A. Ferron City wishes to continue certain water conservation measures as part of this Water Conservation Plan. In order for the city to accomplish the goals listed specific measures must be taken. Compliance with emergency measures would be mandatory when deemed appropriate and could be enforced by the assessment of fines and restriction of water use. Compliance with non-emergency measures would not be mandatory but could be influenced by billing rate adjustments, education, awareness and community involvement. Water Conservation measures are summarized below.
B. Emergency Measures:
1. Water city properties on a minimal schedule of every two (2) or three (3) days, one property at a time.
2. Eliminate watering of city property in cases of severe shortages or drought.
3. Reduce the number of flower pots and planters on city properties in cases of shortages and drought.
4. Hold educational public meetings on water supply and conservation measures.
5. Strictly enforce water schedule and if necessary, reduce schedule to meet the supply.
6. Strictly enforce the imposition of fines and loss of secondary water services for non compliance with adopted schedules.
C. Non Emergency Measures:
1. Sweep sidewalks and driveways instead of using hoses to clean them off.
2. Wash vehicles with a bucket of soapy (biodegradable) water and rinse while parked on or near landscaped area so that all water running off goes to beneficial use instead of running down the gutter. Use twist style nozzle at the end of the hose so that water is not allowed to run when not being used.
3. Check for and repair all leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets, couplings, valves, etc. Verify there are no leaks by turning everything off and checking your water meter to see if it is still turning. (Some underground leaks may not be visible due to draining off into storm drains, ditches, or travel outside your property).
4. Do not water on hot, sunny or windy days. You may actually end up doing more harm than good to your landscape as well as waste a significant amount of water.
5. Use mulch around trees and scrubs, as well as in your yard to retain as much moisture as possible. Areas with drip systems will use much less water, particularly during hot dry and windy conditions.
6. Keep your lawn well-trimmed and all other landscaped areas free of weeds to reduce overall water needs of your yard.
D. Indoor Use:
1. Do not use toilets as a waste basket. Put all tissues, wrappers, diapers, cigarette butts, etc. in the trash can.
2. Check toilet for leaks. Is the water level too high? Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the bowl becomes colored without flushing, there is a leak. For those who do not have a low volume toilet, put a plastic bottle full of sand and water in the tank to reduce the amount of water used per flush, being careful to not reduce the amount of water so that it takes two flushes to make the toilet work. Be sure that containers do not interfere with the flushing mechanisms.
3. Take short showers with the water turned up only as much as it is necessary. Turn the shower off while soaping up or shampooing. Install low flow shower heads and/or other flow restriction devices.
4. Do not let the water run when you are brushing your teeth or shaving. Fill the sink or a glass instead.
5. Wash only full loads of laundry or adjust the water level appropriately for the amount of clothes you are washing. Most machines will use forty (40) gallons or more of water for each load whether it is two socks or a full weeks worth of clothes.
6. Repair any leaks within the house. Even a small slow drip can waste up to fifteen (15) or twenty (20) gallons per day.
7. Know where your main shut off valve is located and that it works. Shutting the water off yourself when a pipe leaks or breaks will not only save water but will eliminate or minimize damage to your property.
8. Keep a jar or jug of water in the refrigerator for a cold drink instead of running water from the tap until it is cold. You can put several glasses of water down the drain for one drink of water.
9. Stop the sink when rinsing vegetables, dishes or anything else; use only a sink full of water instead of continually running water down the drain.
10. Wash only full loads of dishes in the dishwasher. Let pans soak rather than running the water over them while you are scrubbing them clean. (Res. 2013-9, 12-12-2013)