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HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 1996 Adopting Water Conversation and Drought Contingency PlanCity of West University Place Hams County, Texas ORDINANCE NO. 1996 AN ORDINANCE FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE WATER CONSERVATION AND DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR THE CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MARKED EXHIBIT "A', HAS BEEN PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES, REGULATIONS, STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES PROMULGATED BY APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY, AND FURTHER, THAT SUCH PLAN IS ADEQUATE TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE MEANS FOR WATER CONSERVATION AND DROUGHT CONTINGENCY WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, ADOPTING THE SAME AS THE OFFICIAL WATER CONSERVATION AND DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR THE CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS. AND REQUIRING ADHERENCE TO ALL REQUIREMENTS, CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES SPECIFIED THEREBY. WHEREAS, heretofore previously, the City 0 West University Place has undertaken such studies and surveys as were necessary to determine appropriate tells upon which to base and develop a Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan for the City of West Unreal Place; and WHEREAS, as a result of such preliminary work, a Water Conservation and Drought Contingency plan has been prepared, which fairly represents a sound policy for the City of West University Race ; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS: 1. That the City Council of the City, of West University Place hereby finds and determines that the Water Conservation and Drought Contingency plan, a copy of which Is attached hereto and marked Exhibit "X. has been prepared in accordance with all applicable lade, miss, regulations, standards and guidelines promulgated by appropriate authority. 2. That the City Council of the City of West University Place further finds and determines that the said Water Conservation and Drought Contingency plan is adequate to forms an effecfive means for venter w rvation and drought management within the city limits of the City of West University Place. 3. That the Water Conservation and Drought Contingency plan, a copy of which is attached hereto and marked Exhibit "A', is hereby adopted as the oMCibl Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan for the City of West University Place, Terns, J. Further, that all of the requirements. conditions and procedures speci0ed in the atached Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan for the City of West University Place shall be adhered to by all persons affected thereby, induding bud not limited to all residents, citizens aM inhabitants of the City of West University Place. 5. Penalty. Any person, fam, ber ership, association, corporation, company, or organization of any kind Me or which intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence violates any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction themo[ shall be fined in an amount not to exceed $500 per day. Each day during which such Acadian shall exist or occur shall residual a separate offense. The owner or owners of any property or Page II premises and any agent. contractor, builder, architect, person, or corporator who shall assist In the commission of such ofense shall be guilty of a separate offense, and upon conNCtion thereof, shall be punished as above provided. 6. Seveability. In the event any section, paragraph, subdi0sim, clause, phrase, provision, sentence, or part of This Ordinance or Me application of the same to any person w dicurreatinces shall for any derson be adjudged invalid or hold unconstitutional by a wort of competent jurisdiction, it shall not sffeG, impair, or nvalidate this Ordinance as a whole or any part or caresser herwf other than the pad declared to be in id or unconstitutional; and Me City Coundl of the City of West University Place. Texas, dedwas Mat it would have handed each and every pad of Me same noMnMSfarl Me omission of any such pad Mus declared to be invalid or unconstitutional, or whether there be one or more parts. ]. Repealer. All ordinances or came of ordinances inconsistent or in cash herew th are, to the extent of such inconsistency or conflict, hereby repealed. PASSED and APPROVED this, Me r � tlWof r/`a1 2014. Mayor, City OF West iversny Place,T�.aPttl UUrq A Secretary Thelma A. Lenz Recom nit d by: City Manager Aichandi G. Ross Approved as to Form: /J Q M z WThADLYil WATER CONSERVATION And DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE TEXAS 2014 Page II hoA 2014 Page II TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE PAGE TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Ii D1INIDP UTILITY PROFILE SUMMARY DRINKING WATER SYSTEM FACILITIES DRINKING WATER SYSTEM CAPACITIES CUSTOMER DATA WATER USE DATA FOR SERVICE AREA WASTEWATER UTILITY SYSTEM WASTEWATER DATA WATER CONSERVATION PLAN INTRODUCTION CONSERVATIONGOALS CONSERVATION METHODS AND SCHEDULE 9..f]T .