HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 20908: ADOPTING A WATER CONSERVATION PLAND AND A DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN Ci• or
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INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
UTILITY OPERATIONS DEPARTM ENT-
ADMINISTRATION DIV.
Date: June 20,2019
To: Rebecca Underhill,Interim City Manager
From: Clyde J. Trahan,Utility Operations Manager 89'
RE: Proposed Resolution No. 20908
RECOMMENDATION:
I recommend that the City Council approve Proposed Resolution No. 20908,
approving a Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan.
BACKGROUND:
The Code of Ordinances Chapter 110 (Utilities), Article II (Water), Section 110-34
states that the City Manager shall develop, implement, and modify, as necessary, a
Water Conservation Plan. The Water Conservation Plan also includes a Drought
Contingency Plan for use during emergency conditions. Such plans are required by
the Texas Water Development Board and the Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality. Approval of this plan is also necessary for our application with the Texas
Water Development Board for the Drinking and Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL EFFECT:
None
EMPLOYEE/STAFF EFFECT:
None
SUMMARY:
I recommend that the City Council approve Proposed Resolution No. 20908,
approving a Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan.
"Remember we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur"
P 0 BOX 1089 • PORT ARTHUR,TEXAS 77641-1089 •409/983-8101 • FAX 409/982-6743
P.R. No. 20908
06/20/2019 cjt
Page 1 of 3
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A WATER CONSERVATION PLAN AND
A DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR THE CITY OF PORT
ARTHUR TO PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE USE OF WATER AND TO
ESTABLISH CRITERIA FOR THE INITIATION AND TERMINATION
OF DROUGHT RESPONSE STAGES
WHEREAS, THE City applied to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for
various sanitary water and sewer projects funded by the Texas Water Development Board
through the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Fund program; and,
WHEREAS, a Water Conservation Plan and a Drought Contingency Plan are required to
be updated every five (5) years, by the TWDB, as set forth in the Texas Water Code, for those
applicants seeking financial assistance over $500,000 from water and wastewater project funds;
and,
WHEREAS, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires, per 30
TAC Chapter 288, that the City develop and maintain a Drought Contingency Plan; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Port Arthur Code of Ordinances, Chapter 110 (Utilities),
Article II (Water), Section 110-34 requires the City Manager to develop, implement, and modify,
as necessary, a Water Conservation Plan.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR:
THAT, the City Council hereby approves the City of Port Arthur Water Conservation
Plan, which incorporates a Drought Contingency Plan, in substantially the same form as attached
hereto as Exhibit "A".
P.R. No. 20908
06/20/2019 cjt
Page 2 of 3
THAT, the City Manager shall issue the Water Conservation Plan in writing to the City
staff for implementation and shall publish a notice in the Port Arthur News at the time of need
for public information and guidance.
THAT, a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the City
Council.
READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS day of
A.D., 2019, at Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the
following vote: AYES:
Mayor:
Councilmembers:
NOES:
Derrick Ford Freeman, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard, City Secretary
P.R. No. 20908
06/20/2019 cjt
Page 3 of 3
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
/44/6
alecia Tize ' Attorney
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
Rebecca Underhill
Interim City Manager
C
L-
Cly.' J. Trah.n
Utility Operations Manager
EXHIBIT
«A»
Revised March 13,2019
Water Conservation Plan
L Purpose
Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans are required by the Texas Water
Development board (TWDB), set forth in the Texas Water Code, for those applications
seeking financial assistance over $500,000 from water and wastewater project fund
accounts.
This Water Conservation and Drought Contingency document is written to provide the
City of Port Arthur with plans and methods to use water more efficiently by reducing the
consumption and loss or waste of water. It also contains a plan for implementing
measures to significantly, but temporarily, reduce water use during drought conditions or
other emergency situations.
