A. Proclamation: Under the conditions set forth in this chapter, the Public Works Director, in consultation with the Water Department personnel, may find, and by proclamation declare, a stage I or stage II water shortage to prevent depleting the water supply for human consumption and sanitation and to produce an orderly and equitable reduction of water consumption.
B. Effect: Immediately upon the issuance of such a proclamation, the regulations and restrictions set forth under this chapter will become effective and will remain in effect until the proclamation is rescinded.
C. Conditions: A proclamation declaring a water shortage is activated by critical equipment failure, excessive water demand, and/or declaration of drought in the area.
1. Water demand is monitored at the water meter on the line from the water treatment plant to the water treatment plant reservoir.
2. Drought conditions are monitored by reviewing the reports from the U.S. drought monitor at https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu.
D. Trigger Points:
1. Water shortage proclamations will be declared based upon the following criteria:
a. Stage I - severe water shortage: All four (4) water treatment trains in service, or; portions or all of Flathead County in extreme drought.
b. Stage II - extreme water shortage: Critical water supply infrastructure failure, or; portions or all of Flathead County in exception drought.
2. Water shortage proclamations will be rescinded based upon the following criteria:
a. Stage I - step down to general conservation restrictions: Ten (10) consecutive days of water demand less than or equal to 3.0 MGD.
b. Stage II - step down to stage I restrictions: Critical infrastructure repair complete, or; U.S. drought monitor index condition change to severe or less drought status. (Ord. 19-12, 6-3-2019)