Despite some light rains over the past two weeks or so, the City’s overall water supply continues to fall, keeping the area in Stage 3 of water restrictions, Water Utilities Director Terry Lauritsen said this week.
Supply fell to 56.1 percent last week, down from 56.9 percent the week before. This means the City will remain in Stage 3 of the Water Shortage Ordinance with the exception of emergency water rates, which will remain at Stage 2 levels as a rate increase requires a vote of the City Council.
“The council will likely be asked to implement Stage 3 rates if there is no improvement in the situation by the time the council meets again on May 15,” Lauritsen said.
If approved, emergency rates could apply to households using 2,001 or more gallons of water per month instead of only those using 10,001 or more, as outlined in Stage 2.
“Our water use is slightly below what it would normally be this time of year due to restrictions on outdoor water use, which has a significant impact on our overall numbers this time of year,” Lauritsen said.
But while fewer gallons used is helping to preserve the water remaining in Hulah and Copan lakes, it hasn’t been enough to bring the City out of Stage 3 restrictions.
“We need rain in Southeast Kansas, which is where Hulah Lake’s watershed is,” Lauritsen said.
Stages 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. The City entered Stage 1 of the ordinance in December 2022, and overall water supply has continued to decline at a steady rate since that time.
The following provisions are in effect 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 is restricted to one day per week
- Even-numbered properties may water on Thursdays
- Odd-numbered properties may water on Friday
- Water pressure is being reduced within the distribution system to minimum levels allowed by state and federal regulations
To see the full list, see www.cityofbartlesville.org or Water Shortage Ordinance.
A variance committee is in place to consider cases of undue hardship for the emergency rates. To apply for a variance, complete the “Contact Us” form on the City’s website, www.cityofbartlesville.org, or call 918.338.4100. (Note that variances apply only to emergency rates and do not apply to outdoor water use or any other provision in the ordinance.)