(A) In the event the City Council determines that a water shortage critical emergency exists, thereby imposing rationing of the treated water supply, the City Council shall be and is hereby authorized and empowered to adopt or enact as an emergency ordinance rationing levels for all customers of water in the city through its distribution of water system. In any such emergency ordinance in determining rationing levels, the city shall take into account equitable distribution of critically limited water supplies and balance demand with the limited availability of treated water and take all steps necessary to reasonably assure that sufficient water is available to preserve public health, safety, and welfare.
(B) (1) An emergency ordinance imposing rationing as a measure of conserving water passed by City Council may include methods of enforcement for compliance. These methods of compliance, in addition to imposition of fines as penalties may include excess use charges to be imposed on any water customer exceeding the allotment set forth in the emergency ordinance for water rationing. Any monies collected through this excess use charge procedure are to be placed in a reserve or capital account for public improvements relating to water supply projects.
(2) In addition to excess use charges, noncompliance with water rationing may result in awarding of possible discontinuation of service for the first excess use of a customer. Discontinuation of service may result from second or subsequent excess use occurrences of a customer for a period of time not to exceed 48 hours. Another measure that may be taken in lieu of discontinuation of service is installation of a flow restrictor, the costs of such installation to be paid by the customer. Prior to discontinuance or interruption of service, any customer must be given prior written notice and afforded the opportunity to address the City Council in the nature of an appeal.
(Ord. 1988-13, passed 7-25-88) Penalty, see § 50.99