HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance No. 14/011 Drought CP Attachment ACity of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 1 April 15, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES..............................................................................2
2. TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY RULES..............................3
3. DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN.................................................................................4
3.1 Provisions to Inform the Public and Opportunity for Public Input................................4
3.2 Provisions for Continuing Public Education and Informat ion.......................................4
3.3 Application..................................................................................................................4
3.4 Definitions...................................................................................................................5
3.5 Initiation and Termination of Drought Response Stages and Emergencies....................6
3.6 Drought and Emergency Response Stages....................................................................8
Stage I – Water Shortage Possibility................................................................................8
Stage II – Water Shortage Watch.....................................................................................9
Stage III – Water Shortage Warning..............................................................................11
Stage IV –Water Shortage Emergency...........................................................................13
3.8 Procedures for Enforcing Mandatory Water Use Restrictions.....................................15
3.9 Coordination with the Regional Water Planning Group..............................................16
3.10 Review, Update and Submittal of Drought Contingency Plan ....................................16
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A List of References
APPENDIX B Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Rules on Drought
Contingency Plans
APPENDIX C Notification Letter to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
APPENDIX D Adoption of Drought Contingency Plan
City of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 2 April 15, 2014
Drought Contingency Plan for
The City of University Park
April 2014
1. INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
In order to conserve the available water supply and protect the integrity of water supply facilities,
with particular regard for domestic water use, sanitation, and fire protection, and to protect and
preserve public health, welfare, and safety and minimize the adverse impacts of water supply
shortage or other water supply emergency conditions, the City of University Park (the City)
hereby adopts the following regulations and restrictions on the delivery and consumption of
water through a resolution.
Water uses regulated or prohibited under this Drought Contingency Plan (the Plan) are
considered to be non-essential and continuation of such uses during times of water shortage or
other emergency water supply conditions are deemed to constitute a waste of water which
subjects the offender(s) to penalties as defined in Section 3 of this Plan.
City of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 3 April 15, 2014
2. TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY RULES
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) rules governing development of
drought contingency plans for municipal uses by public water suppliers are contained in Title 30,
Part 1, Chapter 288, Subchapter B, Rule 288.20 of the Texas Administrative Code (30 TAC
§288.20), effective October 7, 2004. Required submittals for retail public water suppliers are
found in 30 TAC §288.30(5). A complete copy of these rules is included in Appendix B. The
TCEQ defines a drought contingency plan as:
A strategy or combination of strategies for temporary supply and demand management responses to
temporary and potentially recurring water supply shortages and other water supply emergencies. A
drought contingency plan may be a separate document identified as such or may be contained within
another water management document(s). 30 TAC §288.1(5)
Minimum Requirements
TCEQ’s minimum requirements for drought contingency plans are addressed in the following
sections of this report:
TCEQ Rule Location in Plan Description
288.20(a)(1)(A) Section 3.1
“Provisions to Inform the Public and
Provide Opportunity for Public
Input”
288.20(a)(1)(B) Section 3.2 “Provisions for Continuing Public
Education and Information”
288.20(a)(1)(C) Section 3.9 “Coordination with the Regional
Water Planning Group”
288.20(a)(1)(D) Section 3.5 “Procedures for Initiation and
Termination of Drought Stages”
288.20(a)(1)(E) Section 3.6 “Drought and Emergency Response
Stages”
288.20(a)(1)(F) Section 3.6
Quantified Targets for Water Use
Reductions During Periods of Water
Shortage and Drought
288.20(a)(1)(G) Section 3.6
Water Supply and Demand
Management Measures for Each
Stage
288.20(a)(1)(H) Section 3.5
“Initiation and Termination of
Drought Response Stages and
Emergencies”
288.20(a)(1)(I) Section 3.7 “Procedures for Granting Variances
to the Plan”
288.20(a)(1)(J) Section 3.8 “Procedures for Enforcing
Mandatory Water Use Restrictions”
288.20(a)(3) Section 3.5, 3.6 “Consultation with Wholesale
Supplier”
288.20(b) Section 3.5, 3.6 “Notification of Implementation of
Mandatory Measures”
288.20(c) Section 3.10 “Review and Update of Plan”
288.30(5) Section 3.10 “Submittal of Plan”
City of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 4 April 15, 2014
3. DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN
3.1 Provisions to Inform the Public and Opportunity for Public Input
The City will provide opportunity for public input in the development of the Drought
Contingency Plan (the Plan) by the following means:
• Provided written notice of the proposed Plan and the opportunity to comment on the
Plan by newspaper, posted notice, or notice on the City’s web site
• Made the draft Plan available on the City’s web site.
• Provided the draft Plan to anyone requesting a copy.
• Hold a public meeting.
3.2 Provisions for Continuing Public Education and Information
The City will provide continuing public education information about the Drought Contingency
Plan, initiation or termination of drought and emergency response stages, or actions required by
the public by the following means:
• Post a bulletin describing the Plan and making it available at City Hall and other
appropriate locations.