[H9T[�wIIIIIIIIIl APPENDIX I — IMOrmation Sources 13 APPENDIX 2 —Water Cons ton Tips 14 Page 12 INTRODUCTION For many years the citizens and elected officials in the Stale of Texas have bathed drought. During the 15th legislature Senate Bill 1 ISB 1) was propagated, this legislation required Regained Water Planning Groups to develop water plans to be incoPmated into a State Water Plan. The goal to "... provide for Me omedy development, management, and conservation of water resources and preco ation far and response M drought conditions, in omen that sufficient water will be available at a reasonable cast to ensure public health safety, and welfare: further economic development: and protect the agricultural and natural resources of Me entire stele." As pad of Me Regional and State Water Plana, all communities were required to develop Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans. These plans must be reviewed and amended every 5 years The City of West University Piece has prepared MIS updated Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan. This updated plan includes elements required by the regulation promulgated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Me Texas Water Development Board. The City of West University Place owns and operates a water production and distribution system including production, storage and distribution facilities and equipmenL Addtbnally the City owns and classes a wastewater collection and treatment systems. These systems are permitted and regulated by Me Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. These systems are operated by personnel licensed by Me Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The system serves an area of approximately two square miles. All properties within the City limits use the water and wastewater systems. The customer base In the City consists of Single Family Residential, Commercial and Institutional users. The institutional users consist of one elementary, school and several churches: for accounting purposes these have always been listed in our billing system as commercial and are so reflected in the Utility Profile section below. All users including municipal use are metered. guniclpal Uses are shown under Residential. Future accounting will separate the users into more defined classifications. Page 13 UTILITY PROFILE The City of West University Place owns and operates the system which serves the residents and businesses located within its boundaries. This includes two water wells and the purchase of treated surface water from the City of Houston. West University Place also owns and operates a wastewater collection and treatment system. All residents and commercial preperies within the boundaries of the city utilize the city's wastewater system for sewerage disposal. Drinking Water System Facilities 0 2 storage and pump stations 0 2water wells 0 6 Distribution Booster Pumps 0 4 ground storage tanks 0 2 elevated water storage tanks 0 2 Treated Surface Water intake points (City of Houston Surface Water) 0 41 miles of distribution piping Drinking Water System Capacity Drinking Water Production/Procurement o Well Water— 3000 Gallons per Minute o Surface Water— 3000 Gallons per Minute Distribution o Booster Capacity — 9,500 Gallons per Minute Dnnking Water Storage • Ground Storage— 2,900,000 Gallons • Elevated Storage — ]50,000 Gallons (Water Towers) Customer Data Population • Current population is approximately 14,800, the numbers are from the 2000 and 2010 Census. The area within the city's boundaries has been set for many years by the existence of other municipal government boundaries in each direction of the compass. The strict zoning regulations vagnin the city prevent the creation of multi-family residential areas thereby booting the potential for populaton growth. The city projects that the population wilt remain stable in the foreseeable future. • The city's water system has approximately 6,100 water meters of which approximately 450 serve irrigation only meters at locations with either domestic or commercial use meters in place . WATER USE DATA FOR SERVICE AREA Water Pro luctionlConsumption TFAR Wafer Pr d d Watc BiNndl Mele E Unme netl 3013 842313000 gallons 6159a00w gallons 3.14% 2012 I 8ft5203000900 allons 820 541 000 gallons 5.11% 2011 10183480 gallons 814169000 gallons 1 1023% Page 14 Wastewater System 0 12 Sanitary Sewer Pump Stations collect water from