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City of Bartlesville

Posted: Sep 14, 2023 3:26 PMUpdated: Sep 14, 2023 3:26 PM

Water Resources Committee Makes 3 Recommendations

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Nathan Thompson
The Bartlesville Water Resources Committee made three recommendations on Thursday for future water supply options.
 
First, the committee recommended negotiating with the Corps of Engineers to raise the water conservation levels at Copan and Hulah Lakes by about 10% into the existing flood pool and secure the remaining 2 million gallons per day of water rights to Copan Lake through a partnership with the Town of Copan. If successful, these solutions will yield an estimated 22.5 million gallons of water per day.
 
Second, the committee recommended exploring the Ada-Vamoosa Aquifer in Osage County for viability as an additional water source. The amount of usable water in the aquifer is unknown. However, a grant from the federal Bureau of Reclamation may assist with the expense of exploring the option.
 
Third, the committee recommended beginning discussions of a partnership with the Osage Nation to potentially build a new reservoir in Osage County near Sand Creek and to potentially build infrastructure that could bring in water from Kaw Lake. If developed, Sand Lake could yield an estimated 12 million gallons of water per day and Kaw Lake could supply up to 14 million gallons of additional water per day.
 
City officials say Hulah, Copan and Hudson lakes along with the Caney River would continue to be the primary sources for Bartlesville water customers. The three exploratory options they recommended would be a back-up in the event of another extreme drought and for water supply into the forseeable future. The cost of the each of the projects would cost multiple millions of dollars.
 
The committee also discussed, but took no action on suggested amendments to the Bartlesville Water Shortage Ordinance. The committee will meet again on Sept. 28 prior to the Oct. 2 City Council meeting to finalize their recommendations.
 
Bartlesville Radio will have more on the proposed ordinance changes in the coming days.

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