WATER CONSERVATION and
DROUGHT EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLAN
ection 1-Declaration of Policy, Purposes and Intent
In cases of extreme drought, periods of abnormally high usage, system contamination, or extended reduction in ability to supply water due to equipment failure, temporary restrictions will be instituted to limit non-essential water usage. The purpose of the Drought Contingency Plan is to encourage, and under emergency conditions require, customer conservation in order to maintain supply, storage, or pressure.
Section 2-Public Education
The District will periodically provide the public with information about the Plan, including information about the conditions under which each stage of the Plan is to be initiated or terminated and the drought response measures to be implemented in each stage.
Drought plan information will be provided through utility bill notice advising of availability of plan on internet web site or from Utility Billing Office. Additional information will be provided at various sponsored events throughout The District.
Section 3-Authorization
The General Manager/Managers of his/her designee is hereby authorized and directed to implement the applicable provisions of this Plan upon determination that such implementation is necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare.
Section 4-Notice Requirements
Notice will be provided to customers prior to implementation or termination of each stage of the water restriction program. Notice will be provided through posting on District web site, newspaper, public building, etc.
The date restrictions will begin
The circumstances that triggered the restrictions
The stages of response and explanation of the restrictions to be implemented
An explanation of the consequences for violations
Section 5-Violations
First violation-The customer will be notified by written notice of their specific violation.
Subsequent violations:
A court citation will be issued for violation of this Ordinance and may result in a fine of up to $200.00 per day the violation continues.
Continued violations may result in termination of water service.
Section 6-Exemptions or Variances
The District Board of Directors may grant variance from requirements of this Plan in accordance with the same standards and procedures applicable to building-related variances; see Chapter 6 of the code of Ordinances. An applicant who is refused a variance may appeal such action to the District. Any person seeking an exemption from this Plan may apply in writing to the District Board of Directors and must demonstrate good cause for the exemption. The District Board of Directors will treat all customers equally concerning exemptions and variances, and shall not discriminate in granting exemptions and variances. No exemption or variance shall be retroactive or otherwise justify any violation of this Plan occurring prior to the issuance of the exemption or variance.
Section 7- Coordination with Regional Water Planning Groups
The service area of The District is located within Regional Water Planning Group H and a copy of this plan has been mailed to this planning group and the TCEQ.
The utility will notify the TCEQ by telephone at (512) 239-6020, or electronic mail at watermon@TCEQ.state.tx.us upon implementation of the program and will notify in writing the Public Drinking Water Section at MC-155, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087 within five (5) working days of implementation including a copy of the utilitys restriction notice. The utility must file a status report of its restriction program with the TCEQ every 30 days that restriction continues.
Section 8- System Supply Strategy
The District water system is supplied with a combination of well water and surface water. The well water is supplied by one water well owned and operated by the system and can safely supply our annual daily average. The Surface water supply is through a purchase agreement with the GCWA, Texas and this supply can safely supply our daily annual average. With limitations on either of these supplies during peak pumping seasons, it may be necessary to implement water usage restrictions. The District has one pump station that can pump well water, surface water, or a combination of both. The Pump Station can safely supply the daily average flow but may require usage restrictions in the event of equipment outages during peak water pumping seasons.
Section 9- Response Stages
The District will communicate the water conservation plan to its customers each year. If, supply or demand triggers are met, the District will initiate the appropriate stage of restrictions.
See Appendix A
DROUGHT CONTINGENCY STAGES
STAGE 1
Stage 1 is designed to encourage customers to conserve water during periods when water supplies are usually limited. Stage 2 will begin when:
Supply- Based Triggers
The District initiates voluntary water restrictions.
Demand- or Capacity-Based Triggers
Total daily demand- 85% of pumping capacity for (3) consecutive days.
The District receives notification from the GCWA to implement the Drought Contingency Plan
Upon initiation and termination of Stage 1, notify all customers by placing notice on Districts website, public notification and on customers water bills.
Requirements for Termination
Stage 1 of the Plan may end when all of the conditions listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of (5) consecutive days.
Utility Measures
Visually inspect lines and repair leaks on a daily basis.