II. Planning Area
Raw water is supplied to Port Arthur through a canal system owned and operated by the
Lower Neches Valley Authority (LNVA). The City of Port Arthur operates a surface
water clarification and filtration facility and after an expansion project, completed in
2018, has a firm capacity of 40.0 MGD (Million Gallons per Day)and a peak capacity of
52.0 MGD. The water treatment plant produces all of the City's potable water.
The planning area encompasses southern Jefferson County, which is presently served by
the City's water treatment plant through its water distribution system. The area consists
of the City of Port Arthur, and has a population of approximately 53,800 persons and an
area of 110 square miles.
ILL Utility Evaluation Data
The City of Port Arthur utilizes Texas Water Development Board guidelines, historical
data obtained from our accounting and operational records, along with benchmarking
information from similar sized cities. In March 2006, JBS Associates completed a Water
Distribution System Audit to identify and address unaccounted-for water and develop
recommendations to implement which will save water. In July 2014, Siemens completed
a City wide water leak detection survey to identify all water leaks in the distribution
system. The survey covered approximately 1,848,000 lineal feet and conservatively
estimated a water loss of 43,920,000 gallons per month. From May 2015 to November
2015, Siemens replaced 117 leaking fire hydrants, 229 large meters (3" to 8"), and
converted 18,706 existing small meters from drive-by AMR system to Fixed Based AMI.
Also installed were 7 new network collectors and 58 repeaters, including associated
tower infrastructure. The City spent $8,021,021 to implement this project. Within two
and a half years, the transmitters started to fail and required replacing. At the time of this
Revised March 13,2019
revision, the City has changed a total of 5,200 transmitters and more failures are
expected. The transmitter failures coupled with the TWDB Annual Report number of
1,613 leaks repaired due to aging infrastructure were the major contributors to the current
TWDB Water Use Survey total of unaccounted-for water loss at approximately 40%.
IV. 5-Year and 10-Year Targets and Goals
The present goal of the City is to reduce the unaccounted for water losses in the City's
water distribution system by a minimum of 50 percent over the next ten (10) years. Our
losses for 2018 were 3,371,890,779 gallons and our goal is to reduce that number to
about 1,685,945,390 gallons. The City has also established a goal of reducing average per
capita consumption to the Texas Water Conservation Implementation Task Force
recommended statewide goal of 140 gpcd, a reduction of 51% from the current historic 5
year Annual Report average level of 290 gpcd. It should be noted that approximately
12% of the Total System Input Volume delivered to the distribution system goes to the
state of Louisiana to our industrial partner Cheniere LNG, which reduces the average
level to a more realistic 270 gpcd.
5-Year Targets& Goals
Un-metered Losses
Over the next five(5)years, the City has established a goal of reducing un-metered losses
by 24%, an average of 4.8% reduction per year. To accomplish this, the City has
implemented the following Best Management Practices (BMPs):
1. Metering of all new connections and retrofit of existing connections— continuing
to replace the Automatic Meter Reader (AMR) transmitters and the Meter
Change-out Program, and continuing to enforce the requirement for metering all
new customer connections.
2. System Water Audit and Water Loss — Our current Water Line Replacement
Program is targeted at replacing 57 water lines with the worst leak history that
total approximately 24.4 miles. We have applied for funding from the TWDB and
the design phase has been approved by the TWDB. This replacement program is
to be completed within a five(5)year period.
Per Capita Consumption
The Texas Water Conservation Implementation Task Force has recommended a statewide
goal of reducing average per capita consumption to 140 gpcd. Current historic 5 year
average usage for the City of Port Arthur is approximately 270 gpcd. Meeting the
statewide goal would mean a reduction of 50%. The City has adopted a goal of reducing
consumption by 4.8% per year for the next five (5) years, a 24% reduction. In order to
achieve this goal, the City is planning to implement the following BMPs:
2
Revised March 13,2019
1. School Education — distribution of educational materials from the Texas Water
Development Board.
2. Public Information — posting conservation information on the government
television channel, on water bills, and in local media, and providing leak detection
kits to the citizens.
3. Prohibition on Wasting Water — implementation and enforcement of the Water
Conservation Plan.
4. Golf Course Conservation — using irrigation water from the regional drainage
district.
