City announces public pools to remain closed unless water supply improves
The City of Bartlesville has announced that its public swimming pools won't open this summer unless the water supply improves.
City Manager Mike Bailey discussed the decision during Monday's special city council meeting. Concerns were raised that pools could be opened but would be required to close by law if supply drops below 50%. Water supply levels are currently at 56%, according to city staff.
Normally Sooner and Frontier pools would open around Memorial Day weekend. However, ongoing drought conditions and a steady decline in available water supply since December 2022 have forced the city to reconsider its plans.
"This means our available water supply needs to reach 70% or above for the pools to open, and then we will open one or both pools only if there is a reasonable period of time left in the season for the YMCA to staff the facilities and apply the required chemicals in time for the opening, which is approximately a two-week turnaround," Bailey said.
Bartlesville has been grappling with severe drought conditions and a diminishing water supply, leading to the implementation of outdoor water use restrictions, the closing of city-owned splash pads and emergency water rates for its customers.
Modifications to the city's ordinance were approved by the city council in April, requiring the closure of city-owned pools if the water supply falls below 50%.
"Our water shortage plan calls for the closure of the pools if we drop below 50%, but it is silent on what to do if the pools are not open at earlier stages," Bailey said. "This has required us to develop guidance between city staff and the YMCA to determine how best to proceed, and these guidelines were developed as a result of those discussions."
Acknowledging that the decision may not be universally welcomed, Bailey emphasized the importance of prioritizing the preservation of the available water supply in preparation for ongoing drought conditions.
"However, we believe strongly that preserving our available water supply for as long as possible in preparation of continuing drought conditions must be our highest priority at this time," Bailey said. "Hopefully, we will receive enough rain in the coming weeks that we can open the pools for everyone to enjoy."
Individuals that made reservations for the pools will receive full refunds from the YMCA. For further information, please get in touch with the YMCA at 918-336-0713.
The City of Bartlesville says it remains committed to closely monitoring the water situation. It will update the public regarding any changes in the pool closure decision as the summer progresses.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: No plan to open public pools unless water supply increases