Voluntary Water Use Restrictions
Voluntary Restricted Hours: Outside watering is allowed daily, and encouraged to water only during the hours between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
STAGE 2- MODERATE WATER USE RESTRICTIONS
Stage 2 is designed to take affirmative steps to control the use of water in response to a period of significant water shortage. Stage 2 will begin when:
Equipment outage reduces well capacity by 50% or purchased water intake is limited to less than 75% of standard average draw rates.
The District receives notification from the GCWA to implement the Drought Contingency Plan.
Demand- or Capacity-Based Triggers
Total daily demand 90% of pumping capacity for (3) consecutive days.
The District receives notification from GCWA to implement the Drought Contingency Plan.
Upon initiation and termination of Stage 2, notify all customers by placing notice on Districts website, public notification, and on customers water bills.
Requirements for Termination
Stage 2 of the Plan may end when all of the conditions listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of (5) consecutive days. Upon termination of Stage 2, Stage 1 may become operative.
Utility Measures
Visually inspect lines and repair leaks on a daily basis.
Water line flushing is prohibited except for dead end mains or identified quality control issues
Mandatory Water Use Restrictions
The following water use restrictions shall apply to all customers:
Outside watering is allowed daily, but only during the hours between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Watering of plants and landscaping shall be allowed with a hand held water hose between the hours of 7:00 PM and Midnight and the hours of Midnight and 10:00 AM.
Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, airplane or other vehicle is prohibited except between the hours of 7:00 PM and 10:00 AM. Such washing, when allowed, shall be done with a hand held bucket or a hand held hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle for quick rinses. Further, such washing may be exempted from these regulations if the health, safety, and welfare of the public is contingent upon frequent vehicle cleansing, such as garbage trucks and vehicles used to transport food and perishables.
Use of water to fill, refill, or add to any indoor or outdoor swimming pools, wading pools, or Jacuzzi type pools is prohibited except between the hours of Midnight and 10:00 AM.
Operation of any ornamental fountain or pond for aesthetic or scenic purposes is prohibited except where necessary to support aquatic life where such fountains or ponds are equipped with re-circulation system.
Use of water from hydrants or flush valves shall be limited to maintaining public health, safety, and welfare.
Use of water for the irrigation of parks, and green belt areas is prohibited except between the hours Midnight and 5:00 AM. And between 8:00 PM and 12:00 AM Midnight.
The following non-commercial uses of water are defined as non-essential and are prohibited:
= Wash down of any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, or other hard-surfaced areas
= Use of water to wash down buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire protection
= Use of water for dust control
= Flushing gutters or permitting water to run or accumulate in any gutter or street
= Failure to repair a leak(s) within 72 hours after having been given notice directing the repair of such leak(s)
STAGE 3 CRITICAL WATER USE RESTRICTIONS
Stage 3 is designed to take significant steps to control the use of water in response to periods of critical water shortage. Stage 3 will begin when:
Supply-Based Triggers (Either condition may trigger restrictions)
Supply Contamination
Equipment outage reduces well capacity by 100% or purchased water intake is limited to less than 60% of standard average draw rates
The District receives notification from the GCWA to implement the drought Contingency Plan
Demand- or Capacity-Based Triggers (Either condition may trigger restrictions)
Total daily demand as 95% of pumping capacity for (3) consecutive days
Production or distribution limitations
System outage
The district receives notification from the GCWA to implement the Drought Contingency Plan
Upon initiation and termination of Stage 3, notify all customers by placing notice on Districts website, public notification, and on customers water bills.
Requirements for Termination
Stage 3 of the Plan may be rescinded when all of the conditions listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of five (5) consecutive days. Upon termination of Stage 3, Stage 2 or Stage 1 may be operative.
Operational Measures
The utility shall visually inspect lines and repair leaks on a daily basis. Water line flushing is prohibited except for the identified water quality issues and only between the hours of 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM. Police and District personnel will be asked to maintain vigilance for violations of the water restrictions.
Mandatory Water Use Restrictions
All outdoor use of water is prohibited
Irrigation of landscaped areas is absolutely prohibited
Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, airplane or other vehicle is absolutely prohibited
Application
The provisions of this Plan shall apply to all persons, customers, and property utilizing water provided by the District. The terms person and customer as used in the Plan include individuals, corporations, partnerships, associates and all other legal entities.
Definitions
For the purpose of this Plan, the following shall apply:
Aesthetic Water Use: water use for ornamental or decorative purposes such as fountain, reflecting pools and water gardens.