5. Water Wise Landscape Design and Conservation Programs — requiring that only
certified irrigation specialists install irrigation systems in accordance with State
water conservation rules.
10-Year Targets & Goals
Un-metered Losses
Over the next ten (10) years, the City has established a goal of reducing un-metered
losses by an additional 24% of the current amount, an average of 4.8% reduction per
year. This will bring the total reduction in unaccounted water loss to 50% from the
present 2018 amount-from 3,371,890,779 gallons per year currently to 1,685,945,390
gallons per year. To accomplish this, the City is planning to continue to implement the
following BMPs:
1. System Water Audit and Water Loss — the replacement of all 8"-10" cast iron
pipe. The City still has an abundance of 8" cast iron pipe with a poor leak history.
This size pipe contributes to much of our water loss due its size and poor
condition.
Per Capita Consumption
Over the next ten (10) years, the City has established a goal of reducing average per
capita consumption by 48% based on current consumption. 24% for the first 5 year term
and an additional24% for the second 5 year term, an average of 4.8% reduction per year.
This will bring our average per capita consumption to the statewide goal of 140 gpcd. To
achieve this goal,the City is planning to continue implementing the following BMPs:
1. School Education — distribution of educational materials from the Texas Water
Development Board.
3
Revised March 13,2019
2. Public Information — posting conservation information on the government
television channel, on water bills, and in local media, and providing leak detection
kits to the citizens.
3. Prohibition on Wasting Water — implementation and enforcement of the Water
Conservation Plan.
4. Golf Course Conservation — using irrigation water from the regional drainage
district.
5. Water Wise Landscape Design and Conservation Programs — requiring that only
certified irrigation specialists install water efficient irrigation systems.
6. We hope to continue our waterline change out program through loans from the
TWDB.
V. Education and Information
The City of Port Arthur promotes water conservation by informing water users about the
ways to save water inside of homes and other buildings, in landscaping and lawn uses,
and in recreational uses. These tips are often included with the customers' monthly water
bills. Additionally, water conservation literature is available to new customers when they
apply for service at our customer service department.
VI. Water Conservation Oriented-Rate Structure
Water Conservation oriented-rate structures are used to discourage the waste of water.
The City of Port Arthur currently has in increasing uniform rate structure for water users
which discourages water waste. All water customers are subject to the uniform rate
structure. (Rate structure attached)
VII. Universal Metering and Meter Repair and Replacement
All water users are currently metered. Currently, the City has a water accounting
program that is implemented by computerized water consumption tracking. Utilizing the
computer, the City monitors each metered connection for consistency in water use. If
water consumption increases or decreases dramatically, the suspect meter is tested and
repaired or replaced.
The City has a meter test bench capable of testing meters from 5/8" through 2" and
employees have been trained in its use. Meters larger than 2" are tested by an outside
firm. The City tests approximately 100 meters and replaces approximately 1250 meters
annually. The City has replaced all its meters with Automated Meter Reading (AMR)
technology meters. This program will assist our personnel in obtaining regular meter
4
Revised March 13,2019
readings and will replace our old, under-registering meters. The AMR metering system is
capable of logging water use every four (4) seconds and that data can be provided to the
customer to document and correct leaking private services.
The City of Port Arthur's water system is a compilation of numerous old former Water
Districts and small cities that have merged with Port Arthur, and is spread out over a
large service area. The City has initiated sub-basin metering to document water loss in
remote transmission lines between these service grids. Much of our transmission system
traverses remote, poorly accessible areas.
VIII. Leak Detection and Repair
The City of Port Arthur purchased mobile Leak Detection Equipment and trained crews
in its use. The City is establishing a Fixed Leak Detection System to be phased in over
the next five (5) years. This will allow us to detect leaks before catastrophic line failures
occur. Siemens fire hydrant change out program was completed in 2016. An updated
residential meter change out program will be implemented over the next three (3) years.
