HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 01/28/2014 - WATER SHORTAGE MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN UPDATEDATE:
STAFF:
January 28, 2014
Laurie D'Audney, Water Conservation Specialist
Lisa Rosintoski, Utility Customer Connections Manager
Donnie Dustin, Water Resources Manager
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Water Shortage Management Action Plan Update.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this work session is to provide Council with an update about the 2013 Water Shortage
Management Action Plan (WSMAP). The WSMAP is a comprehensive planning document that was used to guide
the key activities as water restrictions were implemented as outlined in the Water Supply Shortage Response
Plan. The WSMAP combines water supply monitoring (which determines the water restriction level), violation
management, communications and public engagement to provide a roadmap for successful implementation of the
water restrictions. The work session discussion will include the outcomes of Fort Collins Utilities’ implementation
of the 2013 WSMAP and next steps for updating the Water Supply Shortage Response Plan, and associated
changes to the Municipal Code.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Does Council have any comments regarding the actions and results of the 2013 Water Shortage
Management Action Plan?
2. Is there any feedback on the recommended updates to the Water Supply Shortage Response Plan or
changes to the Municipal Code that will be brought for Council consideration?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
The City’s Water Supply Shortage Response Plan (Plan), Ordinance No. 048, 2003, as amended by Ordinance
No. 047, 2013, outlines a series of measures to be enacted, including water restrictions, for four levels of water
shortage. In November 2012, staff began meeting to discuss the water supply situation and the need for
restrictions. The Cache la Poudre River had water quality concerns due to the High Park Fire and low snowpack.
The Colorado-Big Thompson Project continued to be affected by persistent drought and low snowpack. Uncertain
how much water supply would be available for use in 2013, on March 6 City Manager Darin Atteberry declared
Response Level 1 restrictions to be effective on April 1.
Even when citizens are aware of water restrictions, have an understanding of why the restrictions are in effect,
and share the attitude that restricting water use is the right thing to do, they may not know what to do. Fort Collins
Utilities offered free help in re-programming sprinkler controllers to the right day and right hours to comply with the
restrictions. A bill insert and other materials were available to customers about how to maintain a landscape
(trees, shrubs, grass) during restrictions. Utilities’ free sprinkler audit program continued to help customers learn
about their sprinkler system and how to operate it efficiently. Xeriscape educational programs and tours were
offered for those who wanted to consider removing some grass and putting in lower water using plantings.
In anticipation of possibly declaring Response Level 2 or higher, Council approved Ordinance No. 047, 2013,
adjusting the water rates as recommended in the Plan and making a few revisions to the Plan itself. By May, the
weather made a drastic turnaround with abundant snow and precipitation. With an increase in the water supply
that no longer indicated a shortage, restrictions were lifted effective June 1.
January 28, 2014 Page 2
Violation Management
Violation management included issuing permits and responding to complaints of wasting water and violations of
the restrictions. There were 179 permits issued and 53 complaints investigated. No citations were issued. All
these were tracked in the City’s Wasting Water Database. To help customers comply with the restrictions, staff
offered to visit homes and help reprogram their sprinkler controller with the correct day and time, but the service
was not used.
Communication and Public Engagement
Heading into restrictions, the decision was made to take an educational approach to encourage the participation
by customers. The goal was not to issue citations. Both communications and public engagement plans were
prepared, with key messages and targeted outreach to businesses and organizations with a particular interest in
water issues.
The communications plan included using the slogan, Reduce Our Use, as a call to action. Bill inserts, bus
benches, bus shelters, newspaper and magazine articles and ads, social media and the Utilities website reflected
the need for water restrictions and ways to conserve.
A speaker’s bureau was established to educate the public about the City’s need for restrictions, how to comply
with them and other actions citizens could take to use less water. About 75% of City staff was reached through
presentations so staff would understand the need for restrictions and share a consistent message in their contacts
with the public. Externally, 54 presentations were given to various businesses, community groups and at events.