around the city and pump or relay the wastewater to the wastewater treatment plant. o Approximately 44 miles of sanitary sewer pipe with 1021 manholes. o Approximately 5600 connections to residential and commerdal customers. o One Wastewater Treatment Plant, rated at 2.0 Million gallons per day. With a peak flow of 6 million gallons per day. Wastewater System Data lyrlm TEAR Sewer pe w Watbrp etl 2013 .T 375000 o <].B°h 2012 435.69e,00o allans 506% zon 402,3sd,000 aanoas 3esv The Wastewater system data indicates Mat a large percentage of water does not go through the wastewater treatment plant. This indicates that there is substantial area for conservation in he outdoor usages. This is supported by the low water loss numbers in recent years. Page l5 M II.IIZb] Bill" IGLI The City of West University Place has demonstrated a high level of cencern for the protection of the Environment through previous Water Conservation Plans, Storm Water Management Plans and our Urban Forest Protection eminence. The City continues to exercise diligence in the protection of the environment with the issuance of this revised Water Conservation /Drought Contingency Plan. GOALS The City has established goals for Me measurement of the effectiveness of this water conservation plan. The goals are in two areas water loss reduction and municipal use of water. o In 2013 Me City sold 815,880,000 gallons of water and produced 842,313,000gallons of water. The resulting amount of lost water came to 5 gpod (gallons per capita per day). This is equivalent to approximately 3.2% of the water produced not being said. This amount includes water from maintenance activities including fire hydrant testing, water main flushing, water storage tank maintenance, water not measured by faulty water meters and water leaks. o The City has established a five year goal to be achieved by the end of 2019 a water loss not to exceed 3 gprd and a 10 year goal to be achieved by the end of 2024 a water loss not to exceed 2.5 pipes. o With Me annual sales of 815, 880,000 the water consumption was 151 piped. Through the use of water conservation education, a water conservative water rate and provision of tools to assist the community with water conservation eons that Oe City will establish annual sales reflective of 145 grand 5 year goal to be achieved by the end of 2019 and 140 good! 10 year goal to be achieved by the end of 2024. CONSERVATION METHODS AND SCHEDULE The city shall perform the following task in an effort to meet the established goals • June 30, 2015 — Complete and initiate the development of program to effectively monitor and audit production and consumption on a monthly basis with annual reports which dearly show the effectiveness of the program. This shall include the automatic tracking of water production and consump0on through the use of an automated metering infrastructure which will allow for water production and consumption to be compared daily, This includes Master Meters for production and distribution and new radio mad meters on every water end use point. • September 30, 2015 — Complete and initiate a meter monitoring and testing program which includes the electronic monitoring of water meters for meter failures. Weekly reports of such failures and a program to repair or replace faulty meters within T days of the report being generated. A program to test meters of differing consumpton volumes to determine that the meters remain accurate and W initiate a replacement program for any meter not measuring over 95% of the flow at any flow Page 16 rate. The mater testing will be designed based on AWWA Water Meter Testing Standards. o March 30, 2015 -The City has initiated an automated meter reading system and we anticipate completion of the installation in March of 2015. The meters have a warranty for accuracy, and functionality for 20 years. The City as mentioned above will monitor functionality with the electronic radio read metering system and shall test meter annually in a variety of consumption ranges to vaulty that they are accurate. The City shall incorporate into the capital planning program for the replacement of these meters in approximately 20 years and sooner If they are not effective. o May 31, 2014 - Continue program to reduce water losses with regular visual inspections along the route of water mains with extra attention to mains not located within residential areas where they are most likely to be reported quickly. It is the policy of the Public Works operations Division to repair any leak which appears to exceed 10 gallons per minute within 24 hours and any other leak within 96 hours. Additionally the audit mentioned above is intended to identify any water loss and will result in the inspection of storm and sanitary sewers to look for excess flow anytime a