A sample of meters were tested and found to be up to 15% slow. This program will
improve our accountable water numbers. The Utility Operations Department continues to
cross check Production vs. Consumption in an effort to narrow the gap and eliminate
water losses due to large leaks and theft of service. Elevated storage levels are monitored
24 hours per day to alert repair crews of major leaks. We have instituted procedures to
better account for losses due to flushing and leaks.
IX. Means of Implementation and Enforcement
The City Council of Port Arthur passed Ordinance No. 80-61 on July 21, 1980, which
establishes a policy for water conservation. The ordinance authorizes the City Manager
to implement and develop the water conservation plan as required by the water supply
and demand conditions in the City's water supply system.
The ordinance gives the City Manager the legal authority to enforce the water
conservation plan and includes penalties for violations. This ordinance is included in the
Code of Ordinances Section 110-34.
Also in the Code of Ordinances is Section 110-70, "Discontinuance of Service", which
provides for termination of service for any consumer violating or permitting violation
from his attachments of any of the utility operations department's rules and regulations
governing the introduction, supply and consumption of water.
Further, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 09-59 on August 25, 2009, adding Code
of Ordinances Section 110-70(d) and providing for fines of up to $2,000, or the
maximum allowed by law — whichever is greater, for failures to comply with City's
Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans.
5
Revised March 13,2019
X. Annual Report
The City of Port Arthur completes a report including "water audit" for the TWDB
annually.
XI. Pressure Reduction
The City's water distribution system does not provide pressures in excess of 80 psig for
any of its service connections. Therefore, there is no need to provide any reduction in
pressure to reduce water consumption.
XII. Recycling and Reuse
The City of Port Arthur owns and operates three wastewater treatment plants.
The Sabine Pass Wastewater Treatment Plant is permitted for 0.3 mgd and discharges
into the Sabine Pass Channel of the Neches-Trinity Coastal Basin.
The Port Acres Wastewater Treatment Plant is permitted for 2.75 mgd and discharges
into Rodhair Gully. This plant recycles plant effluent (process water) for in plant clean-
up.
The City of Port Arthur's Main Wastewater Treatment Plant is permitted for 9.2 mgd and
discharges into the Sabine-Neches-Trinity Coastal Basin.
The City of Port Arthur Water Purification Plant recycles filter backwash water and water
decanted during our sludge dewatering process.
XIII. Plumbing Codes
The 7211d Texas Legislature passed legislation that requires plumbing fixtures sold after
January 1, 1992 to be water efficient, and the City has incorporated these standards into
its plumbing codes. The standards are listed as follows:
Fixture Standard
Shower Heads No more than 2.75 gallons per minute at 80 pounds
per square inch of pressure.
Lavatory and Sink Faucets No more than 2.2 gallons per minute at 60
And Aerators pounds per square inch of pressure.
Wall Mounted, Flushometer No more than 2.0 gallons per flush.
Toilets
All Other Toilets No more than 1.6 gallons per flush.
6
Revised March 13, 2019
Urinals No more than 1.0 gallons per flush.
Drinking Water Fountains Must be self closing.
The City has incorporated these standards into its local plumbing codes.
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Rate Structure
(Attached)
8
Port Arthur, TX Code of Ordinances Page 1 of 7
Sec. 110-91.- Rate schedule.
Tier categorical descriptions:
Tier 1: 0-10,000 gallons per month.
Tier 2: 10,001 gallons-50,000 gallons per month.
Tier 3: Greater than 50,000 gallons per month.
All updated water and sewer rates are effective May 1, 2018, unless otherwise noted:
the minimum usage fee for water is affected by the water meter size. For all tiers that
include sewer,the water consumption is used to determine the appropriate sewer
consumption charge.
The rates and charges for furnishing water service by the city are fixed and established for the
respective purposes and kinds of service at the following charges and rates:
(1) In the city:
a. Minimum usage fee.This charge shall be based on the size of the water
meter serving the premises as shown below.