In total, 1,400 people were reached within two months.
Business sectors largely impacted by the water restrictions, such as landscapers, power washers, breweries, and
HOAs, received targeted outreach. Key account managers kept in constant communication with businesses to
ensure they knew the current status of the water supply and restrictions; especially around the rate increases for
Response Level 2 and higher.
In April, the City joined the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Citizens pledged online to take
conservation actions and Fort Collins was a second place winner. In addition, a Water Catchers award program
was created to recognize businesses and community members who implemented innovative water conservation
techniques. Two businesses and a resident received awards for their actions to reduce their water use indoors
and outdoors.
Lifting Restrictions
Due to a dramatic increase in mountain snowpack in the spring, the City was fortunate to have significant
additional Horsetooth Reservoir water supply. This additional supply allowed the City to meet remaining 2013
demands and achieve its carryover goal of 7,500 acre-feet. City Manager Darin Atteberry declared the termination
of the water restrictions as of June 1.
Water Use
For the restriction period of April 1 to May 31, water use was 22% below average and 18% below expected
considering the actual weather conditions.
Policies to Update
As the water restrictions were implemented, it became clear that the Water Supply Shortage Response Plan
needed to be updated. A list was kept of the identified issues. In August, the Water Restrictions Team reconvened
to begin working on the revisions. Currently, the team is collaborating with the City Attorney’s Office to finalize
revisions. Recommendations under consideration include:
Add a section asking citizens to implement Response Level 1 measures voluntarily when the need for
water restrictions is being considered, but has not been established
January 28, 2014 Page 3
Add rate increases associated with the water restrictions to the Municipal Code in the section with the
other water rates
Define food production and vegetable gardens as different from flowers, shrubs and trees
Define splash parks as interactive structures that are intended for public use and play
Define swimming pools and associated restrictions
Define when, where and how commercial power washing is acceptable
Decriminalize violations, from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction
Other small revisions, such as how the City Manager lifts the restrictions, how many days the restrictions
notice must be published, including permits for golf courses as part of parks and playing fields, watering
of ball fields for dust control and safety, and minor tweaks to the restrictions per Response Level.
In addition, sections of the Municipal Code were identified as needing to be revised or no longer needed. The
recommendations under consideration include:
Sec. 26-166: Prohibition of waste
Clearer definition of “waste of water”
Extend beyond irrigation waste to indoor leaks
Allow seven days for repairs from notification of problem
Sec. 26-167: Sprinkling restrictions
Delete, the first paragraph will be covered in the revised Sec. 26-166 and the second paragraph in
the revised Sec. 26-168
Sec. 26-168: Water rationing, emergency restrictions
Reference the Water Supply Shortage Response Plan
Sec. 26-169: Conversion to raw water irrigation
Delete, intent when adopted in 1990 was to decrease peak day use at the water treatment facility due
to capacity limitations, now there is excess capacity
Section 12-122: Promotion of conservation
Clarify that when Water Supply Shortage Response Plan is activated, it takes precedence over HOA
covenants.
Next Steps
1. Draft an ordinance updating the Water Supply Shortage Response Plan - February 2014
2. Draft an ordinance with recommended changes to the Municipal Code - February 2014
3. Present the ordinances to Water Board for its review and support - March 20, 2014
4. Present the ordinances to City Council for consideration - April 15, 2014.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Water Supply Shortage Response Plan (PDF)
2. Municipal Code Sections to Update (PDF)
3. PowerPoint presentation (PDF)
ATTACHMENT 1
Water Supply Shortage Response Plan
Ordinance No. 048, 2003, as modified per Ordinance No. 047, 2013
ORDINANCE NO. 048, 2003
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
SUPERCEDING EMERGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 112, 2002,
TO PRESCRIBE TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS ON AND
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE USE OF CITY TREATED WATER
PURSUANT TO A WATER SUPPLY SHORTAGE RESPONSE PLAN
TO BE EFFECTIVE APRIL 11, 2003
WHEREAS, on July 16, 2002, the City Council adopted Emergency Ordinance No. 112,
2002, which prescribed certain restrictions on the use of City-treated water for lawn watering, in
view of the current conditions and projections for future municipal water supplies in Fort Collins;
and
WHEREAS, on September 3, 2002, the Council adopted on second reading Ordinance No.
