(a) When the County Administrator, in consultation with or at the recommendation of Loudoun Water, determines that the conditions constituting a Water Supply Watch exist, the County Administrator may declare a Water Supply Watch. If a Water Supply Watch is declared, such declaration shall set forth a list of recommended voluntary water restrictions and/or conservation practices designed to curtail water usage. Such voluntary restrictions and conservation practices may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:
(1) Irrigation with a sprinkler or irrigation system only on designated outdoor water use days;
(2) Washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, or other mobile equipment, only on designated outdoor water use days, or in vehicle wash facilities operating with an effective and efficient water recycling system with a prominently displayed sign in public view so stating;
(3) Washing of streets, driveways, parking lots, service station aprons, the exterior of commercial or residential buildings, or any other outdoor surfaces, only on designated outdoor water use days, unless such washing is required to eliminate a safety or health hazard;
(4) Watering or washing with a container having a capacity no larger than three gallons;
(5) Cessation of operation or use of all water-demanding amenities located within Loudoun Water's service area, such as ornamental fountains, waterfalls and reflecting ponds, unless such water use is necessary to aerate for a short period to preserve habitat for aquatic species;
(6) Refrain from filling any swimming and/or wading pool that is empty or is less than three quarters full;
(7) Refrain from serving drinking water in restaurants, except upon request; or
(8) Refrain from using water for outdoor recreation.
(b) The following uses shall not be subject to voluntary water restrictions or conservation practices recommended under a Water Supply Watch:
(1) Irrigation at any time/day:
A. Of a golf course;
B. During repair or testing of a new or existing irrigation system if the person performing the testing is present;
C. Of nursery stock at a commercial plant nursery;
D. Of an athletic field used for organized sports if the irrigation is for dust abatement purposes; or
E. Using a hand-held hose with a positive shutoff nozzle, or a handheld bucket having a capacity no larger than three gallons.
(2) Necessary use of water, other than for landscape irrigation, by a governmental entity performing a governmental function, including for a capital improvement construction project.
(3) Necessary use of water, other than for landscape irrigation, for public infrastructure development including roadway base preparation, flushing a utility line, dust control, or concrete or asphalt work.
(4) Necessary use of water for repair of a water distribution facility or residential and commercial plumbing.
(5) Necessary use of water for fire flow and public safety and health protection, such as flushing lines for improved water quality.
(c) If a Water Supply Watch is declared, Loudoun Water shall promptly make all reasonable efforts, including, without limitation, direct mailings and publication in newspapers having general circulation in Loudoun County, to notify the public and Loudoun Water's customers of the declaration of a Water Supply Watch, and the list of recommended voluntary restrictions and/or conservation practices set forth in the declaration.
(Ord. 08-10. Passed 7-1-08.)