Commercial and Institutional Water Use: water use which is integral to the operations of commercial and non-profit establishments and governmental entities such as retail establishments, hotels and motels, restaurants and office buildings.
Conservation: those practices, techniques and technologies that reduce the consumption of water, reduce the loss of waste of water, improve the efficiency in the use of water or increase the recycling and reuse of water so that a supply is covered and made available for future or alternative uses.
Customer: any person, company or organization using water supplied by the District
Domestic Water Use: water used for personal needs or for household or sanitary purposes such as drinking, bathing, heating, cooking, sanitation or for cleaning a residence, business, industry or institution.
Even Numbered Address: street addresses, box numbers or rural postal route numbers ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 and locations without addresses.
Odd Numbered Address: street addresses, box numbers or rural postal route numbers ending in 1. 3. 5, 7, or 9.
Industrial Water Use: the use of water in processed designed to convert materials of lower value into forms having greater usability and value.
Landscape Irrigation Use: water used for the irrigation and maintenance of landscaped areas, whether publicly or privately owned; including residential and commercial lawns, gardens, golf courses, parks and right-of-way and medians.
Non-Essential Water Use: water used that are not essential or required for the protection of public health, safety and welfare.
a)Irrigation of landscape areas, including parks, athletic fields and golf courses, except otherwise provided under this Plan
b)Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, airplane or other vehicle
c)Use of water to water to wash down any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts or other hard-surfaced areas
d)Use of water to wash down buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire protection
e)Flushing gutters or permitting water to run or accumulate in any gutter or street
f)Use of water to fill, refill or add to any indoor or outdoor swimming pools or Jacuzzi-type pools
g)Use of water in a fountain or pond for aesthetic or scenic purposes except where necessary to support aquatic life
h)Failure to repair a controllable leak(s) within a reasonable period after having been given notice directing the repair of such leak(s)
i)Use of water from hydrants for construction purposed or any other purposed other than fire protection
Water Conservation Tips
Suggestions on ways to save water which may be included in public information are listed below.
A.Bathroom
a.Take a shower instead of filling the tub and taking a bath. Showers usually use less water than tub baths.
b.Install a low-flow shower head which restricts the quantity of flow at 60 psi to no more than 3.0 gallons per minute.
c.Take short showers and install a cutoff valve or turn water off while soaping and back on again to rinse.
d.Do not use hot water when cold will do. Water and energy can be saved by washing hands with soap and cold water; hot water should only be added when hands are especially dirty.
e.Reduce the level of the water being used in a bath tub by one or two inches if a shower is not available.
f.Turn water off when brushing teeth until it is time to rinse.
g.Do not let water run when washing hands. Instead, hands should be wet, and water should be turned off while soaping and scrubbing and turned on again to rinse. A cutoff valve may be installed on the faucet.
h.Shampoo hair in the shower. Shampooing in the shower takes only a little more water than is used to shampoo hair during a bath and much less shampooing and bathing separately.
i.Hold hot water in the basin when shaving instead of letting the faucet continue to run.
j.Test for toilet leaks. To test for a leak, a few drops of food coloring can be added to the water in the tank. The toilet should not be flushed. The customer can then watch to see if the color appears in the bowl within a few minutes. If it does, the fixture needs adjustment or repair.
k.Use a toilet tank displacement device. A one-gallon plastic milk bottle can be filled with stones or with water, recapped, and placed in the toilet tank. This will reduce the amount of water in the tank, but still provide enough for flushing. (Bricks, which some people use for this purpose, are not recommended, since they crumble eventually and could damage the working mechanism. Displacement devices should never be used with new low-volume flush toilets.
l.Install faucet aerators to reduce water consumption.
m.Never use the toilet to dispose of cleaning tissues, cigarette butts, or other trash. This can waste a great deal of water and also places an unnecessary load on the wastewater treatment plant.
n.Install a new low-volume toilet that uses 1.6 gallons or less per flush when building a new home or remodeling a bathroom.