INSIDE CITY LIMITS
Residential Minimum Usage Fee
Meter Size Water Sewer
Up to 1 inch $7.50 $7.50
11/2 inch $8.50 $7.50
2 inch $10.00 $7.50
3 inch $25.00 $7.50
4 inch $35.00 $7.50
6 inch $55.00 $7.50
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Port Arthur, TX Code of Ordinances Page 2 of 7
8 inch $75.00 $7.50
10 inch $200.00 $7.50
b. Quantity charge.This charge shall be based on the monthly cost of the
water used per 1,000 gallons plus the appropriate minimum usage fee
based on meter size.
RESIDENTIAL RATES
Water and sewer rate schedule per thousand gallons for service locations inside of Port Arthur
city limits:
Residential Water and Sewer Rates
Quantity in Gallons—Tier Proposed Water Rates. Proposed Sewer Rates
(per thousand gallons) (per thousand gallons)
Residential tier 1 $5.06 $4.65
(0-10,000 gallons per
month)
Residential tier 2 $5.31 $4.88
(10,001-50,000 gallons
per month)
Residential tier 3 $5.58 $5.12
(Over 50,000 gallons per
month)
Cost of 6,000 gallons of water=$37.86, Cost of 4,000 gallons of water= $27.74
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Port Arthur,TX Code of Ordinances Page 3 of 7
Cost of 6,000 gallons of sewer= $35.40, Cost of 4,000 gallons of sewer= $26.10
c. All water must be metered through meters furnished by the city, or other
methods that are approved by written authorization by the city. All water
rates above,fixed and prescribed, are for water furnished through the
regular water system and plant of the city.
(2) Apartments, mobile homes, RV parks,townhouses, and all multi-family dwellings
are considered subsets of the residential category.
(3) Apartments, mobile homes, RV parks, townhouses, and all multi-family dwellings
shall pay a minimum usage fee per unit for the smallest meter size based on 75
percent monthly occupancy rate effective October 1, 2018.
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL RATES
Water rate schedule for meter size and per thousand gallons for service locations inside of Port
Arthur city limits:
Water Rates
Meter Size Up to 11/2 2 inch 3 inch 4 inch 6 inch 8 inch 10 inch
1 inch inch
Minimum $15.00 $15.00 $20.00 $25.00 $35.00 $55.00 $75.00 $200.00
usage fee
Tier 1 $5.50 $5.50 $5.50 $5.50 $5.50 $5.50 $5.50 $5.50
0-10,000 1
gallons
Tier 2 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78
10,001-50,000
gallons
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Port Arthur, TX Code of Ordinances Page 4 of 7
Tier 3 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06 ! $6.06 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06
Greater than
50,000 gallons
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL RATES
Sewer rate schedule per thousand gallons for service locations inside of Port Arthur city limits:
Sewer Rates
Tier Per 1,000 gallons
Commercial/industrial tier 1 $5.05
(0-10,000 gallons)
Commercial/industrial tier 2 $5.30
(10,001-50,000 gallons)
Commercial/industrial tier 3 $5.56
(over 50,000 gallons)
Metered and unmetered private fire protection shall be billed as per tables below.
METERED FIRE LINE CHARGE
Water rate schedule for meter size and per thousand gallons for service locations inside of Port
Arthur City Limits:
Water Rates
Meter Size Up to 11/2 2 inch 3 inch 4 inch 6 inch 8 inch 10 inch
1 inch inch
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Port Arthur, TX Code of Ordinances Page 5 of 7
Minimum $15.00 $15.00 $20.00 $25.00 $35.00 $55.00 $75.00 $200.00
usage fee
Tier 1 $5.50 $5.50 $5.50 $5.50 $5.50 $5.50 $5.50 $5.50
0-10,000
gallons
Tier 2 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78
10,001-50,000
gallons
Tier 3 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06
Greater than
50,000 gallons
UNMETERED FIRE LINE CHARGE
Water rate schedule for pipe size and per thousand gallons for service locations inside of Port
Arthur city limits:
Water Rates
Pipe Up to 1 11/2 2 inch 3 inch 4 inch 6 inch 8 inch 10 inch
size inch inch
Monthly $15.00 $55.00 $80.00 $85.00 $90.00 $95.00 $160.00 $215.00
charge
for
basic
service
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Port Arthur,TX Code of Ordinances Page 6 of 7
FIRE HYDRANT METERS
Water rate schedule for meter size and per thousand gallons for service locations inside of Port
Arthur city limits:
Water Rates
Meter Size Up to 1 inch 11/2 inch 2 inch 3 inch
Rental fee $250.00 $300.00 $400.00 $500.00
Tier 1 $5.50 $5.50 $5.50 $5.50
0-10,000
gallons
Tier 2 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78
10,001-50,000
gallons
� I
Tier 3 i $6.06 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06
Greater than
50,000 gallons
Note: A deposit of$2,000.00 is required and will be reimbursed in full or partially based
on condition of meter when returned.
