(A) Purpose. This section establishes water conservation restrictions; and the plan will be in effect at any time the Governor declares by executive order a critical water deficiency, pursuant to M.S. § 103G.291.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CLERK. In statutory cities means the person assigned duties pursuant to M.S. § 412.151; or the City Manager pursuant to M.S. §§ 412.601 through 412.751 or in charter cities as determined by City Charter.
DEPARTMENT. The city Water Department.
EMERGENCY. The declaration of a critical water deficiency by the Governor.
IRRIGATION. The watering of shrubs, trees, sod, seeded areas, gardens, lawns, or any other outdoor vegetation, except outdoor vegetation utilized for agricultural purposes.
NOTIFICATION TO PUBLIC. Notification through local media, including interviews and issuance of news releases.
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIER. The city or other entity that owns, manages, or operates a public water supply, as defined in M.S. § 144.382, subd. 4.
RECLAIMED WATER. Water collected from rooftops, paved surfaces, or other collection devices and all water utilized more than once before re-entering the natural water cycle.
WATER RECIRCULATION SYSTEM. Any system which enables a user to reuse water at least once prior to returning the water to the natural water cycle.
(C) Application.
(1) This section applies to all customers of public water suppliers who own or control water use on any premises.
(2) No person shall make, cause, use, or permit the use of water received from a public water supply for residential, commercial, industrial, governmental, or any other purpose in any manner contrary to any provision in this section.
(3) Mandatory emergency conservation measures shall be implemented based upon the declaration of a critical water emergency by the Governor.
(D) Declaration of critical water deficiency. Upon the declaration of a critical water deficiency by the Governor, the public water supplier shall immediately post notice of the emergency declaration at the usual meeting place of the City Council, or the official city bulletin board. The city shall provide notification to the public as quickly as possible or through established water supply plans, emergency response plans, or procedures.
(E) Mandatory emergency water conservation measures. Upon declaration of a water emergency and notification to the public, the following mandatory restrictions upon nonessential water use shall be enforced:
(1) Outdoor irrigation of yards, gardens, golf courses, parklands, and other non-agricultural land, except for those areas irrigated with reclaimed water, is prohibited.
(2) Washing or spraying of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, or other paved areas with water from any pressurized source, including garden hoses, except to alleviate immediate health or safety hazards, is prohibited.
(3) The outdoor use of any water-based play apparatus connected to a pressurized source is prohibited.
(4) Restaurants and other food service establishments are prohibited from serving water to their customers, unless water is specifically requested by the customer.
(5) Operation of outdoor misting systems used to cool public areas is prohibited.
(6) The filling of swimming pools, fountains, spas, or other exterior water features is prohibited.
(7) The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, and other types of mobile equipment is prohibited, except at facilities equipped with wash water recirculation systems, and for vehicles requiring frequent washing to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
(F) Variances. The City Clerk or their designee, is authorized to grant variances to this section where strict application of its provisions would result in serious hardship to a customer. A variance may be granted only for reasons involving health or safety. An applicant may appeal the denial of a variance within five days of the decision by submitting a written appeal to the City Clerk. The City Council shall hear the appeal at the next City Council meeting. The decision of the City Council is final.
(G) Enforcement. The City Clerk or his or her designee is authorized to designate city employees or law enforcement personnel to enforce the provisions of this section.
(Ord. 2018-3, passed 8-8-2018) Penalty, see § 52.99