Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater Board - Minutes - 07/25/1977I WATER BOARD Special Meeting July 25, 1977 - 11:00 A.M. Present: Ward Fischer Raymond Anderson Bernard Cain, Jr. Henry Caulfield Ronald Fulkrod Glen Johnson Harvey Johnson Peggy Reeves Paul Lanspery Absent: Norman Evans Everett Richardson Staff members present: Hays, Hisam, Hilgenberg, Krempel, Liquin, and Nortier Consider Current Water Situation Mr. Tom Hays, Senior Water and Sewer Engineer, discussed his report dated July 23, 1977, "Analysis of the Water Situation, 1977-1978 Water Year", and stated that the report was prepared to show water resources that will be available under unfavorable climatic conditions such as has been experienced this year and also for a "worst case" condition based on extreme low winter precipitation with subsequent loss of priority rights on the river. The total water picture of the City including "worst case" conditions led to a discussion between the individual members of the Water Board and the administration. Following this discussion, Chairman Fischer stated that he did not want the City to get into this same position next year where in spite of projections that seemed to be reasonable at the time, the situation changed, and directions had to be suddenly reversed. On the other hand, he was reluctant to impose rationing upon the City just for the purpose of imposing rationing. It should be done only at times when it is necessary to conserve water in that manner. He felt that the best way to protect the Water Board, the Council and the administration against this type of situation next year would be to get all the information possible as long as it is available. Then during the first part of April, when the City receives the Big "T" water allocations and also at the time the river snow pack is known, a schedule should be prepared projecting the water available to the City and the consumptive use by the City on 2 week periods. In this manner if water resources are below that projective and consumptive use is above that projective, water restrictions should be implemented. During any two week period when the water availability meets or exceeds the consumptive use, no restrictions will be necessary. He stated that this may require the Water Board to meet every two weeks to review the ratio. .This way y • the Water Board can keep track of the water situation, and the citizens would know that restrictions would be imposed only to the extent necessary. Mr. Krempel stated that the administration will do all they can to keep the Board well informed. Chairman Fischer further stated that sometime in the near future, there should be a policy decision on the question of whether the City's money should be spent for the purpose of providing water for agriculture in drought years. After additional discussion, it was the consensus of the Water Board to meet bi-weekly to monitor the water situation for 1978. Chairman Fischer stated he felt the first thing to do is to request the staff to keep track of water resources and water consumption this fall, and then start addressing this as soon as it is appropriate, and also addressing the question of whether the City should ration for the purpose of making water available to agriculture. Consider Alternative Restrictions Mr. Krempel stated that five alternative schemes for water restrictions have been developed, including one additional alternative proposed by Councilman Suinn. He stated that the present program is very basic, easy to understand, and easy to monitor, but some areas of the City have experienced low water pressure during their watering periods. In some cases, variances have been granted to alleviate the problems such as LaPorte and Eastdale. Also fire flow tests have been made and there are some hydrants with less than desirable pressure during watering periods. The staff recommendation would be to continue the present system granting such variances as needed in extreme cases of low water pressure. He further stated that if the pressure problem in these isolated locations can be solved, he felt this is the best system. The Water Board discussed the pressure problems that have occurred with the present water restriction system, and also discussed the six alternatives. Chairman Fischer stated that there are two problems that tend to be in conflict. First, it is probably desirable to stay on the present schedule, because it is hard to re-educate people, but whatever is decided at this meeting should not be changed again. On the other hand, if there are too many exceptions, it destroys the accuracy of the program. He further stated that there are basically three suggestions which are: (1) maintain the present schedule granting variances as needed; (2) adopt either Alternative 3 or Alternative 5 which would solve the pressure problems; and (3) wait and study the situation for a week. After discussion, Board member Caulfield made a motion, seconded by Peggy Reeves, to recommend to the Council to adopt Alternative 5 with the following changes: Addresses ending in 1, 4, or 7 would water on Sunday and Thursday; Addresses endi_vg in 2, 5, 8, or 9 would water on Monday and Friday; Addresses ending in 3, 6, or 0 would water on Tuesday and Saturday. The Chair put the motion, which was unanimously adopted. Chairman Fischer requested Mr. Krempel to communicate to the City Council that the reason for recommending the new schedule was to solve the pressure problems and it is the Board's judgement that this should not be changed again. -2- Other Business Chairman Fischer stated that with the critical water program, it is possible that the City might be able to obtain some additional water at a cost of $15.00 per acre foot. This water is stored in Reservoir No. 6 and is not available for agricultural uses. He stated that through the good use of many of the Water Supply and Storage Company reservoirs below that point and the various complicated exchanges that could be made through their offices, that it could be ultimately transferred up to Chambers Lake for the City's use. There is a possibility that the City could obtain approximately 1000 acre feet. Board member Glen Johnson made a motion, seconded by Peggy Reeves, to request the administration to acquire this water. The Chair put the motion, which was unanimously adopted. Chairman Fischer stated that when the question of whether or not the City should ration next year to make water available to agricultural users is considered, it should also be analyzed to whom the City would rent the water if it was saved by reviewing and establishing priorities on existing agreements with Water Supply and Storage Company and the South Side Ditches, as well as individual lease -back agreements which the City has entered into in recent years. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. �J Charles Liquin Kaye Imel - 3-