The city shall address any short-term water shortage problems through a series of stages based on conditions of supply and demand with accompanying triggers, goals and actions. Each stage is more stringent in water use than the previous stage since there will be a greater deterioration in water supply conditions. The Mayor is hereby authorized to implement the appropriate conservation measures as set forth in this section, when any of the conditions have been reached which would qualify for any of the specific stages. The Mayor is given discretion to declare each particular stage, as deemed appropriate by the Mayor by reviewing the severity of the trigger conditions and other additional information, and is further authorized to implement conservation measures within the guidelines provided for each particular stage.
(A) Stage one: water watch.
(1) This stage is triggered by any one of the following conditions:
(a) Groundwater levels have fallen five feet below normal seasonal levels;
(b) System pressure falls below 35 pounds per square inch; or
(c) Demand for one day is in excess of 500,000 gallons per day.
(2) The goals of this stage are to heighten awareness of the public of the water conditions and to maintain the integrity of the system.
(3) Management actions are as follows.
(a) Leaks will be repaired within 48 hours of detection.
(b) The city will monitor its use of water and will curtail activities such as hydrant flushing and street cleaning.
(4) The public will be informed through the local media of the water watch and be asked to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and to efficiently use water for indoor purposes, for example, washing full loads of clothing and/or dishes, limiting the length and frequency of showers, checking for water leaks and dripping of faucets, to prevent any unnecessary use of water.
(B) Stage two: water warning.
(1) This stage is triggered by any one of the following conditions:
(a) Groundwater levels have fallen ten feet below normal seasonal levels;
(b) System pressure falls below 35 pounds per square inch;
(c) Plant operations are at 80% capacity for more than three consecutive days; or
(d) Demand for one day is in excess of 500,000 gallons per day.
(2) The goals of this stage are to reduce peak demands by 20% and to reduce overall weekly consumption by 10%.
(3) Management actions are as follows.
(a) Water supply will be monitored daily.
(b) Leaks will be repaired within 24 hours of detection.
(c) Pumpage at wells will be reduced to decrease draw down and to maintain water levels over well screens.
(d) The city will curtail its water usage, including watering of city grounds and washing of vehicles.
(4) In addition to the regulation actions under stage one, the following regulatory authority may be exercised by the Mayor.
(a) An odd/even lawn watering system will be imposed on city residents. Residents with odd-numbered houses will water on odd days, even-numbered houses, on even days.
(b) Outdoor water use, including lawn watering and car washing will be restricted to before 10:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m.
(c) Refilling of swimming pools will be limited to one day a week after sunset.
(d) Excess water use charges for usage of water over the amount used in the winter will be imposed at a rate twice the normal rate for water usage.
(e) Waste of water will be prohibited.
(C) Stage three: water emergency.
(1) This stage is triggered by any one of the following conditions:
(a) Groundwater levels have fallen 15 feet below normal seasonal levels;
(b) System pressure falls below 35 pounds per square inch;
(c) Pumping lowers water levels to within five feet of the top of the well screens;
(d) Plant operations are at 90% capacity for more than three consecutive days; or
(e) Demand for one day is in excess of 500,000 gallons per day.
(2) The goals of this stage are to reduce peak demands by 50% and to reduce overall consumption by 25%.
(3) Education actions are as follows.
(a) The city will make news releases to local media describing current conditions and indicate the water supply outlook for the city.
(b) The city will hold public meeting(s) to discuss the emergency, the status of the water supply and further actions which need to be taken.
(4) Management actions are as follows.
(a) The city water supplies will be monitored daily.
(b) Leaks will be repaired within 24 hours of detection.
(c) Standby wells will be activated for contingency operation.
(d) Pumpage at wells will be reduced to decrease draw down and to maintain water levels over well screens.
(e) The city will seek additional emergency supplies from other users, the state or federal government.
(5) In addition to the regulation actions available under stage two, the following regulatory authority may be exercised by the Mayor:
(a) Outdoor water use will be banned, except for businesses which require outdoor water use to operate.
(b) Waste of water will be prohibited.
(6) In the event that any water consumer fails to comply with the regulatory action taken by the city, then the Mayor may direct the immediate discontinuance of water service to the location which is not in compliance with the restrictions imposed. Water service may be resumed upon the Mayor being provided adequate evidence to show that compliance has been instituted and that compliance will continue under the restrictions imposed.
(Ord. 751, passed 6-6-2006)