§ 32-70. Stages of conservation measures in response to water shortage.
The board of commissioners may initiate the following stages of water conservation measures to avoid or lessen the impact of a water shortage. The board of commissioners shall base their action upon a review of all factors that affect the town's water supply, including, but not limited to, current water supply, seasonal effect on water supply and current consumption rates. The town manager or his designee may recommend to the board of commissioners one of five escalating stages of water conservation, which shall be effective upon being signed and posted on the town bulletin board and a copy placed with the town clerk.
(1)
Stage I—Voluntary conservation. In stage I of water conservation, the town shall publicize and encourage the public voluntarily to comply with the following water conservation measures:
a.
Limit lawn watering to that which is necessary for plants to survive.
b.
Water shrubbery the minimum amount required, reusing household water when possible.
c.
Limit vehicle washing to the minimum.
d.
Refrain from washing down outside areas such as sidewalks, patios, etc.
e.
Use showers for bathing rather than bathtubs, and limit showers to no more than four minutes.
f.
Refrain from leaving faucets running while shaving or while rinsing dishes.
g.
Limit use of clothes washers and dishwashers and when used, operate fully loaded.
h.
Install water-flow restrictive devices in showerheads.
i.
Use disposable and biodegradable dishes.
j.
Install water-saving devices such as bricks, plastics, bottles or commercial units in toilet tanks.
(2)
Stage II—Moderate mandatory conservation. In stage II of water conservation, the town shall continue all recommendations of stage I and the following measures shall be mandatory:
a.
No watering of lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flowers or vegetable gardens except between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
b.
No filling of newly constructed swimming and/or wading pools and existing pools which have been drained. A minimal amount of water may be added to maintain continued operation of pools which are in operation at the time the provisions of stage II are placed into effect.
c.
No washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, or any other type of mobile equipment.
d.
No washing down of outside areas such as streets, driveways, service station aprons, parking lots, office buildings, exterior of existing or newly constructed homes or apartments, sidewalks or patios, or use of water for other similar purposes.
e.
No introducing water into any ornamental fountain, pool or pond or other structure making similar use of water.
f.
No serving of drinking water in restaurants, cafeterias or other food establishments, except upon request.
g.
No using water from public or private fire hydrants for any purpose other than fire suppression or other public emergency.
h.
No using water for dust control or compaction.
i.
No using water for any unnecessary purpose or intentionally wasting water.
(3)
Stage III—Severe mandatory conservation. In stage III of water conservation, all the provisions of stages I and II apply and, in addition, the following measures shall be mandatory:
a.
No watering of lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flowers or vegetable gardens.
b.
No nonessential use of water for commercial or public use, and the use of single service plates and utensils is encouraged and recommended in restaurants.
(4)
Stage IV—Stringent mandatory conservation. In stage IV of water conservation, all the provisions of stages I through III apply and, in addition, the following measures shall be mandatory:
a.
No using water outside of structures for any use other than emergencies involving fire.
b.
No introducing water into swimming pools.
(5)
Stage V—Rationing. In stage V of water conservation, all provisions of stages I through IV apply and, in addition, the following measures are mandatory:
a.
Fire protection will be maintained, but where possible, tank trucks shall use raw water.
b.
All other uses of water will be limited to those uses necessary to meet essential health and safety needs of customers.
(Code 1990, § 19-66; Ord. No. 02-001, § 1, 3-13-2002)