CHAPTER 1A
WATER USE AND SERVICE

ARTICLE A. DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN

SECTION:

8-1A-1: Declaration Of Policy, Purpose, And Intent

8-1A-2: Public Involvement

8-1A-3: Public Education

8-1A-4: Coordination With Regional Water Planning Groups

8-1A-5: Authorization

8-1A-6: Application

8-1A-7: Definitions

8-1A-8: Criteria For Initiation And Termination Of Drought Response Stages

8-1A-9: Drought Response Stages

8-1A-10: Enforcement

8-1A-11: Variances

8-1A-1: DECLARATION OF POLICY, PURPOSE, AND INTENT:

In order to conserve the available water supply and protect the integrity of water supply facilities, with particular regard for domestic water use, sanitation, and fire protection, and to protect and preserve public health, welfare, and safety and minimize the adverse impacts of water supply shortage or other water supply emergency conditions, the City of Alamo hereby adopts the following regulations and restrictions on the delivery and consumption of water.

Water uses regulated or prohibited under this Drought Contingency Plan (the plan) are considered to be non-essential and continuation of such uses during times of water shortage or other emergency water supply condition are deemed to constitute a waste of water which subjects the offender(s) to penalties as defined in section 8-1A-10 of this article. (Ord. 09-06-19, 6-18-2019)

8-1A-2: PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT:

Opportunity for the public to provide input into the preparation of the plan was provided by the City of Alamo by means of a City Commission meeting. (Ord. 09-06-19, 6-18-2019)

8-1A-3: PUBLIC EDUCATION:

The City of Alamo 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. This information will be provided by means of utility bill inserts. (Ord. 09-06-19, 6-18-2019)

8-1A-4: COORDINATION WITH REGIONAL WATER PLANNING GROUPS:

The service area of the City of Alamo is located within the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group Region M and the City of Alamo has provided a copy of this plan to the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group Region M. (Ord. 09-06-19, 6-18-2019)

8-1A-5: AUTHORIZATION:

The City Manager, or 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. The City Manager or his/her designee shall have the authority to initiate or terminate drought or other water supply emergency response measures as described in this plan. (Ord. 09-06-19, 6-18-2019)

8-1A-6: APPLICATION:

The provisions of this plan shall apply to all persons, customers, and property utilizing water provided by the City of Alamo. The terms "person" and "customer" as used in the plan include individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, and all other legal entities. (Ord. 09-06-19, 6-18-2019)

8-1A-7: DEFINITIONS:

For the purposes of this plan, the following definitions shall apply:

   AESTHETIC WATER USE: Water use for ornamental or decorative purposes such as fountains, 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 or waste of water, improve the efficiency in the use of water or increase the recycling and reuse of water so that a supply is conserved and made available for future or alternative uses.

   CUSTOMER: Any person, company, or organization using water supplied by the City of Alamo.

   DOMESTIC WATER USE: Water use 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 NUMBER ADDRESS: Street addresses, box numbers, or rural postal route numbers ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 and locations without addresses.

   INDUSTRIAL WATER USE: The use of water in processes 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 rights-of-way and medians.

   NON-ESSENTIAL WATER USE: Water uses that are not essential or required for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare, including:

   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 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 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); and

   I.   Use of water from hydrants for construction purposes or any other purposes other than fire fighting.

   ODD NUMBERED ADDRESS: Street addresses, box numbers, or rural postal route numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9. (Ord. 09-06-19, 6-18-2019)