Some Bartlesville businesses spared from mandatory water rationing

Business owners who rely on water for their livelihood, are being spared from a second round of mandatory water rationing in Bartlesville. <br><br>Lake Hulah, which supplies water to the city, is at its

Thursday, April 11th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Business owners who rely on water for their livelihood, are being spared from a second round of mandatory water rationing in Bartlesville.

Lake Hulah, which supplies water to the city, is at its lowest level in 50 years. So the city has banned outdoor watering in residential areas, filling up swimming pools and washing cars at home.

The Bartlesville city council met Wednesday night to get public input on whether restrictions should be made on businesses. Instead of imposing bans, the city says it expects them to make good-faith efforts to limit water use. Car washes in Bartlesville, for example, are already cutting the hours they're open. Still others say they want the use of water to be dramatically cut. "I don't have anything against commercialism or watering plants, but people's lives are in danger and we need to take steps now."

The council did decide Wednesday night to let homeowners water their shrubs and flowers every ten days. But, watering of yards, except for newly planted lawns, is banned.