118, 2002, amending Emergency Ordinance No. 112 to increase the time allowable for watering of
new sod and seeded areas, and to make other clarifying changes; and
WHEREAS, on September 17, 2002, the continued drought conditions in the region had
resulted in increased concerns regarding future municipal water supplies for Fort Collins and, as a
result, the Council adopted on second reading Ordinance No. 135, 2002, which limited lawn
watering with City-treated water to one day per week, as of September 27, 2002; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 112, 2002, as amended by Ordinance No. 118 and Ordinance
No. 135, continues in effect as of the time of this Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, in light of the continued threat of drought conditions in Fort Collins, and the
evolving condition of the City’s municipal water supply and the information related thereto, the
City Council desires to establish a system by which water use restrictions shall be determined
administratively; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has recommended that the City Council adopt a four-tier
Water Supply Shortage Response Plan, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by
this reference (the “Response Plan”), which upon adoption by the Council will provide a system of
water supply shortage response levels and corresponding water restrictions and conservation
measures to be implemented administratively based on the projected water supply shortage; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the adoption of the Response Plan will
enable the City Manager to respond appropriately to changing water supply conditions based on the
Council’s directions set forth therein.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
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Section 1. As of April 11, 2003, Ordinance No. 112, 2002, as amended, shall be
superceded by the terms of this Ordinance.
Section 2. The City Manager is hereby authorized to determine, based upon the most
current available estimated water supplies available to the City, water consumption data, and
climatological forecasts, the projected water supply shortage for Fort Collins. The City Manager is
further authorized and directed to declare, based on that determination, the appropriate Water
Supply Shortage Response Level, as set forth in the Response Plan attached hereto as Exhibit “A”.
Upon such determination and declaration, the City Manager shall cause to be published in the local
newspaper of record a notice of the restrictions and requirements corresponding to that Water
Supply Shortage Response Level, as set forth herein, and the effective date of said restrictions and
requirements, which shall be no more than fourteen (14) days and no fewer than ten (10) days after
the date of such declaration. The City Manager shall inform the City Council promptly of any such
determination and declaration.
Section 3. The following terms shall be defined as set forth herein for the purposes of
this Ordinance:
A. “Lawn watering” shall mean the use of treated or potable water obtained
from the City to irrigate or water any lawn, grass or turf areas, but shall not
include:
i. irrigation or watering of flowers, flower beds, trees, shrubs, or
vegetable gardens; or
ii. irrigation or watering of lawn, grass or turf areas with
privately owned well water or raw water, provided that the
user of any such well or raw water for irrigation or watering
within the service area of the city water utility has posted a
public notice of the same in the watering location in a manner
visible from the street.
B. “Dealership vehicle” shall mean any unregistered vehicle on display or
awaiting sale by a vehicle dealer or other person holding or selling vehicles in
the normal course of business.
C. “Designated landing area” shall mean that area of any golf course hole that is
determined by the Utilities General Manager, in consultation with such other
officials and experts as he or she deems appropriate, to constitute the portion
of said golf course hole in which golf balls hit by the average golfer on said
hole will land.
D. “Health and safety reasons” shall mean as reasonably necessary to remedy an
accidental or unavoidable unsanitary or dangerous condition that poses an
immediate health risk or danger to the public or to the occupants of a
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particular property. The spraying of impervious surfaces for health and safety
reasons shall only be permitted in the event that the unsanitary or dangerous
condition may only reasonably be remedied by the use of sprayed water.
