to request the City Council impose emergency rates.
“Our average use right now is 5.31 mgd, though we only used 4.52 mgd last week,” Lauritsen said. “Historically, we use less than 4.75 mgd starting late November through March, so I would say there is a good chance we can avoid emergency rates at least through next spring — if everyone continues to conserve as much as possible. Hopefully, it will rain between now and spring and change the direction of the drought.”
Bartlesville and the surrounding area has been battling drought conditions since last December, thanks to declining lake levels at the City’s primary water sources, Hulah, Copan and Hudson lakes.
The declining levels are due to extreme lack of rainfall in the watershed for both lakes, which are located in close proximity to one another in Southeast Kansas. Last measured, the area was approximately 20 inches below normal precipitation for the year.
Lake Levels
Hulah Lake – 83.8 percent
Copan Lake – 37.7 percent
Hudson Lake – 72.5 percent
Caney River – 100 percent
Conservation
Some ways you can help:
- Take shorter showers. This is the No. 1 most effective thing we can do (indoors) to conserve.
- Consider installing “low flow” plumbing, i.e., toilets, shower heads, etc. Also, replace any leaky or defective parts.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Never use the toilet as a wastebasket. Only human waste and toilet paper should go into the toilet — ever.
- Run the washing machine only when full and adjust the water level setting carefully.
- Stop or reduce outdoor watering.
More information
Water 101: Guide to City’s past, present & future water needs