water less Is found to be excessive. o January 31, 2016 - Investigate the addition of electronic leak detection devices to acted over the radio meter reading network to assist in the detection of leaks with emphasis on listening devices on the older cast iron and ductile Iran water mains. o Mar 30, 2015 - Continue the distribution of water conservation education materials • Current - Publish articles at least twice each year in Me City Currents, a quarterly newsletter published by the City and distributed to all residents and businesses within the City. This includes all customers of the water system. • Current - Maintain a copy of the Utility Profile updated annually on the City's Internet site. • Current - Maintain a page on the City's Internet site who a copy of the water conservation plan and bps on water conservation. • Current - Participate in Me regional Hams Gaheslon Subsidence Districts Regional Water Conservation Education Program. During 2013 this participation included Me sponsoring of 3000 elementary school students in the Water Wise Water Conservation Education Program. This participation is established in the city's budget annually and should always include a minimum of Me students studied in the West University Elementary School. o March 30, 2015 - Initiate a consumer Internet portal where consumers can view their own water consumption in near real time. This consumption will be displayed in hourly increments and Me portal will include charts, graphs and links to tips on water conservation. o June 30, 2015 - Create and hold customer seminars to provide instruction on the use of Me consumer portal and how to determine what the water usage graphs indicate. How to recognize water leaks and how to determine Me amount of water being used by automatic lawn irrigation systems. o July 31, 2015 - Initiate a program to notify consumers when a trend develops on their water use history that indicates a possible water leak, This notice to ba made by email or telephone if available. If necessary city shelf will visit Me property with passible water leak and advise the consumer or leave a door hanger with information. Pagel] March 30, 2016 — Initiate a program to natty consumers with the highest consumption of Me availability of assistance from city staff to audit water usages with the consumer and provide advice on reducing Me consumption levels. June 30, 2015 — Continue W annually review the water rates and water rate structure to maintain sufficient income to support the ongoing maintenance and improvements to Me Water System while insuring that the rate is not promoting Me inefficient use of water. The city currently has an increasing block structure which meets this standard. • Base cast is based on the size of Me water service for residential and commercial customers. Water usage billed! for increasing water usages for Me first 3000 gallons and Men increasing rates for water used in every 6000 gallon increments up to 15,000 gallons and a Flat rate per thousand ter every thousand gallon inclement above 15,000 gallons. IMPLEMENTATIOWENFORCEMENT The City of West University Place municipal government is based on a Home Rule Charter operating in Me City Manager/ Council format The city has Me legal authority to create ordinances and to enforce Mom with civil or criminal penalties. The City maintains a full time Police Department and a full time Code Enforcement Officer. These shall be responsible for enforcement of the plan where it calls for penalties for violations. The City shall pass an ordinance to adopt this Water Conservation / Drought Contingency Plan add cause Mat ordinance to became part M the Code of Ordinances for Me City of West University Place . The Public Works Department will oversee and continue the initiation of the Water Conservation Plan and Me documentation and reporting requiretl for the plan. This includes the crashed and submission of the Annual Report to Me Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Any violation of Me mandatory provisions of Me Drought Contingency Plan may result in a penalty and /or interruption of water service. The City Manager is empowered to enforce Me mandatory provisions and may interrupt water service based upon repeated violations. Penalties shall be paid before water service is restored. Violations will be reported by all City personnel to Me City Manager. Variances to the Mandatory restrictions may be granted by action of Me City Council, and shall be requested in writing of a letter to the City Manager delivered by certified mail, or hand delivered with a added letter of receipt to be signed by an appropriately designated city employee and must be received no later than Me close of business on Me Thursday immediately preceding the Monday of Me City Council Meeting at which