Water Treatment Water Quantity
Capital Projects Update
Since the water rate increase in May 2006, twenty water wells have been drilled in NE Norman and ten are currently delivering additional water supply to the system. The remaining ten water wells will be usable as soon as well houses are constructed and supply lines are installed to deliver water to town. Additional water lines are being replaced throughout Norman to remedy areas of excessive line breaks, allow for roadway construction, or enhance water delivery. The water treatment plant upgrade/expansion is underway and is scheduled to be complete March, 2011. An electrical upgrade with new emergency generator and a new large clarifier are being installed as part of the improvements. This upgrade tailors the plant for the Phase II ozone installation which will improve taste and odor along with serving as the primary disinfectant for the water.
Parallel with the plant upgrade is the Phase I Raw Water Line Replacement Project. This 2.5-mile upsize and replacement project will increase the maximum flow from Lake Thunderbird to the water treatment plant from 14 to 17 million gallons per day. Construction for this project begins September 2010 and is scheduled for completion July, 2011. These projects continue along our short and medium range solutions for Norman’s water needs as directed in the 2001 Water Master Plan. Continued conservation awareness by our customers, in accompanying staff’s continued efforts to seek out all long term water solutions will help us meet our community’s projected long range needs.
Water Conservation Tips
You can do your part to reduce the need for additional system expansion by conserving water and using water wisely. The City has material available on water conservation tips available at the City Hall, Building C, behind the drive-in window where you pay your water bills. Some are included here.
- Take brief showers and/or open faucets half or three-quarters open to minimize the total water use per shower. Installing a simple restrictor in the shower head or installing a low water use shower head can reduce water use by 25 to 35 percent. However, only opening the faucets part way will accomplish the same thing with no cost or installation required.
- Place plastic bottles or bags filled with water and a few stones in the toilet tank to reduce the volume of water used with each flush. There are also alternatives of toilet dams or low water use toilets available. These may reduce the total water used by 5 to 20 gallons per day. However, be aware that if your toilet is a newer model, it probably is a low water use model, and reducing the volume of water per flush may cause improper flushing.
- Encourage the use of faucet aerators on all kitchen and bathroom faucets, as these reduce the water flow while enhancing the rinsing action of the faucet stream.
- Use automatic dishwashers sparingly and only for full loads. Most dishwashers use 20 to 30 gallons per wash, and most or all of it is hot water. By washing only full loads or hand washing small amounts, you will save in both water and energy. When cleaning dishes for the dishwasher, wipe them out with a paper towel or napkin rather than rinsing, as this will save from 3 to 5 gallons.
- Wash only full loads of clothes, or match the water setting of the washer to the size of the load.
- Use a nozzle with a cutoff feature on your garden hose when washing your car or other outdoor items. This will let you cut off the water flow when not needed.
- Sweep driveways or patios rather than hosing them off, unless they border a flower bed or garden. If so, wash so the water will run to the garden or flower bed. Get double duty from the water used.
- Plant trees, shrubs and ornamentals that are adapted to dry conditions. Mulch around plants and shrubs to help limit evaporation and retain water. Use sprinklers sparingly and water after the sun goes down to limit evaporation. Where possible, use soaker hoses instead of sprinklers, as they are more efficient. Don't over fertilize your lawn, since this will make it require more water than normal.
- Keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator for a cool drink. Do not run the faucet to chill the water.
- If you have a swimming pool, cover it when not in use to control evaporation.
