HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 15460: WATER CONSERVATION & DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLANSPUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
COUNCIL ACTION MEMO
TO Stephen B. Fitrgibbons, City Manager
FROM Ross E. Blackketter, P.E., Director of Public Works
SUBJECT P.R. #15460 -Approve Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans
DATE 20 August 2009
RECOMMENDATION:
I recommend that the City Council approve Proposed Resolution No. 15460, 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 ofthis
plan is also necessary for our application with the Texas Water Development Board for the
Clean Water State Revolving Fund -American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Grant.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL EFFECT:
These plans are required for TWDB grant loan eligibility.
EMPLOYEE/STAFF EFFECT:
None.
SUMMARY
I recommend that the City Council approve Proposed Resolution No. 15460, approving a
Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan.
rsr~ ~ - _
Ross E. Blackketter, P.E.
Director of Public Works
REB/reb
Z:\engineer\documents\CAMS\Water Cans Plan.doc
P.R. No. 15460
08/20/09 reb
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 sewer projects to be funded through the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act as a part of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program; and,
WHEREAS, a Water Conservation Plan and a Drought Contingency Plan are
required 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 of Port Arthur Water Conservation Plan, which incorporates a
Drought Contingency Plan, is approved as shown on Exhibit "A" attached hereto and
made a part hereof; and,
P.R. No. 15460
Page 2
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 for
public information and guidance.; and,
THAT, a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of
the City Council.
READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the day of A.D.
2009 at a
vote: Ayes: Mayor:
Councilmembers:
Mayor
Attest:
meeting of the City of Port Arthur, Texas by the following
City Secretary
P.R. No. 15460
Page 3
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney (~yi ~~/~ y,1
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
Stephen B. Fitzgibbons
City Manager
~~
Ross E. Blackketter, P.E.
Director of Public Works
Z:\engineer\documents\Resolutions\PR15460.doc
EXHIBIT A
Water Conservation Pfan
I. 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.
I1. 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 with a firm capacity of 20.0 mgd and a peak capacity of
26.0 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 57,755 persons and an area
of 140.64 square miles.
III. Utility Evaluation Data
The City of PortArthur utilizes Texas Water Development Board guidelines, historical data
obtained from our accounting and operational records, along with benchmarking
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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.
IV. 5-Year and 10-Year Targets and Goals
The City has established goals of reducing un-metered losses by 75% over the next 10
years, from 3,000,000,000 gallons per year to 750,000,000 gallons lost per year. 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 35% from the current level of 214 gpcd.
Just before the turn of the century, the City completed the replacement of all unlined cast
iron 12" water mains with newer technology materials. This effort is continuing with the
following targets.
5-Year Targets 8 Goals
Un-metered Losses
Over the next five (5) years, the City has established a goal of reducing un-metered losses
by 50%, an average of 10% reduction per year. To accomplish this, the City is planning to
implement the following Best Management Practices (BMPs):
1. Metering of All New Connections and Retrofit of Existing Connections -completing
the Automatic Meter Reader (AMR) Meter Change-out Program, and continuing to
enforce the requirement for metering all new customer connections.
2. System Water Audit and Water Loss -the replacement of all 16"and larger cast iron
and all sizes of concrete steel cylinder pipe. The City still has an abundance of 16"
through 24" lead-joint cast iron pipe and 10" & 24" concrete steel cylinder
transmission line. Phase II of our Water Line Replacement Program is targeted at
replacing approximately 20 miles of mains with the worst leak history. Phase I
($5M), of this program was completed in 2005, which has resulted in a 35%
reduction in main line leaks over the previous five year average.
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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 usage for the City
of Port Arthur is approximately 214 gpcd. Reducing the un-metered losses as stated
above would bring the average per capita consumption to 143 gpcd within this five (5) year
term. In addition, to encourage conservation by its customers, the City is planning to
implement the following BMPs:
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 Conversion 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 25% of the current amount, an average of 5% reduction per year. This will
bring the total reduction in unaccounted water loss to 75%from the present amount- from
3,000,000,000 gallons per year currently to 750,000,000 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 to its size and poor condition.
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Per Capita Consumption
Continuing the reduction of un-metered losses as.stated above will bring the average per
capita consumption over the next ten (10) years to 108 gpcd -exceeding the statewide
goal. The City is also planning to continue implementing the following BMPs to encourage
conservation:
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 Conversion Programs -requiring that only
certified irrigation specialists install water efficient irrigation systems.
