Chickasha announces mandatory water rationing amid high demand

The City of Chickasha is implementing mandatory outdoor water rationing starting this Saturday, Aug. 22, after the city councilors approved a new ordinance on Friday evening.

Under the restrictions, residents and businesses with odd-numbered addresses may water outdoors on odd-numbered dates, while those with even-numbered addresses may water on even-numbered dates.

Watering is allowed on designated days from midnight to 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. No outdoor watering is allowed on the 31st day of a month.

The restrictions cover uses including lawn irrigation, washing vehicles, cleaning sidewalks and driveways, filling pools and spas, and using outdoor misting or cooling devices.

Violators could face a $100 fine for a first offense, with higher fines for additional violations.

City officials said extreme heat and drought have pushed water consumption to record levels.

“Due to the extreme heat and drought conditions, we are seeing record high rates of water consumption,” City Manager Jim Crosby said. “Water rationing will allow us to continue providing water service with no interruptions and, more importantly, will help ensure the product coming out of the Water Treatment Plant remains safe to drink and compliant with DEQ regulations.”

Officials said the concern is not a lack of available water but how much the city’s aging treatment plant can safely treat and pump while meeting state standards. The plant has been treating and pumping a record 4.8 million gallons per day for about two weeks, up from a previous high of about 4.2 million gallons per day.

The ordinance includes exceptions for hand watering with a hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle, bucket or watering can.

Watering livestock and other animals and water used for firefighting or public safety are also exempt.

Splash pads at Shannon Springs and Washita Valley parks will operate only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until further notice.

There is no set end date for the restrictions, officials said.

The City Council said it may lift some or all of the requirements if water demand decreases.

More information and a full list of exceptions are available at chickasha.gov/water.