Me request will be heard and acted upon by City Council Action. This time frame will allow for Me action to be posted on the City Council Meeting Agenda as required by law. The City Manager or his delegate shall allow for request having the potential for Page 18 immediate human health effects to be granted on a temporary hand pending action by the City Council. Page 19 DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN Section 1- Declaration of Policy Purpose, and Intend In cases of extreme drought permits of abnormally high usage, system contamination, o r extended reduction in ability to supply water due to equipment failure, lempo aw restrictions will be insulated to limit n m- eicandal water usage. The purpose of the Drought Contingency Plan Is to encourage, and under emergency remotions require, customer conservation in order to maintain supply, storage, or pressure. Section 2- Public Involvement Community fw the public to provide input into the preparation of the Plan was provided by posag of Notice of Council Meeting to approve ordinance adopting Drought Contingency Plan. The meetings took place at Date: October 13, 2014 and Oceber 2, 2014 Time- 6.30 PM Hare: u60u University Blvd West University Place Texas, Municipal Building, Council Chambers Section 3- Public Education The City of West University Place will periodically provide the public with information about the Plan, Including information about the conditions under which each stage of the Plan Is to be initiated or terminated and the drought response measures to be implemented in each stage. Drought plan information will be provided by press release and utility bill home advising of availability of plan on moment web site or from Utility Billing Once. Section 4- Coordination with Regional Water Planning Groups The service area of the City of West University Piece is located within Regional Water Planning Group H and a copy of this plan has been mailed to this planning group. Section 0 - System Supply Strategy The City of West University Place water system is supplied with a combination of well water and surface water. The well water is supplied by water wells owned and operated by the system and can safely supply our annual dally average. The Surface sister supply is through a purchase agreement with the City of Houston, Teems and this supply can safely supply our daily annual average. With limitations on either of these supplies during peak pumping seasons it may ion necessary to implement water usage restrictions. The City of West University Place has two pump stations either of which can pump well water, surface water or a combination of both. Either pump Station can safely supply the daily average flow but may require usage restrictions In the event of equipment outages during peak water pumping seasons. Section 9- Response Stages The City will communicate Stage I concepts each year. If supply or demand triggers are met the city will Irande the appropriate elevated Stage of antrid'ow. The City shall notify the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality any time Stage II , Stage III or Stage IV are initiated Page 110 Utility Measures A public announcement will be Issued every Apnl to increase customer awareness of water conservation and encourage the most officers use of water. This announcement will Include Information on obtaining an electronic or paper ropy of this Plan. A copy of the current public announcement on water conservation awareness shall be kept on file available for inspection by the TCEQ. Voluntary Water Conservation Water customers are encouraged to practice water conservaton. STAGE II - VOLUNTARY WATER USE RESTRICTIONS Stage II is designed to encourage customers to conserve water during periods when water supplies are unusually limited Stage 2 will begin when: Supply-Based Triggers o City of Houston initiates voluntary water restrictions. Demand- or Capacity -Based Triggers o Total daily demand -65% of safe pumping capacity for three (3) consecutive days. Upon initiation and termination of Stage II, notify all customers by placing notice on: • City's web site • Press release to radio, television and newspapers • Send Notice to all telephone customers and registered users In the area through the Code Red telephone notice system Conservation Goal for STAGE II The goal for this Stage Is to reduce me overall daily consumption to below 60% of the safe pumping capacity. Requirements for termination Stage II of the Plan may end when all of the conditions listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of ten (10) consecutive days, AND the Conservation Goal for STAGE II has been achieved for a period of 10 (10) consecutive tlays. Utility Measures ❑ Visually inspect lines and repair leaks on a daily basis. Voluntary Water Use