• Make the Plan available to the public through the City’s web site.
• Notify local organizations, schools, and civic groups that staff are available to make
presentations on the Drought Contingency Plan (usually in conjunction with
presentations on water conservation programs).
• Notify water customers through billing inserts.
• At any time that the Drought Contingency Plan is activat ed or the drought stage
changes, the City will notify local media of the issues, the drought or emergency
response stage, and the specific actions required of the public. The information will
also be publicized on the City’s web site.
• City of University Park Web Site: www.uptexas.org
3.3 Application
The provisions of this Plan shall apply to all persons, customers, and property utilizing water
provided by the City. The terms “person” and “customer” as used in the Plan include individuals,
corporations, partnerships, associations, and all other legal entities.
City of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 5 April 15, 2014
3.4 Definitions
For the purposes of this Plan, the following definitions shall apply:
Aesthetic water use: water use for ornamental or decorative purposes such as fountains,
reflection pools, and water gardens.
Commercial and institutional water use: water use which is integral to operations of commercial
and non-profit establishments and governmental entities such as retail establishments, hotels and
motels, restaurants, and office buildings.
Conservation: those practices, techniques, and technologies that reduce the consumption of
water, reduce the loss or waste of water, improve the efficiency in the use of water or increase
the recycling and reuse of water so that a supply is conserved and made available for future or
alternative uses.
Customer: any person, company, or organization using water supplied by t he City of University
Park.
Domestic water use: water use for personal needs or for household or sanitary purposes such as
drinking, bathing, heating, cooking, sanitation, or for cleaning a residence, business, industry, or
institution.
Even number address: street addresses or box numbers ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 and locations
without addresses.
Industrial water use: the use of water in processes designed to convert materials of lower value
into forms having greater usability and value.
Landscape irrigation use: water used for the irrigation and maintenance of landscaped areas,
whether publicly or privately owned, including residential and commercial lawns, gardens, golf
courses, parks, and rights-of way and medians.
Non-essential water use: water uses that are neither essential nor required for the protection of
public, health, safety, and welfare, including:
a. Irrigation of landscape areas, including parks, athletic fields, and golf courses, except
otherwise provided under this Plan.
b. Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat , trailer, airplane or other
vehicle.
c. Use of water to wash down any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis
courts, or other hard-surfaced areas.
d. Use of water to wash down buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire
protection.
City of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 6 April 15, 2014
e. Flushing gutters or permitting water to run or accumulate in any gutter or street.
f. Use of water to fill, refill, or add to any indoor or out door swimming pools or Jacuzzi-
type pools.
g. Use of water in a fountain or pond for aesthetic or scenic purposes except where
necessary to support aquatic life.
h. Failure to repair a controllable leak(s) within a reasonable period after having been given
notice directing the repair of such leak(s); and
i. Use of water from hydrants for construction purposes or any other purposes other than
fire fighting.
Odd number address: street addresses or box numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9.
3.5 Initiation and Termination of Drought Response Stages and Emergencies
The Dallas County Park Cities Municipal Utilities Dist rict (the District) provides treated water
supply to the City and may initiate a drought response st age or water emergency that will affect
the City. The City may also experience conditions independent of the District that trigger a
drought response stage or water emergency. This section addresses the actions to be followed by
both the District and the City when either entity initiates or terminates a drought response stage
or water emergency.
Initiation of a Drought Response Stage or Water Emergency
At such time that the District initiates a specific drought response stage or water emergency, the
City Manager, or official designees, is required to order the implementation of the water use
reduction measures associated with that specific drought stage as described in Section 3.6. The
following actions will be taken when the City initiates a specific drought stage:
• The District will notify the City of the drought stage or water emergency by
telephone with a follow-up letter, email or fax.
• The City will initiate the appropriate drought response stage or water emergency
and will notify the public through local media and the Cit y’s web site as described
in Section 3.2.
• The District and the City will notify the Executive Director of the TCEQ within 5
business days if any mandatory provisions are activated. A form letter for this
notification is included in Appendix C.
• As part of a regional effort, the District and the Cit y will institute Stage 1 and Stage
2 of its plan when the City of Dallas implements Stage 1 and Stage 2 of their plan
City of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 7 April 15, 2014
or when the District’s water supply is 35% (for Stage 1) or 45% (for Stage 2)
depleted, whichever comes first.
If the City initiates a drought response stage or water emergency independent of the District, the
City Manager, or official designee, will order the implementation of the water use reduction
measures associated with that specific drought response st age or water emergency as described
in Section 3.6. The following actions will be taken when the City initiates a specific response
drought stage or water emergency:
• The City will notify the District of the drought response stage or water emergency
by telephone with a follow-up letter, email or fax.
• The City will notify the public of the drought response st age or water emergency
through local media and the City’s web site as described in Section 3.2.
