For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CONTAMINATION. The addition to any watershed area, reservoir, storage tank, or distribution system of any material that appears in an above-normal concentration or has high nuisance or harmful effect on the consumer or the system.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES. The Department of Public Utilities of Harnett County (HCDPU) acting through its Director, Assistant Director, agent, or designated representative.
EMERGENCY. When referring to water shortage, means that conditions exist such that treated water supplies cannot meet customer demands and that serious treated water shortages exist.
ESSENTIAL USE.
(1) Use of water to sustain human life and to maintain minimum standards of hygiene and sanitation;
(2) Use of water for patient care and rehabilitation;
(3) Firefighting, including certain testing and drills by the fire department if conducted in the interest of public safety and if approved by the Department of Public Utilities; and
(4) Health and public protection purposes, if specifically approved by health officials and the Department of Public Utilities, including flushing of water lines and hydrants.
MANDATORY CONSERVATION. Means that conservation measures are not voluntary, and that if users fail to comply, they are subject to the penalties outlined in this chapter.
NON-ESSENTIAL USE. Includes but is not limited to:
(1) Use of water for fountains, reflecting pools, or artificial waterfalls;
(2) Watering of gardens, lawns, parks, golf courses (except greens), playing fields, and other recreational areas;
(3) Filling and operation of recreational swimming pools;
(4) Non-commercial washing of motor vehicles;
(5) Serving water in restaurants, clubs or eating establishments except by specific request; and
(6) Refilling of cooling towers except as specified otherwise.
TREATED WATER. Water that has been withdrawn from an approved source and has been processed by the Department of Public Utilities.
USER. Any person or entity using water for any purpose from the Department of Public Utilities water distribution system, either directly or indirectly, and for which either a regular charge is made or, in the case of bulk sales, a cash charge is made at the site of delivery. Any municipal or private contract water recipient is also deemed a USER.
WATER SHORTAGE. Conditions that exist when the demands and requirements of water customers served by the Department of Public Utilities cannot be satisfied without depleting the available supply of treated water or the available water supply to or below a critical level, i.e., the level at which the continued availability of water for human consumption, sanitation, and fire protection is jeopardized. Conditions contributing to a WATER SHORTAGE may include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Water supplies are below the level necessary to meet needs;
(2) Water quality has been threatened due to a contamination situation;
(3) Power outages or equipment malfunction;
(4) Peak customer demands on the water system;
(5) Inability to maintain adequate pressure and/or water supply throughout every portion of the Department of Public Utilities water distribution system; and
(6) Natural disasters.
WATER SUPPLY. Any body of water from which the Department of Public Utilities obtains water for treatment and subsequent distribution into the potable water supply system.
(Ord. passed 12-3-2018)