Restrictions ❑Voluntary Restricted Hours: Outside watering is alloyed daily, and encouraged to water only during the hours between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, STAGE III - MODERATE WATER USE RESTRICTIONS Stage III is designed to take affirmative steps to control the use of water in response to a period of significant water shortage. Stage 3 will begin when: Supply-Based Triggers o Equipm entoutagereduceswelicapautyby W% orpumhasedwateriMakeislimitedte Page I II less than 75% of standard average draw ones. Demand- or Capacity-Based Triggers n Total daily demand -]0% of pumping capacity for three (3) consecutive days. Upon initiation and termination of Stage III, notify all customers by placing notice on: o City's web site o Press release to radio, television and newspapers o Send Notice to all telephone customers and registered users In the area through the Code Red telephone notice system Conservation Goal for STAGE III The goal for this Stage is to reduce me overall daily consumption to below 65% of the safe pumping capacity. Requirements far termination Stage III of the Plan may end when all of the conditions listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of fifteen (15) consecutive days AND the Conservation Goal her STAGE III has been achieved for Mean days. Upon termination of Stage 3, Stage 11 may be eflective. Utility Measures • Usually inspect lines and repair leaks on a daily basis. • Water line flushing is prohibited except for dead and mains or identified quality control issues Mandatory Water Use Restrictions (STAGE Ill) The following water use restrictions Shall apply to all customers : • Outside watering is allowed daily, but only during the fours between 10 00 PM and 5:00 AM. • Watering of plants and landscaping shall be allowed with a hand held water hose between the hours of 7:00 PM and Midnight and the hours of Midnight and 10:00 AM. • Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, hailer, airplane or other vehicle is prohibited except between the hours of 7:00 PM and 10:00 a.m. Such washing, when allowed, shall be done with a hand red bucket or a hand -held hose equipped wlth a passive shutoff node for quick rinses. Further, such washing may be exempted from these regulations If the health, safety, and welfare of the public is contingent upon frequent vehicle cleansing, such as garbage trucks and vehicles used to transport end! and perishables. • Use of water to fill, refill, or add to any indoor or outdoor swimming pods, ending pools, or "JacinzP type pools a prohibited except between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 10:00 a.m. • Ol ao(n of any ornamental fountain or pond for aesthetic or scenic purposes is prohibited except wham necessary to support aquatic fife or whom such fountains or ponds am equipped with a re- circulation system. • Use of water from hydrants or flush valves shall be limited to maintaining public health, safety, and welfare. • Use acwafer for the irrigation of parks, and green belt areas is prohibited except between the hours 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. and between 8 p.m. and 12:00 midnight. • The following non - commercial uses of water are defined as non - essential and are prohibited: • Wash down of any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking urge tennis courts, or other hard - surfaced areas. • Use of water W wash down buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire protection • Use of water for dust otntml • Flushing gutters or permitting water to ran or accumulate in any goiter or street Page 112 o Customer shall cause any leaks) to be repairetl within 72 hours after having been given notice directing the repair of such leaked. STAGE N - CRITICAL WATER USE RESTRICTIONS Stage IV is designed to take sgnif ant steps to control the use of water in response to penods of cmJcal water shortage. Stage IV will begin when: Supply-Based Triggers (Either condition may trigger predictions) o Supply contamination o Equipment collage reduces well rapacity by 50% and purchased water intake is limited to leas than 75% of standard average draw pates. o Equipment outages reduce produdlon capacity to below ]5 %of mrmal total production. Demand or Capacity -Based Triggers (Either condition may trigger restrictions) o Total daily demand as 80% of safe pumping capacity for (3) three consecutive days oProduction or distribution limitations System outage. Upon initiation and terminal of Stage IV, notify all customers by placing notice on: o City'swebsite a Press release to radio, television and newspapers o Send Notice to all telephone customers and registered users in the area through the Code Red telephone notice system Conservation Goal for STAGE IV The goal for this Stage is to reduce the overal