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 included with the customer's 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 a uniform rate structure for water users which
discourages water waste. All water customers are subject to the uniform rate structure.
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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 can monitor each metered connection for consistency in water use. If water
consumption increases or decreases dramatically, the suspect meter is tested and repaired
or replaced.
As a result of this effort, the City tests approximately 100 meters and replaces
approximately 1,250 meters annually, with replacement based on test results orthe age of
the meter. The City recently acquired a meter test bench for meters from 5/8" through 2",
and employees have been trained in its use. Meters larger than 2"are tested by an outside
firm. In 2006, the City initiated a program to replace its commercial and hard to read
meters with Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technology units. In late 2008, this program
was expanded to include the replacement of all meters with AMR technology units. This will
assist our personnel in obtaining regular meter .readings, and will replace our old, under-
registering meters. The AMR metering system selected for implementation 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 AMR meter change-out program
should be completed in 2010.
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 ourtransmission system traverses
remote, poorly accessible areas.
VIII. Leak Detection and Repair
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
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service. Elevated storage tank levels and all pump stations are monitored 24 hours per day
to alert repair crews of major leaks. The City has also recently implemented procedures to
better account for water losses due to leaks and water main flushing. The City has also
budgeted for the acquisition of an ultrasonic leak detection system that should assist field
personnel in the location of hidden underground leaks. A leak detection crew will
systematically begin a program to analyze areas targeted in our 2006 Water Distribution
System Audit.
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-_ on August 25, 2009, adding Code of
Ordinances Section 110-34(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.
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X. Annual Report
The City of Port Arthur provides an annual report to the TWDB that includes water audit
information.
XI. Pressure Reduction
The City's water distribution system does not provide pressures in excess of 80 psi 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 four 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 Pleasure Island Wastewater Treatment Plant is permitted for 0.1 MGD and discharges
to the Sabine-Neches Canal of the Neches-Trinity Coastal Basin.
The Port Acres Wastewater Treatment Plant is permitted for 2.75 MGD and discharges
into Rhodair Gully. This WWTP recycles plant effluent (process water) for general plant
clean-up uses.
The City of Port Arthur's Main Wastewater Treatment Plant is permitted for 9.2 MGD and
discharges into the Sabine-Neches Canal of the Neches-Trinity Coastal Basin. This WWTP
recycles plant effluent (process water) for general plant clean-up uses.
The City of Port Arthur Water Purification Plant recycles filter backwash water and water
decanted during our dewatering process.
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XIII. Plumbing Codes
The 72"d Texas Legislature passed legislation requiring that plumbing fixtures sold in Texas
after January 1, 1992 be water efficient. 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 pounds per
And Aerators 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.
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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Drought Contingency Pian
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. The Water Conservation plan 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 wilt be
reviewed and updated every five (5) years.
It. Trigger Conditions
The City of Port Arthur receives its water from the LNVA. Upon notification from the LNVA,
or the Deep East Texas Regional Planning Group, that the water supply is, or will be,
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limited, or a determination is made that the demand is excessive, the City will classify the
situation into one of the following condition levels. These 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.
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 onl 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.
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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 and by posting the information on the
government television channel 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 thatwater users insulate
pipes rather than running water to prevent frozen pipes.
3. Advertise through the news media a voluntary daily lawn watering schedule.
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.
3. Implement a mandatory 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. Prohibit the watering of lawns.
4. Prohibit certain uses such as ornamental fountains or other non-essential water
uses.
5. Prohibit the filling or refilling of residential swimming pools.
6. Require industrial or commercial water users to stop operations so that
remaining water is available for essential health and safety related uses.
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The lawn watering schedule will be based on street addresses. Odd numbered
street addresses will be allowed to water on odd numbered calendar days, while
even numbered street addresses will be allowed to water their lawns on even
numbered days.
The average increase in water consumption between winter and summer is 22
gpcd. The goal for the voluntary measures (mild drought conditions) is to reduce
this by 50% or 11 gpcd. The goal for the moderate drought conditions is to reduce
this by 75% or 16 gpcd. For severe conditions, the goal is to eliminate the
difference between winter and summer usages.
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 hislher 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, in which
case, the variance will be terminated at an earlier time atthe discretion of
the City Manager.
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 authorizes the City Manager to develop,
implement and enforce this plan, including the provisions in 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-_ on August 25, 2009, adding Code
of Ordinances Section 110-34(d) and providing for fines of up to $2,000, or the maximum
allowed bylaw-whichever is greater, for failures to comply with City's Water Conservation
and Drought Contingency Plans.
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