HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 18311: ADOPTING A WATER CONSERVATION PLAND AND A DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN MEMORANDUM
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
UTILITY OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
TO: John A. Comeaux P.E., Interim City Manager
FROM: John A. Tomplait., Assistant Director of Utility Operations�7�a'
DATE April 25, 2014
SUBJECT Proposed Resolution No. 18311
RECOMMENDATION:
I recommend that the City Council approve Proposed Resolution No. 18311, 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
f
EMPLOYEE /STAFF EFFECT:
None
SUMMARY
I recommend that the City Council approve Proposed Resolution No. 18311, approving a Water
Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan.
P. R. No. 18311
04/25/2014 -jt
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 thru
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 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. 18311
04/25/2014 -jt
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 at the time of need
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.
2014 at a regular meeting of the City of Port Arthur, Texas by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor:
Councilmembers:
Noes:
Mayor
Attest:
Sherri Bellard
City Secretary
P. R. No. 18311
04/25/2014 -jt
Page 3
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
//a%
Valecia Tizeie
City Attorney
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
John A. Comeaux P.E.
Interim City Manager
Jo , A. Tompl.J t
Ass':tant Director of Utility Operations
EXHIBIT A
Revised 2014
Water Conservation Plan
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.
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 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 54,000
persons and an area of 87.6 square miles.
III. 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. Siemens is currently conducting
a City wide water leak detection survey. This will identify all water leaks in the
distribution system. This should be completed by July 2014. Our water loss has been
high over several years. Our water loss is due to the number of Teaks in the distribution
system over 4000 per year. This is due 60 -70 year old cast iron lines still in service and
NC pipe that's easy to break when the ground shifts.
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Revised 2014
IV. 5 -Year and 10-Year Targets and Goals
The City has established goals of reducing un- metered losses by 80% over the next 10
years, from 3,800,000,000 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 51% from the current level of 286 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 & 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 8% 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. We have applied for funding to replace water lines
that have had several leaks on them. Hopefully this will be completed in 2015.
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 286 gpcd. Meeting the statewide goal would
mean a reduction of 51%. The City has adopted a goal reducing consumption by 5%
per year for the next five (5) years a 25% reduction. In order to achieve this goal, the
City is planning to implement the following BMPs:
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Revised 2014
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 50% of the current amount, an average of 8% reduction per
year. This will bring the total reduction in unaccounted water loss to 80% from the
present amount — from 3,800,000,000 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 too much of our water loss due to 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 51% based on current consumption. 25% for the first 5 year
term and an additional 25% for the second 5 -year term, an average of 5% 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.
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.
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Revised 2014
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.
(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 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 will test meters and replace them based on test results
or the age of the meter. Currently all 5/8" meters are approximately 4 years old. Large
meters were rehabbed with new parts. 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
meters 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 was completed in 2010.
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Revised 2014
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 Toss in
remote transmission lines between these service grids. Much of our transmission
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 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 contracted with Siemens for a City wide leak
detection and testing of our large water meters, this should be complete by June 1,
2014. Residential meters are approximately 4 years old due to a City wide change out
to upgrade to AMR's. Preliminary results indicate a small number of water main leaks.
(less than 25) They have discovered over 140 fire hydrants leaking at various amounts.
The City should have a detailed report by mid -year.
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.
X. Annual Report
The City of Port Arthur provides an annual report to the TWDB that includes water audit
information.
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Revised 2014
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 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 Rhodair Gully. A water re -use system will be installed during an upgrade, scheduled
for 2014 -2015.
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. The water
re -use system will need to be rehabbed to get it operational, scheduled for 2014 -2015.
The City of Port Arthur Water Purification Plant recycles filter backwash water and water
decanted during our dewatering process.
XIII. Plumbing Codes
The 72nd Texas Legislature passed legislation requiring that plumbing fixtures sold in
Texas after January 1, 1992 is 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
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.
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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Revised 2014
Rate Structure
(Attached)
12
Sec. 110 -91. Rate schedule.
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. Readiness-to-serve charge (RTSC). This charge shall be based on the size of the
water meter serving the premises, plus a charge to include the first 2,000 gallons of
water as shown below. For RV /trailer parks, this charge shall be based on the size of
the water meter servicing the premises plus a charge to include the first 2,000 gallons
per each space in the RV /trailer park:
TABLE INSET:
Meter Size RTSC 1 2,000
Gallons of Water
5/8 x 3/4 inch $ 0.00+ $8.80
1 inch 0.43+ 8.80
1 1/2 inch 1.24+ 8.80
2 inch 2.15+ 8.80
3 inch 6.46+ 8.80
4 inch 12.94+ 8.80
6 inch
25.73+ 8.80
8 inch 38.82+ 8.80
b. Quantity charge. This charge shall be based on the monthly cost of the water used
per 1,000 gallons in excess of minimum. "Minimum" includes the appropriate RTSC
based on meter size from subsection a., above.