dally consumption Inc below 70% of the safe pumping capacity. RequlremeMS for termination Stage IV of the Plan may end when all of the conditions listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of fifteen (15) consecutive days AND the Conservation Goal for STAGE III has been achieved for The" days. Upon termination d STAGE IV, STAGE III or STAGE II may become effective. Operational Measures The utility shall visually Irrsped lines and repair leaks on a daily hasis. Water line flushing is prohibited except for idelthed water quality issues and only between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 3:00 a m. Police and Cade Enforcement personnel will be asked to maintain vigilance for violations of the water restrictions. Mandatory Water Use Restrictions (STAGE IV) o STAGE III Mandatory Reductions with the following more restrictive prohibitions o ALL outdoor use of water is prohibited o Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat (railer, airplane or other vehicle Is absolutely prohibited Page 113 APPENDIX 1 WATER CONSERVATION & DROUGHT MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SOURCES Texas Water Development Board P.O. Box 13231 1700 N. Congress Ave. Austinjaxas 78711-3231 (512) 483 7847 voice (512) 4752053 fax wxM1V.Mtlb.state.M.us Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ED. Box 13087 Austinje cars 78711 -3087 (512) 2391000 wrvw.teeg.slate:ix.us Water Resource Center U.S. EPA Mail Coda RC -4100 401 M Streel, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20460 Telephone:(202) 260 -7786 Fax: (202)260 -0386 mail'. waleMub @apamail.epa.gov meveapa govew 6666 West Quincy Ave. Comer Co 60235 (303) 794 7711 w avrwaere Page 114 APPENDIX B WATER CONSERVATION TIPS Suggestions on ways to save water which may be induced in public information are listed below. A Bathroom a. Take a shower instead of filling the tub and taking a bath. Showers usually use less water than tub barns. b. Install a low -flow shower head which restricts the quantity of flow at 60 psi to no more than 3.0 gallons per minute. c. Take shod showers and install a cutoff valve or turn the water off whit soaping and back on again only to nose. b Do not use net water when mid will do. Water ant energy can be saved by washing hands with soap and mid water; but water should only be added when hands are especially dirty. e. Real the level of the water being used in a bath tub by one or two inches rf a shower is not available. C Tom water off when brushing teeth until It is time to rinse. g. Do not let water ran when washing hands. Instead, hands should be war, and water should be fumed off while soaping and scrubbing and Wmed on again to Mse. A cutoff valve may also be installed on the faucet. h. Shampoo hair in the shower. Shampooing in the shower takes only a IMe more water than is used to shampoo hair during a bath and much less than shampooing and bathing separately. i. Hold hot water in the basin when shaving instead of letting the faucet continue to ran. j. Test toilets for leaks. To test for a leak, a few drops of food coloring can be added to the water in the tank. The toilet should not be flushed. The customer can then watch to see IF the colonel appears In the bowl within a few minutes. If if does, Me fixture needs adjustment or repall k. Use armlet tank displacement device. A one-gallon plastic milk bottle can be filled with stones or Win water, recapped, and placed in the toilet bank. This will reduce the amount of water in the bank but still proved enough for flushlrg. (Bricks, which some people use for this purpose, are not recommended, sincethey mumble eventually and could damage Me wording mechanism. Displacement devices should never be used wM new low- volume flush milets. I. Install faucet aerators to reduce water consumption. m. Never use the toilet to dispose of rimming tissues, cigarette butts, or other trash. This can waste a great deal of water and also places an unnecessary load on the wastewater treatment plats. n. Install a new bw- volume Mist Mat uses 1.6 gallons or less per flush when building a new home or remodeling a bathroom. B. Kitchen a. Use a pan of water (or place a stopper in the sink) for rinsing pots and pans and soaking implements when cooking rather than turning on the waver fame each time a nose a needed. Ii Never ran Me dishwasher without a full load. In addition to saving water, expensive detergent will last longer and a significant energy saving will appear on the unity bill. in Use the sink disposal sparingly, and never use it fn-just a few scraps. d Keep a container of docking water in Me refrgeraloc Running water from fie tap until it w cool is wasteful. Better still, both water and energy can be saved by keeping cold Page [15 water in a picnic lug on a kitchen counter to