• The City will notify the Executive Director of the TCEQ within 5 business days if
any mandatory provisions are activated. A form letter for this notification is
included in Appendix C.
• The City Manager, or official designee, may decide not to order the implementation
of a drought response stage or water emergency even though one or more of the
City’s trigger criteria for the stage are met. Factors which could influence such a
decision include, but are not limited to, the time of the year, weather conditions, the
anticipation of replenished water supplies, or the anticipation that additional
facilities will become available to meet needs. The reason for this decision shall be
documented and maintained by the City.
Termination of a Drought Response Stage or Water Emergency
The District may order the termination of a District initiated drought response stage or water
emergency when the conditions for termination are met or at its discretion. The following actions
will be taken when the District terminates a drought or emergency stage:
• The District will notify the City by telephone with a follow-up letter, email or fax.
• The District and the City will notify the Executive Director of the TCEQ within 5
business days if any mandatory provisions are terminated. A form letter for this
notification is included as Appendix C, or the City will ut ilize the TCEQ Online
Reporting Form at:
http://www.tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/homeland_security/security_pws/pws-drought-
contingency-plan-reporting-form/
The City may order the termination of a City initiated drought response stage or water
emergency when the conditions for termination are met or at its discretion. The following actions
will be taken when the City terminates a drought or emergency stage:
• The City will notify the District by telephone with a follow-up letter, email or fax.
City of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 8 April 15, 2014
• The City will notify the public through local media and the City’s web site as
described in Section 3.2.
• The City will notify the Executive Director of the TCEQ within 5 business days if
any mandatory provisions are terminated. A form letter for this notification is
included as Appendix C, or the City will utilize the TCEQ Online Reporting Form
at:
http://www.tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/homeland_security/security_pws/pws-drought-
contingency-plan-reporting-form/
• The City Manager, or official designee, may decide not to order the termination of a
drought response stage or water emergency even though the conditions for
termination of the stage are met. Factors which could influence such a decision
include, but are not limited to, the time of the year, weather conditions, or the
anticipation of potential changed conditions that warrant the continuation of the
drought stage. The reason for this decision shall be documented and maintained by
the City.
3.6 Drought and Emergency Response Stages
Stage I – Water Shortage Possibility
Initiation and Termination Conditions for Stage I
The City will initiate Stage I when one or more of t he following occur:
• The City’s water use is approaching the limit of its contracted supply.
• The City’s demand exceeds 90% of its delivery capacity for seven consecutive days.
• The City’s water demand for any portion of the delivery system approaches the delivery
capacity.
• The City’s supply source or delivery system becomes contaminated.
• The City’s water supply system is unable to deliver water due to the failure or damage of
major water system components.
• The District has initiated Stage I. This may occur wit h one or more of the following:
o The District’s water supply in Grapevine Lake becomes 35% depleted.
o Grapevine Reservoir becomes contaminated.
City of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 9 April 15, 2014
o The District’s demand exceeds 90% of its delivery capacity for seven consecutive
days.
o The District’s water supply system is unable to deliver water to its customers due
to the failure or damage of major water system components.
o Any other condition that would cause the District to initiate Stage I.
Stage I can terminate when the circumstances that caused the initiation of Stage I no longer
prevail.
Goal for Use Reduction and Actions Available under Stage I
Stage I is intended to raise public awareness of potential drought problems. The goal for water
use under Stage I is a voluntary reduction of 2% of the use that would have occurred in the
absence of drought contingency measures. The City Manager, or official designee, will
implement all of the elements of Stage I listed below:
• Reduction in water use for all municipal operations.
• Request voluntary reductions in water use by the public.
• Increase public education efforts on ways to reduce water use.
• Notify major water users and work with them to achieve voluntary water use
reductions.
• City staff will begin a review of the problems that initiated action of Stage I.
• Intensify efforts on leak detection and repair.
• Ask the public to follow voluntary landscape irrigation schedules.
Stage II – Water Shortage Watch
Initiation and Termination Conditions for Stage II
The City will initiate Stage II when one or more of the following occur:
• The City’s water use is approaching the limit of its contracted supply.
• The City’s demand exceeds 95% of its delivery capacity for seven consecutive days.
• The City’s water demand for any portion of the delivery system approaches the delivery
capacity.
City of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 10 April 15, 2014
• The City’s supply source or delivery system becomes contaminated.
• The City’s water supply system is unable to deliver water due to the failure or damage of
major water system components.
• The District has initiated Stage II. This may occur with one or more of the following:
o The District’s water supply in Grapevine Lake becomes 45% depleted.
o Grapevine Reservoir becomes contaminated.
o The District’s demand exceeds 95% of its delivery capacity for five consecutive
days.
o The District’s water system is unable to deliver water to its customers due to the
failure or damage of major water system components.
o Any other condition that would cause the District to initiate Stage II.
All elements of Stage I shall remain in effect during Stage II.
