Water Conservation Ordinance July 1, 2011 Board of Public Utilities - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Water Conservation Ordinance July 1, 2011 Board of Public Utilities

Water Conservation Ordinance  Provisions of the Ordinance: • Prevent waste and unreasonable use • Comply with foundational BMPs of the CUWCC’s MOU • Allow City Council to curtail water use during a catastrophic events or drought conditions

Water Conservation Ordinance  This Ordinance was prepared pursuant to Water Code sections 106, 350, and 375  The Ordinance will amend the Riverside Municipal Code Title 14

Water Conservation Ordinance  The Ordinance is divided into eight sections: • Section 14.22.010 - Unreasonable uses of water • Section 14.22.020 - Water Conservation Program • Section 14.22.030 - Stage One: Normal Water Supply • Section 14.22.040 - Stage Two: Minimum Water Shortage • Section 14.22.050 - Stage Three: Moderate Water Shortage • Section 14.22.060 - Stage Four: Severe Water Shortage • Section 14.22.070 - Water Shortage Emergency • Section 14.22.080 - Enforcement and Severability

Unreasonable Uses of Water  No person shall waste water or use it unreasonably  Unreasonable uses of water include: • Allowing water to leave a Person’s property due to excessive irrigation and/or uncorrected leaks • Failing to timely repair a water leak • Using water to wash down sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, or other paved areas • Watering outdoor landscaped areas on rainy days and two days thereafter

Unreasonable Uses of Water  Unreasonable uses of water (continued): • Operating a water fountain or other decorative water feature that does not use recirculated water • Installing single pass cooling systems on new buildings • Installing non-recirculating water systems in new commercial conveyor car wash and new commercial laundry systems • Failure to install operational recirculating water systems for commercial conveyor car wash systems and commercial laundry systems

Water Conservation Ordinance  The proposed Water Conservation Ordinance uses four stages to address conditions and needs: Rationing Rationing Stage No. Water Supply Conditions Type % 1 Normal Water Supply 0 Voluntary 2 Minimum Water Shortage 10 to 15 Voluntary 3 Moderate Water Shortage 15 to 20 Mandatory 4 Severe Water Shortage 20 to 50 Mandatory  The Water Conservation Stage shall be set by City Council Action

Stage One: Normal Water Supply  Stage One applies during normal water supply and demand periods  During Stage One: • Irrigating landscaping shall be prohibited from 8:00am to 8:00pm. Run-times shall be limited based on sprinkler type • All open hoses shall be equipped with automatic, positive shut-off nozzles

Stage Two: Minimum Water Shortage  Stage Two applies when a reasonable probability exists that the City will not be able to meet all of its water demands  During Stage Two: • Customers will be asked to reduce their monthly water consumption by 10 to 15-percent • Non-agricultural irrigation shall be limited to three days per week • Unreasonable uses of water shall be corrected within 72 hours of notification by the City

Stage Two: Minimum Water Shortage  During Stage Two (continued): • Uses of water from fire hydrants shall be limited to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of the public • Eating and drinking establishments may only provide drinking water upon request • Commercial lodging establishments shall provide customers the option of not having towels and linens laundered daily

Stage Three: Moderate Water Shortage  Stage Three applies when the City will not be able to meet all of the water demands of its Customers  During Stage Three: • Customers will reduce their monthly water consumption by 15 to 20-percent • Non-agricultural irrigation shall be limited to two days per week • Washing of automobiles shall be limited to four days per week

Stage Three: Moderate Water Shortage  During Stage Three (continued): • Commercial car washes not using recycled water shall reduce their water use as determined by City Council • The overfilling of swimming pools and spas is prohibited • The filling or refilling of ponds, streams, and artificial lakes is prohibited • The operation of any ornamental fountain or similar structure is prohibited

Stage Four: Severe Water Shortage  Stage Four applies when the City’s ability to meet its water demands is seriously impaired  During Stage Four: • Customers will reduce their monthly water consumption by 20 to 50-percent • Non-agricultural irrigation shall be limited to one day per week and to supporting the minimal survival of trees and shrubs • Washing of automobiles is prohibited expect at commercial car washes

Stage Four: Severe Water Shortage  During Stage Four (continued): • Commercial car washes not using recycled water shall reduce their water use as determined by City Council • Filling, refilling, or replenishing swimming pools, spas, ponds, streams, and artificial lakes is prohibited • Use of water for cooling mist is prohibited • Water use for commercial, manufacturing, or processing purposes shall be reduced as determined by City Council

Water Shortage Emergency  During Stage Three or Stage Four conservation, City Council may also declare a Water Shortage Emergency  Upon declaration of a Water Shortage Emergency: • No new construction meters shall be issued • No construction water may be used for earthwork, dust control, compaction, or trench jetting • No new building permits shall be issued, except for projects that meet the criteria described in this Ordinance

Enforcement and Severability  Courtesy notice requesting voluntary correction  Enforcement subject to administrative citation  Administrative remedy to resolve any violation

Schedule Presentation to the Water Committee June 27, 2011 Conduct a Public Hearing at the Board Meeting July 1, 2011 Present the Ordinance to Council for Introduction July 12, 2011 Present the Ordinance to Council for Adoption July 26, 2011 The Ordinance would become Effective August 25, 2011

Recommendation That the Board of Public Utilities: 1. Conduct a public hearing for review of the Water Conservation Ordinance; and 2. Recommend that the City Council adopt the Water Conservation Ordinance.