Oceanside may become the first North County city to pipe reclaimed water into the fountains and pool in front of city hall.
The city already treats reclaimed water and pipes it to other locations for irrigation.
To use reclaimed water in the downtown fountain would involve installing pipelines and obtaining necessary permits.
But if reclaimed water is used, the city would have to keep a temporary fence that was erected around the pool and fountain two years ago when the 29-year-old water feature was closed for repairs. The fence would need to stay in place to assure public health and safety, and guard people against direct contact with reclaimed water.
Councilman Jerry Kern said using reclaimed water is an admiral idea, but not if it means keeping the bright blue fence.
“Just the symbolic meaning of having bars around things, it’s not what we are, it’s not what we want to portray to the public,” Kern said. “In order to utilize the public space, we need to take those bars down.”
The pool was refilled with potable water a few moths ago, and the fountains re-started, after state drought restrictions were lifted.
Kern said the temporary fence has impeded public access and enjoyment of the plaza area around the fountain, which is frequently used for community events and trade fairs.
“Because of the way the fountains were designed, you could sit close to them and be next to them.” Kern said. “Now you're walled off from them.”
Kern said he supports using reclaimed water if the fence is taken down and other solutions are used to safeguard health and safety, such as additional signs and water chlorination.
Oceanside water department is exploring what it would cost to build pipelines and meet health and safety requirements, before bringing the request to use reclaimed water to City Council.