Stage II can terminate when circumstances that caused t he initiation of Stage II no longer prevail.
Goal for Use Reduction and Actions Available under Stage II
The City Manager or official designee will implement all of the elements of Stage II. The goal
for water use under Stage II is a 5% reduction of the use that would have occurred in the absence
of drought contingency measures.
Upon implementation by the City Manager, or official designee, and publication of notice, the
City will impose mandatory water reduction requirements on customers. The City must notify
the TCEQ within five business days if the following measures are implemented:
• City Manager or other designated municipal officials, announce the beginning of
mandatory water reduction.
• Initiate engineering studies to evaluate alternatives should conditions worsen.
• The City will be responsible for reducing the amount of water used for street cleaning,
vehicle washing, aesthetic water use, landscape irrigation, routine fire hydrant flushing,
and all other non-essential use.
• The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, and any other type of
mobile equipment is prohibited; except that individuals may wash their private
automobiles or boats if they use a bucket, pail or normal size receptacle. Service stations
shall wash their customers’ automobiles with a bucket, pail or receptacle not larger than
five (5) gallons capacity. However, an individual or service station, after such washing,
shall be permitted to rinse the car or boat off with a hose, using only a reasonable amount
City of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 11 April 15, 2014
of water. Commercial or automatic car wash establishments shall use minimum practical
water settings.
• The permitting or maintaining of defective plumbing in a home, business establishment
or any location where water is used on the premises is prohibited. The waste of any
water by reason of defective plumbing as mentioned above, shall include the existence of
out-of-control water closets, underground leaks, defective faucets and taps. The
permitting of water to flow constantly through a tap, hydrant, valve, or any device
connected to the City distribution system, shall be considered as a wasting of water.
• The use of fire hydrants for any purpose other than fire fighting is prohibited; except that
the City Manager, or official designee, may permit the use of metered fire hydrant water
by the City or by commercial operators using jet rodding equipment to clear and clean
sanitary and storm sewers and for use in street sweeping emergency situations only.
• Water used for aesthetic purposes is prohibited, unless water is reused or recirculated.
• The use of water to wash down any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis
courts, or any other hard-surfaced areas, or building ext eriors and interiors, trailers, and
motor homes, except in the interest of public health, is prohibited.
• The use of water for dust control is prohibited.
• Any use of water for the purposes or in a manner prohibited in this condition shall be
deemed to be a waste of water.
Stage III – Water Shortage Warning
Initiation and Termination Conditions for Stage III
The City will initiate Stage III when one or more of the following occur:
• The City’s water use is approaching the limit of its contracted supply.
• The City’s demand exceeds 98% of its delivery capacity for seven consecutive days.
• The City’s water demand for any portion of the delivery system approaches the delivery
capacity.
• The City’s supply source or delivery system becomes contaminated.
• The City’s water supply system is unable to deliver water due to the failure or damage of
major water system components.
• The District has initiated Stage III. This may occur with one or more of the following:
City of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 12 April 15, 2014
o The District’s water supply in Grapevine Lake becomes 55% depleted.
o Grapevine reservoir has been contaminated.
o The District’s demand exceeds 98% of its delivery capacit y for three consecutive
days.
o The District’s water supply system is unable to deliver water to it’s customers due
to the failure or damage of major water system components.
o The District’s water use is approaching the limit of the permitted supply.
o Any other condition that would cause The District to initiate Stage III.
All elements of Stage II shall remain in effect during Stage III.
Stage III can terminate when the circumstances that caused the initiation of Stage III no longer
prevail.
Goals for Use Reduction and Actions Available under Stage III
The City Manager, or official designee, will implement all of the elements of Stage III. The goal
for water use under Stage III is a 10% reduction of the use that would have occurred in the
absence of drought contingency measures.
Upon implementation by the City Manager, or official designee, and publication of notice, the
City will impose mandatory water reduction requirements on customers. The City must notify
the TCEQ within five business days if the following measures are implemented:
• Prohibit all aesthetic water use.
• Prohibit washing or rinsing of all mobile equipment by hose.
• Limit landscape and lawn watering at each service address to twice a week, based
on the last digit of the address. Residences with street addresses ending in even
numbers are allowed to water on Sundays and Thursdays. Residences with street
addresses ending in odd numbers are allowed to water on Saturdays and
Wednesdays. (Exceptions: Foundations and new plantings (first year) of trees and
shrubs may be watered for up to two hours on any day by a hand-held hose
equipped with a positive shutoff valve, soaker hose, or a hand-held bucket or water
can).
• The use of make-up water for private single-family residential swimming pools,
wading pools, Jacuzzi pools, hot tubs, and like or similar uses is prohibited. The
exception is hot tubs or Jacuzzi pools used for health related problems.
• The use of make-up water for municipality-owned swimming pools is prohibited.