TABLE INSET:
Quantity in Gallons Quantity Charge
Every 1,000 gallons
Over the 2,000 minimum $4.40 per 1,000 gallons
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) ®n 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)
Sec. 110 -92. Consumers outside city not having special contracts.
The rates, fees and charges for furnishing water service by the city are fixed and
established for all persons not on special contract with the city and who reside beyond
the corporate limits of the city as follows:
(1) 'eadiness-toserve charges (RISC). This charge shall be based on the size
of the water meter serving the premises plus a charge to include the first 2,000 gallons
of water as shown below. For RV /trailers parks, this charge shall be based on the size
of the water meter serving the premises plus a charge to include the first 2,000 gallons
per each space in the RV /trailer park:
TABLE INSET:
Meter Size RTSC 1 2,000
Gallons of Water
5/8 x 3/4 inch $ 0.37+ $15.09
1 inch 0.64+ 15.09
1 1/2 inch 1.43+ 15.09
2 inch 2.86+ 15.09
3 inch 9.34+ 15.09
4 inch 19.05+ 15.09
6 inch 38.46+ 15.09
8 inch 57.88+ 15.09
(2) Quantity charge This charge shall be based on the monthly cost of the water
used per 1,000 gallons in excess of the minimum. "Minimum" includes the first 2,000
gallons plus the appropriate RTSC based on meter size from subsection (1) above.
TABLE INSET:
Quantity in Gallons Quantity Charge
Every 1,000 gallons
Over the 2,000 minimum $ 7.55 per 1,000 gallons
(3) Private fire protection. This charge shall be an additional monthly charge of
$32.38 for private fire protection. Private fire protection costs shall be incurred by those
customers that now have or will have in the future adequate water supplied by the city
for private fire hydrants, private sprinkler systems or other private fire protection
appurtenances, owned and maintained by a water customer for fire protection and
testing thereof and separate from any other water system on that property. All water
must be metered through meters furnished by the city or other methods that are
approved by written authorization by the city.
(Ord. No. Code 1961, § 24 -52; 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, § 2, 11 -21 -2006; Ord. No.
08 -85, § 1, 8 -26 -2008)
Revised 2014
East Texas Regional Water Planning Group
Documentation
•
13
DELORIS "BOBBIE" PRINCE, MAYOR JOHN A. CCOMEAUX
City of " . INTERIM CITY MANAGER
COUNCIL MEMBERS: /,/ J SHERRI BELLARD
RAYMOND SCOTT, JR. CITY SECRETARY
ELIZABETH "LIZ" SEGLER
V it u
MORRIS ALBRIGHT VAL TIZENO
WILLIE "BAE" LEWIS Texas CITY ATTORNEY
ROBERT E. WILLIAMSON
DERRICK FREEMAN
KERRY "TWIN" THOMAS
April 26, 2014
RE: Updated Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan for the City of Port Arthur.
PWS # 1230009
Administrative Agent
East Texas Regional Water Planning Group I
Kelley Holcomb, Angelina & Neches River Authority
P.O. Box 387
Lufkin, Texas 75902 -0387
Enclosed pleased find a copy of the updated Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan for the City
of Port Arthur, Texas. This Plan and a copy of the Proposed Resolution adopting the Plan (included as
Exhibit A) are submitted in accordance with TCEQ rules.
This will go before Port Arthur City Council on May 13, 2014 and will be approved on that day. If you have
any questions, please contact me at 409 - 983 -8226 or email jtomplait @portarthur.net
Respectfully Submitted,
•
ohn :. Tompl it
tant Director of utility Operations
Enclosures
1. City of Port Arthur Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan
2. Proposed resolution No. 18311
P.O BOX 1089 • PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS 77641 -1089 • 409/983 -8115 • FAX 409/983 -8291
Revised 2014
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. 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 will be reviewed and updated every five (5) years.
11. 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,
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 severities 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 (18 MGD) of the safe
capacity of the City's water plant or distribution system.
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Revised 2014
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 (19 MGD) 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. (Water pressure below 25 psi.)
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.
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Revised 2014
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 that water 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.
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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Revised 2014
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. We will also utilize our
automated telephone system (blackboard connect) to notify the public.
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.
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 at the discretion of
the City Manager.
No variance shall be retroactive or otherwise justify any violation of this plan occurring
prior of the variation.
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Revised 2014
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 -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.
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