E. “Landscape watering” shall mean the use of treated or potable water obtained
from the City to irrigate or water any flowers, flower beds, trees, shrubs,
vegetable gardens, or other landscaped plantings or plants, but shall exclude
lawn watering, as defined herein.
F. “Low-volume efficient irrigation” shall mean an irrigation system that
includes only bubblers, drip emitters, soaker hoses and subsurface irrigation
such as deep probe irrigation, as well as micro-spray irrigation.
G. “Medical hardship” shall mean an exceptional hardship imposed upon an
individual residential customer by the restrictions set forth in this Ordinance.
H. “Private” shall mean not public.
I. “Public” shall mean operated for use by the general public or publicly owned
and operated.
J. “Religious objection” shall mean an objection to the specific application of
the requirements of this Ordinance due to a conflicting religious belief that
precludes watering on an assigned day.
K. “Residential” shall mean a single-family or duplex residential property or
account.
L. “Spraying impervious surfaces” shall mean rinsing, washing or spraying with
a hose impervious interior or exterior surfaces, including but not limited to
surfaces such as garage floors, siding, windows, sidewalks, driveways, or
patios. The term spraying impervious surfaces shall not mean powerspraying
of painted surfaces to remove paint.
M. “Sprinkler system maintenance” shall mean the operation of an automatic
watering system to the extent reasonably necessary for repair or maintenance.
N. “Water feature” shall mean a water feature that either causes water to be
sprayed into the air, or is a waterfall or fountain. The term water feature shall
not mean a water feature of a pond or basin that performs a function essential
to the support of fish life in that pond or basin, or a water feature in a
swimming pool.
Section 4. When the City Manager has declared the City to be in a specified Water
Supply Shortage Response Level condition, it shall be unlawful, and a violation of the terms and
conditions upon which the City shall provide treated water to its customers, for any person to
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undertake or permit activities or use of City-treated water in a violation of the water restrictions and
requirements associated with that particular Response Level, as set forth in Exhibit “A”.
Section 5. Each person, including any natural person, entity, organization, partnership,
association or joint venture, with legal or actual control of any property, business or other
establishment, water account, or water system serving any of the same, shall have an affirmative
duty to cause said property, business or other establishment, water account, or water system to
operate and act in a manner consistent with the restrictions and requirements of this Ordinance.
Section 6. In the event that the Utilities General Manager determines that a permit
application meets the applicable eligibility requirements, then he or she shall issue a permit for lawn
watering containing such terms and conditions as he or she determines, in his or her reasonable
discretion, will allow the minimum watering necessary to carry out the intent of the permit. The
Utilities General Manager may, in determining said permit terms and conditions, consider the
impacts of the permitted lawn watering on the City's water supply or water system operations. Any
determination of the Utilities General Manager hereunder shall be issued within five (5) business
days of the submission of a complete application, shall be provided in writing to the applicant, and
shall include an explanation of the basis for any determination of denial.
Section 7. A written determination by the Utilities General Manager under Section 6
may be appealed to City Manager, provided that notice of any such appeal shall be filed in writing
within five (5) days of issuance of the same and shall include an explanation of the basis for the
appeal. The City Manager may conduct such investigations as he or she determines appropriate or
necessary to determine whether the decision appealed was arbitrary or capricious or otherwise
inconsistent with the terms of this Ordinance, and shall issue a written explanation of his or her
decision on any appeal within ten (10) days of the submission of a sufficient notice of appeal.
Section 8. Use of City treated water in violation of this Ordinance or in violation of a
permit issued hereunder shall constitute a violation of City Code Section 26-51, which authorizes
the discontinuation of water service in the event of use of water for purposes not authorized.
Section 9. Violation of the terms of this Ordinance in the city or violation of the terms
of a permit issued hereunder shall be deemed to constitute a violation of the City Code pursuant to
City Code Section 1-15(a), and shall be punishable as set forth therein, except that notwithstanding
the provisions of Section 1-15(a), fines for violations of this Ordinance shall be as follows:
A. Residential Violations
i. Violation of any provision of this Ordinance or permit issued
hereunder on or for a residential property or use shall be punishable
by a minimum fine of fifty dollars ($50) per violation up to a
maximum fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation, if the
violation occurs during a Response Level 1 or Response Level 2
condition.
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ii. Violation of any provision of this Ordinance or permit issued
hereunder on or for a residential property or use shall be punishable
by a minimum fine of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation up to a
maximum fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation, if the
violation occurs during a Response Level 3 or Response Level 4
condition.
B. Non-Residential Violations
i. Violation of any provision of this Ordinance or permit issued
hereunder on or for any property or use other than a residential
property or use shall be punishable by a minimum fine of two
hundred and fifty dollars ($250) per violation up to a maximum fine
of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation, if the violation occurs
during a Response Level 1 or Response Level 2 condition.
ii. Violation of any provision of this Ordinance or permit issued
hereunder on or for any property or use other than a residential
property or use shall be punishable by a minimum fine of five
hundred dollars ($500) per violation up to a maximum fine of one
thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation, if the violation occurs during
a Response Level 3 or Response Level 4 condition.
C. Each day during which a violation of any provision of this Ordinance or
permit issued hereunder occurs or continues shall constitute a separate
misdemeanor offense under this Ordinance.
Section 10. The City Manager is hereby directed to present to the Council for
consideration a revised water rate structure to reflect revised consumption and revenue projections
as soon as reasonably practicable after a change in the Water Supply Shortage Response Level.
Section 11. The City Manager shall conduct the business of the City in a manner
consistent with applicable provisions of the Water Supply Shortage Response Plan.
Section 12. This Ordinance shall remain in effect until such time as the City Council
determines that municipal water supply conditions no longer justify the continued implementation
of the Water Supply Shortage Response Plan.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 25th day of
March, A.D. 2003, and to be presented for final passage on the 1st day of April, A.D. 2003.
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ATTEST:
Passed and adopted on final reading this 1 day of April, A.D. 2003.
ATTEST:
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Water Supply Shortage Response Plan
Response
Level 1
Response
Level 2
Response
Level 3
Response
Level 4
Water Supply
Projected water supply
shortage as determined by
the City Manager
1-10% 11-20% 21-30% Greater than 30%
Regulated Water Use
Activities
1. Lawn & turf watering
a. Non-watering hours
No lawn watering between
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
No lawn watering between
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
No lawn watering between
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
No lawn watering between
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
b. Number of watering
days per week
(Note: even and odd
refers to the street
address)
Residential (even) - Th & Sun
Residential (odd) - Wed & Sat
Multi-family & Commercial - Tue
& Fri
No watering on Monday.
Residential (even) - Sun
Residential (odd) - Sat
Multi-family & Commercial - Fri
No watering Monday thru
Thursday.
Residential (even) - Sun
Residential (odd) - Sat
Multi-family & Commercial - Fri
No watering Monday thru
Thursday.
No watering from 6/1 thru 8/31.
Use Level 3 restrictions from 9/1
thru 5/31.
c. Time limit per day
Unrestricted during watering
hours
Unrestricted during watering
hours
2 hours during designated
watering day
No watering from 6/1 thru 8/31.
Use Level 3 restrictions from 9/1
thru 5/31.
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Response
Level 1
Response
Level 2
Response
Level 3
Response
Level 4
b. Medical hardship
Permit required for a special
watering schedule to
accommodate medical hardship.
No watering on Monday and
between the hours of 10 a.m. and
6 p.m.
Permit required for a special
watering schedule to
accommodate medical hardship.
No watering on Monday thru
Thursday and between the hours
of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Permit required for a special
watering schedule to
accommodate medical hardship.
No watering on Monday thru
Thursday and between the hours
of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Must
comply with 2 hr/week restriction.
No exceptions
c. Religious objection
Permit required to accommodate
a different two-day schedule. No
watering on Monday and between
the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Permit required to accommodate
a different watering day. No
watering Monday thru Thursday
and between the hours of 10 a.m.
and 6 p.m.
Permit required to accommodate
a different watering day. No
watering Monday thru Thursday
and between the hours of 10 a.m.
and 6 p.m. Must comply with 2
hr/week restriction.
No exceptions
d. 4 acres or more
Permit required for a special
watering schedule to
accommodate areas of 4 acres or
more. Max of 1.00" per week.
No watering on Monday and
between the hours of 10 a.m. and
6 p.m.
Permit required for a special
watering schedule to
accommodate areas of 4 acres or
more. Max of 0.75" per week.
No watering on Monday and
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Response
Level 1
Response
Level 2
Response
Level 3
Response
Level 4
5. Washing City fleet
vehicles
Once per week or as approved by
the City Manager for health or
safety reasons.
Once per month or as approved
by the City Manager for health or
safety reasons.
Not allowed unless approved by
the City Manager for health or
safety reasons.
Not allowed unless approved by
the City Manager for health or
safety reasons.
6. Dealership vehicle
washing
Once per week Once per week Upon sale Upon sale
7. Spraying impervious
surfaces (siding, garages,
sidewalks, driveways,
patios) except as
necessary for health and
safety reasons
Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed
8. Hydrant flushing & testing Unrestricted
Limited to critical situations as
approved by the Utilities General
Manager.
Limited to critical situations as
approved by the Utilities General
Manager.
Limited to critical situations as
approved by the Utilities General
Manager.
9. Water features Unrestricted Unrestricted No use allowed No use allowed
Enforcement
Residential fines per violation $50 to $1,000 $50 to $1,000 $100 to $1,000 $100 to $1,000
Business fines per violation $250 to $1,000 $250 to $1,000 $500 to $1,000 $500 to $1,000
Water Rate Adjustments
Adjust water rates to
encourage additional
conservation
No adjustment
Recommend adjustment that
reflects a 15% reduction in water
demand.
Recommend adjustment that
reflects a 25% reduction in water
demand.
Recommend adjustment that
reflects a 35% reduction in water
ATTACHMENT 2
Municipal Code Sections to Update
Division 6
Water Conservation
Sec. 26-166. Prohibition of waste; irrigation.
(a) It is unlawful to waste City water in any manner. No person shall permit City water to
flow, run or be discharged in the streets or sidewalks in a wasteful manner or flood any part
of the premises of another.
(b) City water shall not be used for irrigation or sprinkling, except for watering lawns,
ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, flowers and domestic gardens. Lawn sprinkling systems shall
be properly designed, installed, maintained and operated to prevent wasting of water.
(Code 1972, § 112-22; Ord. No. 165, 1986, § 1(112-61(A)), 11-4-86)
Sec. 26-167. Sprinkling restrictions.
(a) Except in the case of a programmed automatic sprinkler system, City water shall not be
used for sprinkling or watering any yard, grounds, premises or vegetation between the hours
of 12:00 midnight and 4:00 a.m. Sprinklers or hose nozzles shall not be placed and set so as
to interfere with traffic on sidewalks.
(b) Upon recommendation of the Water Board, the use of City water for sprinkling purposes
may be further restricted or prohibited by order of the City Council. The sprinkling
restrictions or prohibitions prescribed shall be effective upon publication of notice of the City
Council's order once in a daily newspaper published in the City.
(Code 1972, §§ 112-22, 112-23; Ord. No. 165, 1986, § 1(112-61(B)), 11-4-86; Ord. No. 117,
1996, § 7, 9-17-96; Ord. No. 28, 1998, § 6, 3-17-98)
Sec. 26-168. Water rationing; emergency restrictions.
