|
Moderate Water Shortage
Conditions
June 20, 2005
Galveston County WCID #1 has been monitoring our
water usage over the last several weeks. Due to the lack of rainfall and
increases in outdoor water usage, we have reached the trigger point for
Stage 2- Moderate Water Shortage Conditions. This means that we have used
at least 100% of our total contracted amount of water from Gulf Coast
Water Authority. We encourage everyone to conserve water. Our Drought
Contingency Plan is designed to help us conserve water. That will have an
effect on many of our customers, particularly those who use water outdoors
for irrigations or filling swimming pools. What follows is from our
Drought Contingency Plan. Notice that the plan requires us to implement
the following Water Use Restrictions that modify how and when you may
water outside, wash vehicles, fill swimming pools and other outdoor water
uses. We hope that everyone will help us by saving and conserving water.
If you have questions, you may contact us at 281-337-1576. We will have
additional information on our website at www.wcid1.com.
These conditions are mandatory and will apply until triggering conditions
have ceased for a period of 30 days. Violators may be prosecuted.
Stage 2 - Moderate Water Shortage Conditions
Goal: Reduce and maintain daily water use at or below 90% (currently 3.75
MGD) of the District’s pro-rata share of the deliverable capacity of the
Mackey Plant.
Supply Management Measures:
The District will limit water use by reducing or discontinuing flushing of
water mains and irrigation of public landscape areas.
Water Use Restrictions. Under threat of penalty for violation, the
following water use restrictions shall apply to all persons:
(a) Irrigation of landscaped areas with hose-end sprinklers or automatic
irrigation systems shall be limited to Sundays and Thursdays for customers
with a street address ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6 or 8), and
Saturdays and Wednesdays for water customers with a street address ending
in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7 or 9), and irrigation of landscaped areas is
further limited to the hours of 12:00 midnight until 10:00 a.m. and
between 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight on designated watering days. However,
irrigation of landscaped areas is permitted at anytime if it is by means
of a hand-held hose, a faucet filled bucket or watering can of five (5)
gallons or less, or drip irrigation system.
(b) Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer,
airplane or other vehicle is prohibited except on designated watering days
between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 10:00 a.m. and between 8:00 p.m.
and 12:00 midnight. Such washing, when allowed, shall be done with a
hand-held bucket or a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shutoff
nozzle for quick rinses. Vehicle washing may be done at any time on the
immediate premises of a commercial car wash or commercial service station.
(c) Use of water to fill, refill, or add to any indoor or outdoor swimming
pools, wading pools, or jacuzzi-type pools is prohibited except on
designated watering days between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 10:00
a.m. and between 8 p.m. and 12:00 midnight.
(d) Operation of any ornamental fountain or pond for aesthetic or scenic
purposes is prohibited except where necessary to support aquatic life or
where such fountains or ponds are equipped with a recirculation system.
(e) Use of water from hydrants shall be limited to fire fighting, related
activities, or other activities necessary to maintain public health,
safety, and welfare, except that use of water from designated fire
hydrants for construction purposes may be allowed under special permit
from the District.
(f) Use of water for the irrigation of golf course greens, tees, and
fairways is prohibited except on designated watering days between the
hours 12:00 midnight and 10:00 a.m. and between 8 p.m. and 12:00 midnight.
However, if the golf course uses a water source other than that provided
by District, the facility shall not be subject to these regulations.
(g) All restaurants are prohibited from serving water to its patrons
except when requested.
(h) The following uses of water are defined as non-essential and are
prohibited:
1. wash down of any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis
courts, or other hard-surfaced areas;
2. use of water to wash down buildings or structures for purposes other
than immediate fire protection;
3. use of water for dust control;
4. flushing gutters or permitting water to run or accumulate in any gutter
or street; and
5. failure to repair a controllable leak(s) within a reasonable period
after having been given notice directing the repair of such leak(s).
|
