City closely watching water supply during the current drought

The City of Guthrie will be evaluating the current water supply status, water demands, water supply projections, and other shortage-related scenarios over the next two weeks. Without any significant amount of rainfall, reducing services may become an option in May.

City Manager Leroy Alsup informed council members of the concern for water. He stated the water demand on the City’s water system averages 1.46 million gallons of water per day.

“If we do not receive some spring rain in the near future there is the chance water reduction options appropriate to the level of the water supply shortage could very well be an action item on the May 2nd City Council agenda,” Alsup told the council.

The City of Guthrie has several different customer types, which all utilize water to add value to the city’s economy and way of life.

Alsup says the City will first take steps if needed to show residents that the City will lead the effort to reduce water use, including already turning off water flow into the Mineral Wells ponds, street sweeping, limiting hydrant flushing, and restricting the sale of bulk water.

Other options the City will consider will be the use of the local splash pads and the municipal swimming pool.

“We will explore the option to delay the opening of the splash pads in Banner and Mineral Wells Park,” Alsup said. “Due to the function of our splash pads, the water that is used is not recycled. It was researched and found to be the most feasible way to operate a splash pad. During the month of July 2022, which was our busiest month, we averaged 55,899 gallons per day at Mineral Wells Splash Pad and 40,820 gallons per day at the Banner Park Splash Pad.”

For the swimming pool inside Highland Park, the City will explore the option to delay the opening.

“Due to leaks, evaporation, splashing, etc., on average, the pool has a continuous 3-inch stream of treated water that runs into our swimming pool as make-up water. In 2022 that averaged around 40,000 gallons per day,” Alsup said.

If citizens are forced to take action, the City will first request voluntary reductions. While customers would identify water uses, they can curtail at their own discretion, the City will recommend opportunities to reduce consumption with the least impact on lifestyles.