(a) Drought or water shortage. In the event of drought or water shortage, the City Council
may place restrictions on all uses of City water and even prohibit, if necessary, all
nondomestic uses of the City water if the Water Board so recommends. The City Council's
order prescribing use restrictions shall be effective upon publication once in a daily
newspaper published in the City and shall continue in full force and effect until the City
Council finds the water shortage has ended.
(b) Emergencies. In the event of a major fire or any other emergency that requires the
immediate curtailment of the use of City water, the City Manager is authorized to order any
restrictions on use of City water as necessary for the protection of the public.
(Code 1972, § 112-25; Ord. No. 165, 1986, § 1(112-62), 11-4-86; Ord. No. 117, 1996, § 8, 9-
17-96; Ord. No. 28, 1998, § 7, 3-17-98)
Sec. 26-169. Conversion to raw water irrigation.
Any existing customer of the water utility who is provided service used exclusively for
botanical irrigation shall be eligible to apply for a rebate from the water utility upon
conversion of said water service to a raw water irrigation system. The amount of any such
rebate shall be equal to the value of the water treatment plant capacity which is made
available because of the conversion of such irrigation water service to a raw water irrigation
system. The value of the water treatment plant capacity shall be based upon the most current
ATTACHMENT 2
net book value of the City's water treatment plant facilities (as said net book value is
maintained by the Finance Department) at the time of application for the rebate, in proportion
to the peak day capacity of the City's treatment facilities existing at the time of the
application for the rebate. Botanical irrigation shall be deemed to consume one-quarter (0.25)
inch of water per day over the entire area irrigated. The rebate shall be calculated in
accordance with the following formula:
.25 (inches)
x
Irrigated Area
(sq. ft.)
x
7.48
(gal./cu. ft.)
x
Net Book Value ($)
= Rebate ($)
12 (inches/ft.) Peak Day Capacity (gal.)
The rebate shall not exceed the current cost of plant investment fees based upon the size of
irrigation service or services to be inactivated by the applicant. The City may pay fifty (50)
percent of the rebate when such irrigation service is inactivated and physically separated
from the new raw water irrigation system, but the City shall not pay the remaining portion of
the rebate until the raw water irrigation system is fully installed and capable of operation. No
rebate, or any portion thereof, shall be made until the irrigation system has been disconnected
from the water utility. Upon disconnection, such irrigation system shall not be reconnected to
the water utility until such time that the utility has received payment of all plant investment
fees and tap fees required under this Code for new customers.
(Ord. No. 29, 1990, 4-3-90)
Sec. 12-122. Promotion of conservation.
No person shall create, cause to be created, enforce or seek to enforce any provision
contained in any restrictive covenant which has the effect of prohibiting or limiting the
installation or use of Xeriscape landscaping, solar/ photo-voltaic collectors (if mounted flush
upon any established roof line), clothes lines (if located in back yards), or odor-controlled
compost bins, or which has the effect of requiring that a portion of any individual lot be
planted in turf grass.
Water Shortage Management
Action Plan
City Council
January 28, 2014
2
Key Topics
• Water Shortage Management
Action Plan
• 2013 Water Restrictions
• Recommended Updates
• Next Actions
3
Water Shortage Management
Action Plan
• Water Supply Conditions
• Water Supply Shortage
Response Plan
• Water Restrictions Violations
Management
• Communications
• Public Engagement
• Water Policies
4
2013 Water Restrictions
• Violation Management
– 53 complaints received
– 179 permits issued
• Communication
– Bill inserts, social media
• Public Engagement
– 1,400 people in 2 months
• Water Savings
– 18% below expected use
Response Level 1: April 1 – May 31
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Policies to Update
• Water Supply Shortage Response Plan
– Ordinance 048, 2003, as amended
by Ordinance 047, 2013
• Municipal Code
– Sec. 26, Division 6:
Water Conservation
– Sec. 12-122:
Promotion of Conservation
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Recommended Updates
Water Supply Shortage Response Plan
• Add voluntary actions
• Establish rate increases in the Municipal Code
• Separate food production from watering of flowers,
trees and shrubs
• Define splash parks and swimming pools
• Clarify commercial power washing
• Decriminalize violations
• Other small revisions
7
Recommended Updates
Municipal Code – Sec. 26
• Sec. 26-166: Prohibition of waste; irrigation
– Clearer definition of “waste of water”
• Sec. 26-167: Sprinkling restrictions
– Delete, address in Sec. 26-166 & 168
• Sec. 26-168: Water rationing, emergency restrictions
– Reference Water Supply Shortage Response Plan
• Sec. 26-169: Conversion to raw water irrigation
– Delete, intent to reduce treatment peak day use
8
Recommended Updates
Municipal Code – Sec. 12
• Sec. 12-122: Promotion of conservation
– Response Plan takes precedence over HOA
covenants when restrictions are declared
9
Next Actions
• Feb. 2014: City Attorney’s Office drafts two
ordinances
– Water Supply Shortage Response Plan update
– Municipal Code changes
• March 20, 2014: Water Board meeting
• April 15, 2014: City Council first reading
10
Requested Feedback
• Does Council have any comments regarding the
activities and results of the 2013 Water Shortage
Management Action Plan?
• Is there any feedback on the recommended updates
to the Water Supply Shortage Response Plan or
changes to the Municipal Code that will be brought
before Council as ordinances?
demand.
Adjust Excess Water Use
Surcharge
Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment
between the hours of 10 a.m. and
6 p.m.
No exceptions No exceptions
e. City parks & public
athletic/playing fields
using treated water
Permit required for a special
watering schedule. Max of 1.25"
per week. No watering on
Monday and between the hours
of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Permit required for a special
watering schedule. Max of 1.00"
per week. No watering on
Monday and between the hours
of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Permit required for a special
watering schedule for only select
fields. Max of 0.75" per week.
No watering on Monday and
between the hours of 10 a.m. and
6 p.m.
No exceptions
f. Golf courses using
treated water
Permit required for special
watering schedule- No watering
rough. No watering between the
hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Permit required for special
watering schedule- No watering
rough. No watering between the
hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Permit required for special
watering schedule. Max of 0.75"
per week for tees, greens &
designated landing areas. No
watering between the hours of 10
a.m. and 6 p.m.
Permit required for special
watering schedule. Max of 0.75"
per week for tees and greens. No
watering between the hours of 10
a.m. and 6 p.m.
g. Well or raw water
Registration recommended -
unrestricted use
Registration recommended -
unrestricted use
Registration recommended -
unrestricted use
Registration recommended -
unrestricted use
3. Landscape watering
(trees, shrubs, gardens)
Unrestricted
Water by hose with shutoff nozzle
or low-volume efficient irrigation.
Water by hose with shutoff nozzle
or low-volume efficient irrigation.
Water by hose with shutoff nozzle
or low-volume efficient irrigation.
4. Non-automated car
washing
Shutoff nozzle and bucket
required.
Shutoff nozzle and bucket
required.
Not allowed from 6/1 thru 8/31.
Shutoff nozzle and bucket
required 9/1 thru 5/31.
Not allowed
d. Sprinkler system
maintenance
Allowed any time. Minimize water
used.
Allowed any time. Minimize water
used.
Allowed any time. Minimize water
used.
Allowed only from 9/1 thru 5/31.
Minimize water used.
2. Lawn & turf watering
exceptions by permit
(Note: All permits must be displayed so they are visible from the street or sidewalk.)
a. Sod and seed for new
lawns
Permit required to water other
than normal watering days for a
period not to exceed 3 weeks for
sod and 4 weeks for seed.
Permit required to water other
than normal watering day for a
period not to exceed 3 weeks for
sod and 4 weeks for seed.
No exceptions from 5/15 thru
8/15.
Permit required to water other
than normal watering day for a
period not to exceed 3 weeks for
sod and 4 weeks for seed that is
installed from 8/16 thru 5/14.
No exceptions