Tuttle Water Restrictions Issued As Extreme Heat Strains Water System

Tuttle Water Restrictions Issued As Extreme Heat Strains City Water System

The City of Tuttle has enacted Stage 2 Water Restrictions after extreme summer heat and increased water demand placed significant stress on the municipal water system, forcing officials to limit outdoor water use to protect essential services.

Tuttle water restrictions tell residents they are now restricted to watering lawns and landscapes one day per week using an odd-even address schedule, and only before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. City leaders say the conservation measures became necessary after system pressure dropped from its normal 55 PSI to 37 PSI, while water tower levels continued to decline. Officials warn that conserving water now will help maintain adequate pressure for firefighting and emergency response if demand continues climbing.

Stage 2 Water Restrictions Now In Effect

Under the Stage 2 Water Restrictions, automatic sprinklers and irrigation systems may only operate one designated day each week based on the property's street address.

Even-numbered addresses may water on even-numbered calendar days, while odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered days. All permitted watering must occur before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to reduce evaporation and conserve the city's water supply.

Residents can review the complete restriction schedule through the City of Tuttle Water Conservation Program.

Additional restrictions prohibit using municipal water to wash driveways, sidewalks, buildings or windows.

Automatic pool fill valves, draining and refilling swimming pools, and ornamental fountains using drinking water are also prohibited while Stage 2 restrictions remain in effect.

Private vehicle washing is only permitted when using a bucket or a hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle.

Exceptions remain in place for watering foundations, newly installed landscaping and gardens using handheld hoses, drip irrigation or soaker hoses for up to two hours each day.

Tuttle Water System Under Pressure

City officials say the restrictions were implemented after water system performance declined during the prolonged stretch of triple-digit temperatures.

Water pressure has fallen from its normal operating level of 55 PSI to 37 PSI. While Oklahoma's minimum operating standard is 25 PSI, officials note that pressures below 35 PSI can reduce firefighting capabilities and place additional strain on emergency response operations.

Water towers have also fallen to approximately 70 percent capacity and have continued trending downward.

Because Tuttle purchases supplemental water from Newcastle, which is tied into the regional system, the city's conservation efforts closely mirror the regional guidance used throughout central Oklahoma. Residents can also review regional conservation recommendations through the Oklahoma City Water Conservation Measures.

Regional Conservation Efforts Continue Across Central Oklahoma

Tuttle is one of several central Oklahoma communities encouraging residents to reduce water consumption as prolonged heat continues across the region.

Communities including Edmond, Moore, Yukon, Mustang, Piedmont, El Reno, Blanchard and Deer Creek have implemented their own conservation practices or water-use guidelines during the summer.

Officials encourage residents to fix leaking faucets, avoid unnecessary outdoor watering and follow local restrictions until demand decreases. Additional household water-saving tips are available through the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality Water Quality Resources.

As Oklahoma's heat continues, city leaders say every gallon conserved helps protect water pressure, preserves emergency response capabilities and ensures reliable service for homes and businesses throughout the community.

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