B. Kitchen
a.Use a pan of water (or place a stopper in the sink) for rinsing pots and pans and cooking implements when cooking rather than turning on the water faucet each time a rinse is needed.
b.Never run the dishwasher without a full load. In addition to saving water, expensive detergent will last longer and a significant energy saving will appear on the utility bill.
c.Use the sink disposal sparingly, and never use it for just a few scraps.
d.Keep a container of drinking water in the refrigerator. Running water from the tap until it is cool is wasteful. Better still, both water and energy can be saved by keeping cold water in a jug on the kitchen counter to avoid opening the refrigerator door frequently.
e.Use a small pan of cold water when cleaning vegetables, rather than letting the faucet run.
f.Use only a little water in the pot and put a lid on it for cooking most food. Not only does this method save water, but food is more nutritious since vitamins and minerals are not poured down the drain with the extra cooking water.
g.Use a pan of water for rinsing when hand-washing dishes rather than running the faucet.
h.Always keep water conservation in mind, and think of the other ways to save in the kitchen. Small kitchen savings from not making too much coffee or letting ice cubes melt in a sink can add up over a years time.
C.Laundry
a.Wash only a full load when using a n automatic washing machine (32 to 59
Gallons are required per load).
b.Use the lowest water level setting on the washing machine for light loads whenever possible.
c.Use cold water as often as possible to save energy and conserve the hot water for uses which cold water cannot serve. (This is also better for clothing made of todays synthetic fabrics.)
D.Appliances and Plumbing
a.Check water requirements of various models and brands when considering purchasing any new appliance that uses water. Some use less water than others.
b.Check all water connections and faucets for leaks. A slow drip can waste as much as 170 gallons of water EACH DAY, and can add at least $10.00 or more per month to the water bill.
c.Learn to replace washers so that drips can be corrected promptly. It is easy to do, costs very little, and can represent a substantial amount saved in plumbing and water bills.
d.Check for water leakage you may be unaware of, such as a leak between the water meter and the house. To check, all indoor and outdoor faucets should be turned off, and the water meter should be checked. If it continues to run or turn, a leak probably exists and needs to be located.
e.Insulate all hot water pipes to avoid the delays (and wasted water) experienced while waiting for the water to turn hot.
f.Be sure the hot water heater thermostat is not set too high. Extremely hot settings waste water and energy because the water often has to be cooled with cold water before it can be used.
g.Use a moisture meter to determine when house plants need water. More plants die from over-watering than from being on the dry side.
E.Out-of Doors Use
a.Water lawns between the hours of 8:00pm to 6:00am during the hotter summer months. Much of the water used on the lawn can simply evaporate between the sprinkler and the grass.
b.Use a sprinkler that produces large drops of water, rather than a fine mist, to avoid evaporation.
c.Turn soaker hoses so the holes are on the bottom to avoid evaporation.
d.Water slowly for better absorption, and never water in high winds.
e.Forget about watering the streets, walks, and driveways. They will never grow a thing.
f.Condition the soil with compost before planting grass or flower beds so that the water will soak in rather than run off.
g.Fertilize lawns at least twice a year for root stimulation. Grass with a good root system makes better use of less water.
h.Learn to know when grass needs watering. If it has turned a dull gray-green or if footprints remain visible, it is time to water.
i.Do not water too frequently. Too much water can overload the soil so that air cannot get to the roots and can encourage plant diseases.
j.Do not over-water. Soil can absorb only so much moisture and the rest simply runs off. A timer will help, and either a kitchen timer or an alarm clock will do. An inch and one-half of water applied once a week will keep most Texas grasses alive and healthy.
k.Operate automatic sprinkler systems only when the demand on the towns water supply is the lowest. Set the system to operate between 4 and 6 am.
l.Do not scalp lawns when mowing during hot weather. Taller grass holds moisture better. Rather, grass should be cut fairly often, so that only 1 to 2 inches is trimmed off. A better looking lawn will result.
m.Use a watering can or hand water with the hose in small areas of the lawn that need more frequent watering (those near walks or driveways or in especially hot, sunny spots.)
n.Learn what types of grass, shrubbery, and plants do the best in the area and in which parts of the lawn, and then plant them accordingly. If one has a heavily shaded yard, no amount of water will make the roses bloom. In especially dry sections of the state, attractive arrangements of plants that are adapted to arid or semi-arid climates should be chosen.
o.Consider decorating areas of the lawn with rocks, gravel, wood chips, or other materials now available that require no water at all.
p.Do not sweep walks and driveways with the hose. Use a broom or rake instead.
q.Use a bucket of soapy water and use the hose only for rinsing when washing the car.