City of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 13 April 15, 2014
• The use of make-up water for privately-owned neighborhood and subdivision
swimming pools accessible to the public and swimming pools owned by country
clubs, athletic clubs, health clubs, fraternal organizat ions, and other like or similar
pools is prohibited.
• The use of make-up water for hotel, motel, condominium, apartment and other
multifamily, residential user pools, including commercial and business pools, is
prohibited.
• Prohibit the establishment of new landscaping and/or the use of water for new
planting and landscaping.
• Discontinue City government water use for landscape irrigation, except as needed
to prevent foundation damage.
• Implement pro rata curtailment of water usage to commercial customers.
• Initiate a rate surcharge of 30% for all water use over 12,000 gallons per month.
Stage IV –Water Shortage Emergency
Initiation and Termination Conditions for Stage IV
The City will initiate Stage IV when one or more of the following occurs:
• The City’s demand exceeds the amount that can be delivered to customers.
• The City’s water demand for any portion of the delivery system seriously exceeds
delivery capacity.
• The City’s supply source or delivery system becomes contaminated.
• The City’s water supply system is unable to deliver water due to the failure or damage of
major water system components.
• The District has initiated Stage IV. This may occur with one or more of the following:
o The District’s water supply in Grapevine Lake becomes 70% depleted.
o Grapevine reservoir has been contaminated.
o The District’s demand exceeds its delivery capacity.
o The District’s water supply system is unable to deliver water to its customers due
to the failure or damage of major water system components.
City of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 14 April 15, 2014
o The District’s water use is approaching the limit of the permitted supply.
o Any other condition that would cause the District to initiate Stage IV.
All elements of Stage III shall remain in effect during Stage IV.
Stage IV can terminate when the circumstances that caused the initiation of Stage IV no longer
prevail.
Goals for Use Reduction and Actions Available under Stage IV
The City Manager, or official designee, will implement all of the elements of Stage IV. The goal
for water use under Stage IV is a 25% reduction of the use t hat would have occurred in the
absence of drought contingency. If circumstances warrant or are required by the District, the City
Manager or official designee can set a goal for a greater water use reduction. The City Manager
or official designee must implement any action(s) required by the District.
Upon implementation by the City Manager, or official designee, and publication of notice, the
City will impose mandatory water reduction requirements on customers. The City must notify
the TCEQ within five business days if the following measures are implemented.
• Implement viable alternative water supply strategies.
• All outdoor use by residential, commercial, and industrial customers is prohibited.
• All allocations of water use to commercial customers shall be in the amount as
established after consultation with The City Manager or t heir designee.
• The maximum monthly usage for a residential customer shall be established with a
revised rate schedule, and a 60% surcharge for all water usage over 12,000 gallons per
month.
• The City Manager, or official designee, shall take those actions deem necessary to meet
the conditions resulting from the emergency.
3.7 Procedures for Granting Variances to the Plan
The City Manager, or official designee may grant temporary variances for existing water uses
otherwise prohibited under this drought contingency plan if one or more of the following
conditions are met:
• Failure to grant such a variance would cause an emergency condition adversely affecting
health, sanitation, or fire safety for the public or the person requesting the variance.
• Compliance with this plan cannot be accomplished due to technical or other limitations.
City of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 15 April 15, 2014
• Alternative methods that achieve the same level of reduction in water use can be
implemented.
Variances shall be granted or denied at the discretion of the City Manager, or official designee.
All petitions for variances should be in writing and should include the following information:
• Name and address of the petitioners.
• Purpose of water use.
• Specific provisions from which relief is requested.
• Detailed statement of the adverse effect of the provisio n from which relief is requested.
• Description of the relief requested.
• Period of time for which the variance is sought.
• Alternative measures that will be taken to reduce water use.
• Other pertinent information.
3.8 Procedures for Enforcing Mandatory Water Use Restrictions
During any period when mandatory water use restrictions are in effect, customers shall pay the
following surcharges on excess water delivery:
• On the first violation, customers will be given a written warning that they have
violated the mandatory water use restriction.
• On the second and subsequent violations, citations may be issued to customers, with
the minimum and maximum fines established by ordinance.
• After two violations have occurred, the City may install a flow restrictor in the line
to limit the amount of water that may pass through the meter in a 24-hour period.
• After three violations have occurred, the City may cut off water service to the
customer.
• Appendix D contains the ordinance adopting this Drought Contingency Plan and
enforcement provision.
City of University Park – 2014 Drought Contingency Plan 16 April 15, 2014
3.9 Coordination with the Regional Water Planning Group
The City of University Park is located within the Region C Water-Planning Group. The City has
provided a copy of this Drought Contingency Plan to the Region C Water Planning Group.
3.10 Review, Update and Submittal of Drought Contingency Plan
As required by TCEQ rules, the City will review the Plan every five (5) years, beginning May 1,
2009. The Plan will be updated as appropriate based on new or updated information. In
addition, The Plan will be submitted as approved or revised to the executive director and to the
Region C Water Planning Group within 90 days of adoption by the City. Appendix F contains
the City Ordinance adopting this Drought Contingency Plan.
