Guymon announces ‘Stage 3 Water Emergency’ restrictions amid heat wave, water demand

GUYMON, Okla. (KAMR/KCIT) – Officials with the City of Guymon declared a “Stage 3 Water Emergency” on Thursday after several weeks of extreme heat and “extraordinary demand and water usage” have led to the city’s water system exceeding its production capacity, requiring water restrictions for supply conservation.

Guymon Mayor Kim Peterson declared the water emergency status in Thursday’s proclamation and detailed that “Stage 3” water regulations had been put into immediate effect, including:

• Outdoor lawn irrigation will be restricted to one day per week, after 7 p.m. and before 11 a.m.
• Odd-numbered addresses may irrigate on Saturday, and even-numbered addresses may irrigate on Sunday.

• Water customers may hand-water gardens and ornamentals at any time, except for grass and turf.
• Strict enforcement will be conducted for “waste of water” non-compliance defined by the Guymon Code of Ordinances.

• The city ordinances defined “waste of water” as “using water in such a negligent or inefficient manner that excessive loss of water occurs.”
• Water waste or emergency restriction violation fees may range from $20 up to $500.

The “Stage 3” emergency declaration comes after May guidelines were released emphasizing the “critical” need for water conservation ahead of the completion of the city’s new wellfield project. Water conservation guidelines such as enforcing an odd/even watering schedule, limiting yard watering to 1.5 inches of water per week and restricting water runoff have been in place in Guymon and ongoing year-round since 2022, according to the city’s website.

Guymon city officials are expected to host a press conference on the water emergency measures on Thursday afternoon, which will be live streamed in this article.

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