LAWN/OUTDOOR CHARGE
Water Rate Schedule for meter size and per thousand gallons for service locations inside of Port
Arthur city limits:
Water Rates
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Port Arthur, TX Code of Ordinances Page 7 of 7
Meter Size Up to 11/2 2 inch 3 inch 4 inch 6 inch 8 inch 10 inch
1 inch inch
Minimum $15.00 $15.00 $20.00 $25.00 $35.00 $55.00 $75.00 $200.00
usage fee
Tier 1 $5.06 $5.06 $5.06 $5.06 $5.06 $5.06 $5.06 $5.06
0-10,000
gallons
Tier 2 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78 $5.78
10,001-50,000
gallons
Tier 3 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06 $6.06
Greater than
50,000 gallons
(4) On contracts outside the city. Provided where municipalities and outside users
have entered into a formal written contract with the city, all rates and conditions
shall be as established within the specific contract.
(Ord. No. Code 1961, § 24-51; Ord. No. 01-35, § 1, 9-4-2001; Ord. No. 05-65, § 1, 9-13-2005; Ord. No.
06-72, § 1, 9-12-2006; Ord. No. 06-105, § 1, 11-21-2006; Ord. No. 08-85, § 1, 8-26-2008; Ord. No. 11-
50, § 1, 9-20-2011; Ord. No. 14-43 , § 1, 9-29-2014; Ord. No. 16-38, § 2(Exh.A), 5-31-2016; Ord. No. 18-
16, § 2,4-24-2018)
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CITY of PORT ARTHUR
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DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN
Revised May 1, 2019
Supersedes all other revisions
Drought Contingency Plan
I. Introduction
Drought or a number of other uncontrollable circumstances can disrupt the normal operation of
the City of Port Arthur's water supply system, including supply, treatment, storage and
distribution. Even though the City may have an adequate water supply, this supply could become
contaminated or a disaster could destroy all or a portion of the water system, creating an
emergency management situation for the City.
The Drought Contingency Plan includes those temporary measures that the City can utilize to
significantly reduce water use in response to an emergency. These measures generally involve
voluntary use reductions. They also may include the restriction or elimination of certain types of
water use, and water rationing. Because emergency conditions are often unexpected, it is
important that the City be prepared in advance.
The purpose of the Drought Contingency Plan is to establish measures and procedures for
identification, classification, and handling a water supply and/or demand emergency effectively
and efficiently.
It is important to understand the differences between the Water Conservation Plan and the
Drought Contingency Plan. Water conservation involves implementing and practicing permanent
water use efficiency, while the Drought Contingency Plan establishes temporary methods
designed to be used during emergency situations. This plan will be reviewed and updated every
five(5)years.
II. Trigger Conditions
The City of Port Arthur receives its water from the LNVA (Lower Neches Valley Authority).
Upon notification from the LNVA, or the Deep East Texas Regional Planning Group, that the
water supply is or will be limited, or a determination is made that the demand is excessive, the
City will classify the conditions into condition levels. Condition levels have been established to
distinguish between the severity of the trigger conditions, such as mild,moderate and severe.