APPENDIX A
LIST OF REFERENCES
APPENDIX A
LIST OF REFERENCES
(1) Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, Part 1, Chapter 288, Subchapter A, Rule
288.1, downloaded from: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/rules/indxpdf.html#288, Effective
December 6, 2012.
(2) Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, Part 1, Chapter 288, Subchapter B, Rule
288.20, downloaded from: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/rules/indxpdf.html#288,
Effective October 7, 2004.
(3) Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, Part 1, Chapter 288, Subchapter C, Rule
288.30, downloaded from: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/rules/indxpdf.html#288,
Effective January 10, 2008.
(4) Nathan D. Maier Consulting Engineers, Inc.: Town of Highland Park Drought
Contingency Plan, April 2009, prepared for the Town of Highland Park.
(5) Alan Plummer Associates, Inc.: Town of Highland Park Drought Contingency Plan,
April 2005, prepared for the Town of Highland Park.
(6) City of Dallas Water Utilities Conservation Division: Water Conservation and Drought
Contingency Plan Updates, Briefing Materials for February 19, 2014 City Council
Meeting.
(7) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Handbook for Drought Contingency
Planning for Retail Public Water Suppliers, April 2005.
(8) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: TCEQ-20191: Drought Contingency
Plan for a Retail Public Water Supplier, May 2005.
APPENDIX B
TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
RULES ON DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLANS
Texas Commission Environmental Quality
Chapter 288 - Water Conservation Plans, Drought
Contingency Plans, Guidelines and Requirements
SUBCHAPTER B: DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLANS
§288.20 - 288.22
Effective October 7, 2004
§288.20. Drought Contingency Plans for Municipal Uses by Public Water Suppliers.
(a) A drought contingency plan for a retail public water supplier, where applicable, must include
the following minimum elements.
(1) Minimum requirements. Drought contingency plans must include the following minimum
elements.
(A) Preparation of the plan shall include provisions to actively inform the public and
affirmatively provide opportunity for public input. Such acts may include, but are not
limited to, having a public meeting at a time and location convenient to the public and
providing written notice to the public concerning the proposed plan and meeting.
(B) Provisions shall be made for a program of continuing public education and
information regarding the drought contingency plan.
(C) The drought contingency plan must document coordination wit h the regional water
planning groups for the service area of the retail public wat er supplier to ensure
consistency with the appropriate approved regional water plans.
(D) The drought contingency plan must include a description of the information to be
monitored by the water supplier, and specific criteria for the initiation and termination
of drought response stages, accompanied by an explanation o f the rationale or basis
for such triggering criteria.
(E) The drought contingency plan must include drought or emergency response stages
providing for the implementation of measures in response to at least the following
situations:
(i) reduction in available water supply up to a repeat of the drought of record;
(ii) water production or distribution system limitations;
(iii) supply source contamination; or
(iv) system outage due to the failure or damage of major water system components
(e.g., pumps).
(F) The drought contingency plan must include specific, quantified targets for water use
reductions to be achieved during periods of water shortage and drought. The entity
preparing the plan shall establish the targets. The goals established by the entity under
this subparagraph are not enforceable.
(G) The drought contingency plan must include the specific wat er supply or water
demand management measures to be implemented during each stage of the plan
including, but not limited to, the following:
(i) curtailment of non-essential water uses; and
(ii) utilization of alternative water sources and/or alternat ive delivery mechanisms
with the prior approval of the executive director as appropriate (e.g.,
interconnection with another water system, temporary use of a non-municipal
water supply, use of reclaimed water for non-potable purposes, etc.).
(H) The drought contingency plan must include the procedures to be followed for the
initiation or termination of each drought response stage, including procedures for
notification of the public.
(I) The drought contingency plan must include procedures for granting variances to the
plan.
(J) The drought contingency plan must include procedures for the enforcement of
mandatory water use restrictions, including specification of penalties (e.g., fines,
water rate surcharges, discontinuation of service) for violations of such restrictions.
(2) Privately-owned water utilities. Privately-owned water utilities shall prepare a drought
contingency plan in accordance with this section and incorporate such plan into their
tariff.
(3) Wholesale water customers. Any water supplier that receives all or a portion of its water
supply from another water supplier shall consult with t hat supplier and shall include in
the drought contingency plan appropriate provisions for responding to reductions in that
water supply.
(b) A wholesale or retail water supplier shall notify the executive director within five business
days of the implementation of any mandatory provisions of the drought contingency plan.
(c) The retail public water supplier shall review and update, as appropriate, the drought
contingency plan, at least every five years, based on new or updated information, such as the
adoption or revision of the regional water plan.