avoid opening the refrigerator door frequently e . Use a small pan of cold water when cleaning vegetables rather than lefling the honest run. f. Use only a lime water in the pot and put a lid on it for cooking most food Not only does this method save caster, but food is more notntims since vitamins and minerals are not poured down the drain with the extra making water. g. Use a pan of water fir finning Men hand washing dishes rather than running the faucet. I. Always keep water conservation In mind, and think of other ways to save in the kitchen. Small kitchen savings ham not making are much coffee or liming ice crime me8 in a sink can add up over a years time. C. Laundry, a. Wash only a full bad when using an automatic washing machine (32 to 59) gallons are required per load). b. Use the lowest water level setting on the washing machine for light saw whenever possible. c. Use mkt water as often as possible to save energy and to conserve the hot water for uses which cob water cannot serve. (This is also batter for clothing made of today's synthetic fabrics.) D. Appliances and Plumbing a. Check water requirements of various models and brands when considering purchasing any new appliance that uses water. Some use less water than others. b. Check all water connections and faucets for leaks. A slaw drip can waste as much as 170 gallons of water EACH DAY, and can add as much as $10.00 per month to the water bill. c. Learn to replace washers so that drips can be corrected promptly. It is easy to 0 costs very lirvle and can represent a substantial amount saved in plumbing and water bills. d. Check for water leakage you may be unaware of, such as a leak between the water meter and the house. To check, all indoor and outdoor faucets should be armed off, and the water meter should be checked it it continues to con or trim, a leak probably exists and needs to bo located. e. Insulate all hot water pipes to avoid the delays (and wasted water) experienced while waiting for the water to trim hot. f Be sure the Ml water healer themlcstat is not set too high. EWemely bot servings waste water and energy because the water often has to be cooled with cold water before it can Its used. g. Use a moisture meter to determine when Muse plants need water. More plants the from over - watering than ham being on the dry side. E. Out -of -Doors Use a. Water lawns between the homes at 8:00 pm to 6 W am during the better summer months. Much of the water used on the lawn can simply evaporate between the sprinkler and the grass. b. Use a sprinklerthat produces large drops of water, ratherihan a fine mist, to avoid evaporation. c. Turn maker hoses so the holes are on the bottom to avoid evaporasin. d Water slowly for better absorption, and neverwater in high wins. e. Forget about wotering the streets. walks, and driveways. They will never grow a thing. Pagel 16 f. Condition the soil with compost before planing grass or flower beds so Net water will soak in rather than run off. It. Fertilize lawns at least Noce a year for mot stimulation. Gress with a good mot system makes better use of less water. h. Learn to kmwwhed gross needs watering. If It has turned a dull garygreen or R important remain visible, it is time r water. I. Do not sister loo frequently. Too much water can overload the soil so the air cannon get to re roots and can encourage plant diseases. j. Go net over - water. Soil con absorb only so much moisture and the rest simply runs off . A timer will help, and either a kitchen timer or an alarm clock will do, An inch and one-half of water applied once a week will keep most Texas greases alive and healthy. Ic Operate automatic sprinkler systems only "an the demand on the town's water supply Is lowest Set me system to operate between 4 and 6 am. I. Go nor scalp lawns when mowing during but weather. Taller grass holds moisture batter. Rather, grass should be cut fairly often, so that only 1 to 2 inches is trimmed off. A better looking lawn will result. m. Use a watering can or hand water with the hose in small areas of the lawn that need sore frequent watering (rose near walks or driveways or In especially hot, sunny poke). n. Juneau what types of grass, shrubbery, and plants do best in the area and in which parts a the lawn, and then plant accoodingly. If one has a heavily shaded yard, no amount of water will make roses bloom. In especially dry sections of re shte, appeal arrangements of plants that are adapted to and or semiarH climates should be chosen. o. Consider decorating areas of the lawn with rocks, gravel, wood chips, or other materials now available that require no water at all. p. Do not "sweep' walks and driveways with the hose. Use a broom or rake instead. q. Use a bucket p soapy water and use the hose only for rinsing when washing the car. Page 117