A. Mild Conditions
The trigger conditions that will indicate mild conditions are as follows:
1. Notification from LNVA that a mild water storage condition exists.
2. Water demand has reached or exceeded 90 percent of the safe capacity of the City's water
plant or distribution system.
Revised May 1, 2019
B.Moderate Conditions
The trigger conditions that will indicate moderate conditions are as follows:
1. Notification from LNVA that moderate water storage conditions exist.
2. Water demand has reached or exceeded 95 percent of the safe capacity of the water treatment
plant beyond which failure of a part of the system could cause serious disruption of service to
a portion or all of the City.
3. Contamination of LNVA Canal which requires use of the City's reservoir only for raw water.
C. Severe Conditions
The trigger conditions that will indicate severe conditions are as follows:
1. Notification from LNVA that severe water storage conditions exist.
2. An imminent or actual failure of a major portion of the water supply system, which will cause
an immediate health or safety hazard.
3. Water system capacity in the distribution system is low enough that sufficient fire fighting
capabilities are hindered.
4. Continued contamination of the LNVA source such that our reservoir level is below 50
percent of its useful capacity.
III. Drought Contingency Measures
The following actions will be taken by the City according to the level of trigger conditions
reached.
A. Mild Condition Measures
1. Inform the customers through the mail that a trigger condition has been reached and that the
water users should look for ways to voluntarily reduce water use.
2. During winter months, request through the news media that water users insulate pipes rather
than running water to prevent frozen pipes.
B. Moderate Condition Measures
1. Continue all relevant measures from the preceding condition.
2. Notify major water users by telephone of the situation and request voluntary water use
reductions.
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3. Advertise through the news media a voluntary daily lawn watering schedule
4. Request industries or other non-municipal water users to stop certain uses, find alternative
sources, increase recycling,or modify production processes where possible.
C. Severe Condition Measures
1. Continue all relevant measures from the preceding conditions.
2. Inform the public through the news media that a severe condition has been reached and that
the water users should look for ways to reduce water use.
3.Implement a mandatory lawn watering schedule.
4. Prohibit certain uses such as ornamental fountains or other non-essential water uses.
5. Require industrial or commercial water users to stop operations so that remaining water is
available for essential health and safety related uses.
6. Notify Motiva Enterprises of need for possible temporary interconnection for raw water from
their reservoir.
IV. Education and Information
The City of Port Arthur will inform the public of the purpose and effect of the Drought
Contingency Plan and of the expectations of them during a drought condition or emergency
situation. When trigger conditions appear to be approaching, the public will be notified through
available news media and additional information on water conservation methods will be
distributed.
In the event that trigger conditions are reached, the public will be kept fully informed of the
status of the drought condition or emergency situation.
V. Variances
The City Manager, or his/her designee, may, in writing, grant a temporary variance to the
policies provided by this plan if it is determined that failure to grant such variance would cause
an emergency condition adversely affecting the public health, welfare, or safety, and if one or
more of the following conditions is met:
A. Compliance with the plan cannot be technically accomplished during the duration of the
water supply shortage or other condition for which the plan is in effect.
B. Alternative methods can be implemented which will achieve the same level of reduction
in water use.
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Persons requesting an exception from the provisions of this plan shall file a petition for variance
with the City Manager. Variances shall be subject to the following conditions:
A. Variances granted shall include a time table for compliance
B. Variances granted shall expire when the plan is no longer in effect,unless the petitioner
has failed to meet specified requirement.
No variance shall be retroactive or otherwise justify any violation of this plan occurring prior to
the issuance of the variation.
VI. Termination Notification
Termination of the drought conditions or emergency situation measures will take place when the
trigger conditions which initiated the drought contingency measures have subsided. The public
will be informed by the City of Port Arthur of the termination in the same manner in which they
were informed of the initiation procedures.
VII. Implementation/Enforcement
The City of Port Arthur Code of Ordinances Chapter 24-17 authorizes the City Manager to
develop, implement and enforce this plan. The Code also specifies penalties for violations.
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