Adopted September 15, 2004 Effective October 7, 2004
Texas Commission Environmental Quality
Chapter 288 - Water Conservation Plans, Drought
Contingency Plans, Guidelines and Requirements
SUBCHAPTER C: REQUIRED SUBMITTALS
§288.30
Effective January 10, 2008
§288.30. Required Submittals.
In addition to the water conservation and drought contingency plans required to be submitted
with an application under §295.9 of this title (relating to Water Conservation and Drought
Contingency Plans), water conservation and drought cont ingency plans are required as follows.
(1) Water conservation plans for municipal, industrial, and other non-irrigation uses. The holder
of an existing permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication for the appropriation of
surface water in the amount of 1,000 acre-feet a year or more for municipal, industrial, and
other non-irrigation uses shall develop, submit, and implement a water conservation plan
meeting the requirements of Subchapter A of this chapter (relating to Water Conservation
Plans). The water conservation plan must be submitted to the executive director not later than
May 1, 2005. Thereafter, the next revision of the water conservation plan for municipal,
industrial, and other non-irrigation uses must be submitted not later than May 1, 2009, and
every five years after that date to coincide with the regional water planning group. Any
revised plans must be submitted to the executive director within 90 days of adoption. The
revised plans must include implementation reports. The requirement for a water conservation
plan under this section must not result in the need for an amendment to an existing permit,
certified filing, or certificate of adjudication.
(2) Implementation report for municipal, industrial, and other non-irrigation uses. The
implementation report must include:
(A) the list of dates and descriptions of the conservation measures implemented;
(B) data about whether or not targets in the plans are being met;
(C) the actual amount of water saved; and
(D) if the targets are not being met, an explanation as to why any of the targets are not being
met, including any progress on that particular target.
(3) Water conservation plans for irrigation uses. The holder of an existing permit, certified filing,
or certificate of adjudication for the appropriation of surface water in the amount of 10,000
acre-feet a year or more for irrigation uses shall develop, submit, and implement a water
conservation plan meeting the requirements of Subchapter A of this chapter. The water
conservation plan must be submitted to the executive dir ector not later than May 1, 2005.
Thereafter, the next revision of the water conservat ion plan for irrigation uses must be
submitted not later than May 1, 2009, and every five years after that date to coincide with the
regional water planning group. Any revised plans must be submitted to the executive director
within 90 days of adoption. The revised plans must include implementation reports. The
requirement for a water conservation plan under this section must not result in the need for an
amendment to an existing permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication.
(4) Implementation report for irrigation uses. The implementation report must include:
(A) the list of dates and descriptions of the conservation measures implemented;
(B) data about whether or not targets in the plans are being met;
(C) the actual amount of water saved; and
(D) if the targets are not being met, an explanation as to why any of the targets are not being
met, including any progress on that particular target.
(5) Drought contingency plans for retail public water suppliers. Retail public water suppliers
shall submit a drought contingency plan meeting the requirements of Subchapter B of this
chapter (relating to Drought Contingency Plans) to the executive director after adoption by
its governing body. The retail public water system shall provide a copy of the plan to the
regional water planning group for each region within which the water system operates. These
drought contingency plans must be submitted as follows.
(A) For retail public water suppliers providing water service to 3,300 or more connections,
the drought contingency plan must be submitted to the executive director not later than
May 1, 2005. Thereafter, the retail public water suppliers providing water service to
3,300 or more connections shall submit the next revision of the plan not later than May 1,
2009, and every five years after that date to coincide with t he regional water planning
group. Any revised plans must be submitted to the executive director within 90 days of
adoption by the community water system. Any new retail public water suppliers
providing water service to 3,300 or more connections shall prepare and adopt a drought
contingency plan within 180 days of commencement of operation, and submit the plan to
the executive director within 90 days of adoption.
(B) For all the retail public water suppliers, the drought contingency plan must be prepared
and adopted not later than May 1, 2005 and must be available for inspection by the
executive director upon request. Thereafter, the retail public water suppliers shall prepare
and adopt the next revision of the plan not later than May 1, 2009, and every five years
after that date to coincide with the regional water planning group. Any new retail public
water supplier providing water service to less than 3,300 connections shall prepare and
adopt a drought contingency plan within 180 days of commencement of operation, and
shall make the plan available for inspection by the execut ive director upon request.
(6) Drought contingency plans for wholesale public water suppliers. Wholesale public water
suppliers shall submit a drought contingency plan meeting the requirements of Subchapter B
of this chapter to the executive director not later than May 1, 2005, after adoption of the
drought contingency plan by the governing body of the water supplier. Thereafter, the
wholesale public water suppliers shall submit the next revision of the plan not later than May
1, 2009, and every five years after that date to coincide wit h the regional water planning
group. Any new or revised plans must be submitted to the executive director within 90 days
of adoption by the governing body of the wholesale public water supplier. Wholesale public
water suppliers shall also provide a copy of the drought contingency plan to the regional
water planning group for each region within which the wholesale water supplier operates.
