EDMOND —
The City of Edmond has implemented mandatory water rationing effective immediately until further notice, per the Oklahoma City water emergency declaration.
The mandatory water rationing declaration was made by the city manager of Oklahoma City in an attempt to reduce daily peak consumption by all retail and wholesale water customers until further notice, according to a release from the City of Edmond.
“Because of Edmond’s increased summertime water usage and record, extreme temperatures, we have begun to purchase water from Oklahoma City to meet our community’s water demands,” said Ashleigh Clark, City of Edmond public information officer. “Because of our agreement with Oklahoma City, Edmond is required to implement level two mandatory water rationing schedule when Oklahoma City has initiated theirs.”
Edmond’s daily water use during the summer months varies from 18 million to 22 million gallons per day with the average being less than 20 MGD. During the last several days, demand has exceeded 23 MGD.
Edmond, like many other cities in the state, is beginning to feel the effects of higher than normal temperatures combined with a shortfall in rain over the summer. Other metro communities affected by this mandatory rationing include Oklahoma City, Moore, Yukon and Norman.
It was 110 degrees at 2:53 p.m. Wednesday at the Edmond reporting station as the heat wave continued, according to the National Weather Service.
The day’s predicted high was 110. At 4:53 p.m., the temperature reached 111 at the local reporting station located 4 miles west southwest of Edmond. Thursday’s high is expected to be near 108 and Friday’s 106. It is expected to “cool” down to 101 on Saturday and 98 on Sunday.
A heat advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. Friday, and heat index values of 100-110 are expected during the interim period, according to the National Weather Service.
Residents and businesses can follow the level two mandatory water rationing schedule. This applies to only irrigation systems and sprinklers. Hand watering with a hose is allowed every day.
“City officials are confident residents understand this immediate need. We are certain residents will work with the City in assisting to reach our water capacity levels,” Clark said. Citations for watering not consistent with the level two mandatory water rationing schedule could result in a citation amount of up to $240.
The City of Edmond will continue to monitor our water levels and work with Oklahoma City on communicating any changes.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality alert for expected high concentrations of ozone in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday for areas including Oklahoma and Logan counties. People with existing heart or respiratory ailments should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity.
A prolonged period of very hot day time temperatures and only modest cooling at night will increase the danger of heat-related illnesses, weather experts say. Residents are also urged to take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities for early in the morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. And drink plenty of water.
To help you stay cooler, OG&E Energy Corporation has partnered with several nonprofit organizations to develop “Cool Zones” — designated sites where anyone can go to escape the heat and avoid heat related illnesses. For seniors and others vulnerable to heat-related problems, a Cool Zone can be a lifesaver.
Cool Zones are in structures such as libraries, churches, senior citizen centers. They offer air conditioning and cold bottled water to those that don’t have access to these essential items. OG&E and partner organizations are urging residents to “be a cool neighbor” and keep an eye out for those around you who may need help cooling down this summer.
There are more than 200 Cool Zone locations in the Oklahoma City metro area. To find a Cool Zone near you, visit oge.com and click on “Community Programs.”
Edmond Cool Zones are: Edmond Library, 10 S. Boulevard, Edmond Branch YMCA, 1220 S. Rankin Street, the Daily Living Center, 3413 Wynn Drive and the Trails YMCA, 261 S. Santa Fe Avenue, according to information released by OG&E.
marks@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 108
Local News
City implements mandatory water rationing
Edmond area temperature reaches 111 Wednesday
- Local News
-
-
UPDATE: At least 51 killed by tornado in Moore
A large tornado ripped out sections of Moore Monday afternoon leaving a path of destruction of wrecked homes and businesses, according to the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management.
-
UPDATE: Tornado damages 12 homes in Edmond
Twelve homes were damaged in the Edmond area by Sunday afternoon’s tornado. Major damage impacted three of the homes while the other eight homes had minor damage, said Matt Stillwell, director of the city’s emergency communications and management.
-
LIVE BLOG: Massive tornado hits south of OKC
A massive tornado touched down Monday afternoon in Moore, Okla., just south of Oklahoma City. Follow live coverage of the aftermath of the storm.
-
Mercy: Tornado damage delays Edmond opening
Damage from Sunday’s tornado will delay the grand opening of the Mercy Edmond I-35 campus by about six months, an administrator said. It had been scheduled for a July grand opening.
-
Westmoore Community Church honors service members Sunday
The capture of Saddam Hussein was a victory that lit the nation — after months of searching, the U.S. had finally apprehended one of the world’s most infamous dictators. The battalion that made the capture was headed by U.S. military veteran and Oklahoma native, Lt. Col. Steve Russell. Russell has since retired from the military but still shares the tale of the capture of his career.
-
What you need to know about preparing for tornadoes
Tornado survivors and seasoned observers suggest people do two simple things to prepare for tornadoes: Know where to take shelter, and move quickly when the time comes.
-
Touch-a-Truck event draws hundreds
The 2013 Touch-A-Truck event took place Saturday at the University of Central Oklahoma campus. The event was sponsored by Edmond Electric, and all donations went to the HOPE Center.
-
5-21 Found Pets
This is a list of animals that have been found and are at the Edmond Animal Shelter, at Interstate 35 and Covell in the Cross Timbers Municipal Complex. Call the shelter at 216-7615 for more information.
-
City Council plans for budget increases
The Edmond City Council agreed Monday to a 6 percent budget increase for the next five fiscal years. The council met in a special budget workshop Monday morning. Fiscal Year 2014 begins July 1.
-
More than 120 from OC serve on summer missions
In the past year, Oklahoma Christian University emphasized “OC is Home” as a key theme to begin John deSteiguer’s tenure as president.
This summer, more than 120 students, staff and faculty are leaving the comforts of home to serve and spread the Gospel in around 20 countries, showing that “OC is Mission,” too.
“We are motivated and encouraged by the pure hearts for service that so many OC students have,” deSteiguer said. “We commend them, as well as our many faculty and staff who exemplify OC’s Christian mission to spread the good news and serve others.” - More Local News Headlines
-
UPDATE: At least 51 killed by tornado in Moore
RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma
Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble
Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir
Obama to tornado survivors: The country stands beside you
Reporter Cries Over Devastation
Sneak Peek: 'Modern Family' Says Good Bye
Trailer: 'The Last Stand' Available on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital Download
IWitness Look at Moore, OK Tornado
RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school
Robert Pattinson Moves Out
RAW: Russian dash cam catches car 20 feet in the air
Oklahoma tornado survivor: "Everything is gone"
Khloe Lashes Out at Kim Kardashian's Critics
Couple Argues As Woman's Lover Crawls Out Window
RAW: Brad Paisley Forgets Lyrics To His Own Song
Justin Bieber Gets Booed
RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado
New 'Anchorman 2' Trailer, Drake Joins List of Rumored Cameos
Eva Longoria's Wardrobe Malfunction
Heat Star Dwyane Wade Surprises Coral Gables Teen At Prom