(7) Drought contingency plans for irrigation districts. Irrigation districts shall submit a drought
contingency plan meeting the requirements of Subchapter B of this chapter to the executive
director not later than May 1, 2005, after adoption by the governing body of the irrigation
district. Thereafter, the irrigation districts shall submit the next revision of the plan not later
than May 1, 2009, and every five years after that date to coincide with the regional water
planning group. Any new or revised plans must be submitted to the executive director within
90 days of adoption by the governing body of the irrigation district. Irrigation districts shall
also provide a copy of the plan to the regional water planning group for each region within
which the irrigation district operates.
(8) Additional submissions with a water right application for state water. A water conservation
plan or drought contingency plan required to be submitted wit h an application in accordance
with §295.9 of this title must also be subject to review and approval by the commission.
(9) Existing permits. The holder of an existing permit, certified filing, or certificate of
adjudication shall not be subject to enforcement actions nor shall the permit, certified filing,
or certificate of adjudication be subject to cancellation, either in part or in whole, based on
the nonattainment of goals contained within a water conservation plan submitted with an
application in accordance with §295.9 of this title or by the holder of an existing permit,
certified filing, or certificate of adjudication in accordance with the requirements of this
section.
(10) Submissions to the executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board.
(A) Water conservation plans for retail public water suppliers. For retail public water
suppliers providing water service to 3,300 or more connections, a water conservation plan
meeting the minimum requirements of Subchapter A of this chapter and using appropriate
best management practices must be developed, implemented, and submitted to the
executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board not later than May 1,
2009, and every five years after that date to coincide with t he regional water planning
group. Any revised plans must be submitted to the executive administrator within 90 days
of adoption by the community water system. Any new retail public water suppliers
providing water service to 3,300 or more connections shall prepare and adopt a water
conservation plan within 180 days of commencement of operation, and submit the plan to
the executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board within 90 days of
adoption.
(B) Water conservation plans. Each entity that is required to submit a water conservation plan
to the commission shall submit a copy of the plan to the executive administrator of the
Texas Water Development Board not later than May 1, 2009, and every five years after
that date to coincide with the regional water planning group.
(C) Annual reports. Each entity that is required to submit a water conservation plan to the
Texas Water Development Board or the commission, shall file a report not later than May
1, 2010, and annually thereafter to the executive administrator of the Texas Water
Development Board on the entity's progress in implementing the plan.
(D) Violations of the Texas Water Development Board's rules. The water conservation plans
and annual reports shall comply with the minimum requirements established in the Texas
Water Development Board's rules. The Texas Water Development Board shall notify the
commission if the Texas Water Development Board determines that an entity has not
complied with the Texas Water Development Board rules relating to the minimum
requirements for water conservation plans or submission of plans or annual reports. The
commission shall take appropriate enforcement action upon receipt of notice from the
Texas Water Development Board.
Adopted December 19, 2007 Effective January 10, 2008
APPENDIX C
NOTIFICATION LETTER TO THE TEXAS
COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
EXAMPLE NOTIFICATION LETTER
March 31, 2005
Executive Director Certified Mail xxxxxxx
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Return Receipt
MC 109
P.O. Box 13087
Austin, TX 78711-3087
Re: City of University Park, Chapter 288 Drought Contingency Plan Mandatory Water
Reduction Measure Notification
Dear Sir/Madam,
Pursuant to Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 288, Subchapter B, the City of
University Park is hereby notifying the Commission that t he following mandatory provisions of
the Drought Contingency Plan shown on the attached sheet have been implemented/terminated.
If you have any questions concerning this notification, please contact [name] at [phone number].
Respectfully yours,
The City of University Park,
[Author of Correspondence]
[Title of Author]
[Author's Initials/Typist's Initials]
Enclosure[s (#)]
EXAMPLE
City of University Park, Texas
30 TAC Chapter 288 – Drought Contingency Plan
The following drought response stages were implemented / terminated on ________(date)
(Check applicable boxes)
MEASURE STAGE
I *
II
III
IV
Reduction in municipal water use
Reduction in public water use
Increased public awareness
Reductions by major water users
Increased leak detection & repair
Landscape/lawn watering schedules
Washing mobile equip w/buckets
Washing buildings, paving, etc. prohibited
Mandatory repair of defective plumbing
No water line flushing
Once-through fountain use prohibited
Use of ornamental fountains prohibited
Washing & rinsing of mobile equip prohibited
Landscape/lawn watering twice per week
Make-up water in pools prohibited (private)
Make-up water in pools prohibited (municipal)
Make-up water in pools prohibited (public)
No new landscaping/no water new landscaping
No watering of government landscaping/lawn
Surcharge rate of ___%
All outdoor use by residential, commercial, and
industrial customers is prohibited
Allocation of commercial customers
Revised residential rate schedule w/ penalty
Other (describe)
* All measures are voluntary.
APPENDIX D
ADOPTION OF THE DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN