2009F21-Drought Contingency/Water Emgerency ORDINANCE N0.09-F-21
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS AMENDING
THE CITY'S DROUGHT CONTINGENCY AND WATER EMERGENCY
RESPONSE PLAN; AND PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, DECLARING
AN EMERGENCY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Schertz, Texas (the "City") recognizes that the amount of water
available to the City and its water utility customers is limited and subject to depletion during
periods of extended drought;
WHEREAS; the City recognizes that natural limitations due to drought conditions and
other acts of nature cannot guarantee an uninterrupted water supply for all purposes;
WHEREAS, the City Council has previously adopted Ordinance No. 09-F-17,
establishing a Drought Contingency and Water Emergency Response Plan (the "Drought
Contingency Plan") and a Water Conservation Plan;
WHEREAS, City Staff recommends certain clarifications to part IX of the Drought
Contingency Plan;
WHEREAS, in the best interests of the citizens of the City, the City Council deems it
expedient and necessary to amend the Drought Contingency Plan as recommended by City Staff;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
The City Council hereby amends Ordinance No. 09-F-17 by adopting the amended City
of Schertz Drought Contingency and Water Emergency Response Plan attached hereto as
Exhibit A and made part hereof for all purposes, and the same is hereby adopted as the official
policy of the City.
SECTION 2.
All ordinances that are in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance, including but not
limited to Ordinance No. 09-F-17, are and the same are hereby repealed to the extent of such
conflict, and all other ordinances of the City not in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance
shall remain in full force and effect. Ordinance No. 09-F-17 is hereby ratified to the extent not
amended hereby.
SECTION 3.
Should any paragraph, sentence, subdivision, clause, phrase, or section of this Ordinance
be adjudged or held to be unconstitutional, illegal, or invalid, the same shall not affect the
Ordn 09-F-21.doc - 1 -
validity of this Ordinance as a whole or any part or provision thereof, other than the part so
declared to be invalid, illegal, or unconstitutional.
SECTION 4.
Pursuant to Section 4.09(e) of the City Charter, by vote of not less than two-thirds of the
members of the City Council present at the meeting at which this Ordinance was first considered,
the City Council has determined that an emergency exists which requires immediate action, and
this Ordinance is hereby adopted on a single reading and shall be effective upon the date hereof
and any publication required bylaw.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED on first and final reading this 23rd day of June,
2009.
yor, City of chertz, Texas
(SEAL OF THE CITY)
ATTEST:
F
C
y Secretary, City of chertz, Texas
Ordn 09-F-21.doc - 2 -
EXHIBIT A
Drought Contingency and Water Emergency
Response Plan
For
The City of Schertz
Public Water Supply
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc
DROUGHT CONTINGENCY AND WATER EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
FOR THE
CITY OF SCHERTZ
Section I: Declaration of Policy, Purpose, and Intent
In order to conserve the available water supply and protect the integrity of water supply facilities,
with particular regard for domestic water use, sanitation, and fire protection, and to protect and
preserve public health, welfare, and safety and minimize the adverse impacts of water supply
shortage or other water supply emergency conditions, the City of Schertz hereby adopts the
following Drought Contingency and Water Emergency Response Plan (the Plan).
Water uses regulated or prohibited under the Plan are considered to be non-essential, and
continuation of such uses during times of water shortage or other emergency water supply condition
are deemed to constitute a waste of water which subjects the offender(s) to penalties as defined in
Section XII and XIII of the Plan.
Section II: Public Involvement
Opportunity for the public to provide input into the preparation of the Plan was provided by the City
of Schertz by means of scheduling and providing public notice of a public meeting to accept input
on the Plan.
Section III: Public Education
The City of Schertz 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. This information will be
provided by means of the City web site, newsletter and utility bill messages.
Section IV: Coordination with Regional Water Planning Groups
The service area of the City of Schertz is located within the Schertz Seguin Local Government
Corporation (SSLGC) and Edwards Aquifer Authority. The City of Schertz has provided a copy of
this Plan to the Edwards Aquifer Authority, Texas Water Development Board, SSLGC and San
Antonio River Authority representing Region "L" for the State.
Section V: Authorization
The City Manager or his/her designee is hereby authorized and directed to implement the applicable
provisions of the Plan upon determination that such implementation is necessary to protect public
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 1
health, safety and welfare. The City Manager, or his/her designee, shall have the authority to
initiate or terminate drought or other water supply emergency response measures as described in
this Plan.
Section VI: Application
Provisions of the Plan shall apply to all persons, customers, and property utilizing water provided by
the City of Schertz. The terms "person" and "customer" as used in the Plan include individuals,
corporations, partnerships, associations, and all other legal entities.
Section VII: Definitions
For the purposes of the Plan, the following definitions shall apply:
Aesthetic Water Use: Water used for ornamental or decorative purposes such as fountains,
reflecting pools, and water gardens.
Athletic Field: A sports play field including playgrounds whose essential feature is a grass turf,
other than a golf course.
(a) Conforming athletic field - An athletic field with an approved groundwater
conservation plan under section XI of this Plan.
(b) Non-conforming athletic field -Any other athletic field that is not a conforming
athletic field.
Commercial and Institutional Water Use: Water use which is integral to the operations of
commercial and non-profit establishments and governmental entities, public or private schools,
retail establishments, hotels and motels, restaurants, office buildings and
Homeowner/Neighborhood Associations.
Conservation: Those practices, techniques, and technologies that reduce the consumption of water,
reduce the loss or waste of water, improve the efficiency in the use of water or increase the
recycling and reuse of water so that a supply is conserved and made available for future or
alternative uses.
Customer: Any person, company, or organization using water supplied by City of Schertz.
Domestic Water Use: Water use for personal needs or for household or sanitary purposes such as
drinking, bathing, heating, cooking, sanitation, or for cleaning a residence, business, industry, or
institution.
Golf Course: An area of land used for the game of golf.
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 2
(a) Conforming Golf Course - A golf course with an approved groundwater
conservation plan pursuant to Section X of this Plan.
(b) Non-conforming golf course -Any other golf course that is not a conforming golf
course.
Hand-held Watering: A hose or bucket physically attended by a person, fitted with a manual or
automatic shutoff nozzle.
Industrial Water Use: The use of water in processes designed to convert materials of lower value
into forms having greater usability and value.
Landscape irrigation use: Water used for the irrigation and maintenance of landscaped areas,
whether publicly or privately owned, including residential and commercial lawns, gardens, golf
courses, parks, and rights-of--way and medians, but does not include:
(a) Non-discretionary use without waste of groundwater by a commercial nursery to the extent
the water is used for production rather than decorative landscaping;
(b) Application of groundwater without waste to anon-commercial family garden or orchard,
the produce of which is for household consumption only;
(c) Application of groundwater by means of hand-held bucket, hand-held hose; soaker hose or
properly installed drip irrigation system; and
(d) Application of groundwater by means of a soaker hose, hand-held hose, or properly
installed drip irrigation system immediately next to a concrete foundation solely for the
purpose of preventing, to the extent the watering is necessary, substantial damage to the
foundation of the structure caused by movement of the foundation.
Mobile Home Communities: Property owned by an individual or commercial establishment who
rents such property for mobile or manufactured homes placement; must comply with the
requirements and restrictions as a "Customer" in this section.
Non-essential Water Use: Water uses that are not essential or required for the protection of public,
health, safety, and welfare, including:
(a) Irrigation of landscape areas, including parks, athletic fields, and golf courses, except
otherwise provided under this Plan;
(b) Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, airplane or other vehicle;
(c) Use of water to wash down any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts,
or other hard-surfaced areas;
(d) use of water to wash down buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire
protection;
Ex A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 3
(e) flushing gutters or permitting water to run or accumulate in any gutter or street;
(f) use of water to fill, refill, or add to any indoor or outdoor swimming pools or Jacuzzi-type
pools;
(g) use of water in a fountiain or pond for aesthetic or scenic purposes except where necessary to
support aquatic life;
(h) failure to repair a controllable leak(s) within a reasonable period after having been given
notice directing the repair of such leak(s); and
(i) use of water from hydrants for construction purposes or any other purposes other than fire
fighting.
Private Water Well: Well on private property that is not inter-connected with the City's water.
Re-Use Water: A treated non-potable water source used for irrigation.
Wasting Water: Watering anon-pervious surface or landscape watering that goes beyond a
customer's property. Waste of water also includes, but is not limited to, allowing water to run off
into a gutter, ditch or drain, or failing to repair a controllable leak.
Section VIII: Triggering Criteria for Initiation and Termination of Drought Restriction
Stages
The City Manager, or his/her designee, shall monitor water supply and/or demand conditions on a
daily basis and shall determine when conditions warrant initiation or termination of each stage of
the Plan. Public notification of the initiation or termination of drought response stages shall be by
means of publication in local newspaper and/or signs posted in public places.
The triggering criteria described below are based on the analysis of system capability and the rules
of the Gonzales Underground Water Conservation District (GCUWCD) and SSLGC. In the event
that SSLGC can not provide water, the City of Schertz will immediately implement Stage 4
restrictions.
Stage 1-Restrictions-MILD Water Shortage Conditions
Requirements for Initiation - It is mandatory that customers conserve water and adhere to the
prescribed restrictions on certain water uses, defined in Section VII -Definitions, when one or all of
the following are reached
(a) City of Schertz receives notification from the General Manager of SSLGC of Stage 1
conditions.
(b) Water demand is projected to approach 100% of the monthly limit of the GCUWCD
permitted supply.
(c) Annual Monthly Average Drawdown as measured by GCUWCD rules equals 85% of
allowable.
(d) The City's water system has malfunctioned, but is still able to keep up with demand.
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 4
Requirements for Termination -Stage 1 of the Plan may be rescinded when all of the conditions
listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days or when
rescinded by the City Manager or his/her designee.
Stage 2 -Restrictions MODERATE Water Shortage Conditions
Requirements for Initiation -Customers shall be required to comply with the requirements and
restrictions on certain non-essential water uses provided in Section VII of the Plan when one or all
of the following are reached:
(a) City of Schertz receives notification from the General Manager of SSLGC of Stage 2
conditions.
(b) Water demand is projected to approach 110% of the monthly limit of the GCUWCD
permitted supply.
(c) Annual Monthly Average Drawdown as measured by GCUWCD rules equals 95% of
allowable.
(d) The City's water system has malfunctioned, and cannot keep up with demand.
Requirements for Termination -Stage 2 of the Plan may be rescinded when all of the conditions
listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days or when
rescinded by the City Manager or his/her designee. Upon termination of Stage 2, Stage 1 becomes
operative.
Stage 3 -Restrictions SEVERE Water Shortage Conditions
Requirements for Initiation -Customers shall be required to comply with the requirements and
restrictions on certain non-essential water uses for Stage 3 of the Plan when one or all of the
following are reached:
(a) City of Schertz receives notification from the General Manager of SSLGC of Stage 3
conditions.
(b) Water demand is projected to approach 120% of the monthly limit of the GCUWCD
permitted supply.
(c) Annual Monthly Average Drawdown as measured by GCUWCD rules equals 100% of
allowable.
(d) Water quality is less than normal or is polluted. Health and safety standards may be
jeopardized.
(e) The imminent or actual failure of a major component of the City's water system would
cause immediate health and safety hazard.
Requirements for Termination -Stage 3 of the Plan may be rescinded when all of the conditions
listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days or when
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc rJ
rescinded by the City Manager or his/her designee. Upon termination of Stage 3, Stage 2 becomes
operative.
Stage 4 -Emergency Restrictions CRITICAL Water Shortage Conditions Including
System or Water Quality Failure
Requirements for Initiation -Customers shall be required to comply with the requirements and
restrictions for Stage 4 of the Plan when the Mayor, or his/her designee, determines that a water
supply emergency exists based on:
(a) The General Manager of SSLGC, with concurrence of the SSLGC Executive Committee
or Board of Directors, finds that conditions warrant the declaration of Stage 4.
(b) Water demand exceeds 125% of the monthly limit of the GCUWCD permitted supply.
(c) Annual Monthly Average Drawdown as measured by GCUWCD rules exceeds 115% of
allowable.
(d) Major water line breaks, or pump or system failures occur, which cause unprecedented
loss of capability of the City to provide water service.
(e) Natural or man-made contamination of the water supply source(s).
Requirements for Termination -Stage 4 of the Plan may be rescinded when all of the conditions
listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days, or when
items (d) and (e) above have been repaired.
Water Rationing
Requirements for Initiation -Customers shall be required to comply with the water rationing
allocation plan prescribed in Section XIII of the Plan when the Mayor and City Council determine
that the water supply emergency exists and comply with the requirements and restrictions for Stage
4 of the Plan when:
(a) Extreme drought conditions exist;
(b) Major water line breaks, or pump or system failures occur, which cause
unprecedented loss of capability to provide water service; or
(c) Natural or man-made contamination of the water supply source occurs.
Requirements for Termination -Water rationing may be rescinded when all of the conditions
listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days
or when rescinded by the City Manager or his/her designee.
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 6
Section IX:
1. Wasting Water:
(a) Year round outdoor watering between 10:00 am - 8:00 pm is prohibited except for
the use of a handheld hose or other handheld watering device or a drip irrigation system
which can be used at any time.
(b) It shall be a violation if a person or customer allows water to run off into anon-
pervious ditch, or fails to repair a controllable leak.
(c) Re-use water usa~e is exempt from the Plan.
(d) Customers using water from a private water well must comply with all requirements
of the Plan.
(e) All persons are urged not to waste water.
2. Drought Response Stages
The City Manager, or his/her designee, shall monitor water supply and/or demand conditions on a
daily basis and, in accordance with the triggering criteria set forth in Section VIII of the Plan, shall
determine that Stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 conditions exist and shall implement the following actions upon
publication of notice in a newspaper of general circulation and/or signs posted in public places and
city web site:
Stage 1-Restrictions MILD Water Shortage Conditions
Goal: Achieve a mandatory ten percent (10%) reduction in daily water demand.
Supply Management Measures:
Director of Public Works shall be responsible for overseeing the reduction or discontinued
flushing of water mains, activation and use of an alternative supply source(s), use of reclaimed
water for non-potable purposes, and blending of alternate sources.
Water Use Restrictions: Under the threat of penalty for violation, the following water use
restrictions shall apply to all persons:
(a) Water customers shall comply with mandatory limits of irrigation of landscape
areas. Watering days will be based on the last digit of the address:
0-1 -Monday
2-3 -Tuesday
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 7
4-5 - Wednesday
6-7 -Thursday
8-9 -Friday
(b) Athletic Fields and Golf Courses -
Conforming 10% reduction in watering as per Section X & XI.
Non-conforming 15% reduction in watering as per Section X & XI.
(c) Commercial/Industrial/Schools/Institutional landscape watering is permitted on
Wednesday only.
(d) Watering of landscape is permitted only between the hours of 12:00 am to 10:00 am
and 8:00 pm to midnight on designated watering days.
(e) All operations of the City of Schertz shall adhere to water use restrictions prescribed
for Stage 1 of the Plan.
(f) Water customers are requested to practice water conservation and to minimize or
discontinue water use for non-essential purposes.
(g) Handheld, bucket or drip system is allowed.
(h) New landscape may have 3 weeks variance for establishment. All variances must be
reviewed and approved by the City Manager or Director of Public Works or their
designee.
(i) 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 re-circulation system.
Stage 2 -Restrictions --MODERATE Water Shortage Conditions
Goal: Achieve a fifteen percent (15%) reduction in daily water demand.
Supply Management Measures:
Director of Public Works shall see that reduced or discontinued flushing of water
mains, reduced or discontinued irrigation of public landscaped areas; use of blending
an alternative supply source(s); use of reclaimed water for non-potable purposes.
Water Use Restrictions : Under threat of penalty for violation, the following water use
restrictions shall apply to all persons, along with previous restrictions from Stage 1:
(a) Water customers shall comply with mandatory limits of irrigation of landscape
Ex A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 8
areas. Watering days will be based on the last digit of the address:
0-1- Monday
2-3 -Tuesday
4-5 - Wednesday
6-7 - Thursday
8-9 -Friday
(b) Athletic Fields and Golf Courses-
Conforming 15% reduction watering as per Section X & XI.
Non-conforming 20% reduction watering as per Section X & XI.
(c) Commercial/IndustriaUSchools/Institutional landscape watering is permitted on
Wednesday only.
(d) Watering of landscape is permitted only between the hours of 3:00 am to 8:00 am
and 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
(e) Filling of all new and existing swimming pools is prohibited, unless at least 30%
of the water is obtained from a source other than the aquifer. Groundwater may
be used to replenish swimming pools to maintenance levels. Draining of
swimming pools is permitted only onto a pervious surface or onto a pool deck
where the water is transmitted directly to a pervious surface, and only if
necessary to:
(1) Remove excess water from the pool due to rain to lower the water to the
maintenance level;
(2) Repair, maintain, or replace a pool component that has become hazardous;
or
(3) Repair a pool leak.
(f) 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.
(g) Use of water from fire hydrants shall be limited to fire fighting and 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 City of Schertz.
(h) All restaurants are prohibited from serving water to its patrons except when
requested.
(i) The following uses of water are defined as non-essential and are prohibited:
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 9
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).
Stage 3 -Restrictions SEVERE Water Shortage Conditions
Goal: Achieve a twenty-five percent (25%) reduction in daily water demand.
Supply Management Measures:
Director of Public Works shall see that reduced or discontinued flushing of water
mains, reduced or discontinued irrigation of public landscaped areas; use of blending
an alternative supply source(s); use of reclaimed water for non-potable purposes.
Water Use Restrictions : All requirements of Stages 1 & 2 shall remain in effect during
Stage 3 except:
(a) Landscape watering is prohibited except by handheld watering or drip irrigation
during designated watering days as described in Stage 1 & 2.
(b) The watering of a golf course is prohibited unless the golf course utilizes a reuse
water source.
(c) The use of water for construction purposes from designated fire hydrants under
special permit is to be discontinued.
(d) The filling, refilling, or adding of water to swimming pools, wading pools, and
Jacuzzi-type pools are prohibited.
(e) 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.
(f) No applications for additional, expanded, or increased-in-size water service
connections, meters, service lines, pipeline extensions, mains, or water service
facilities of any kind shall be allowed or approved.
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 1
(g) Application of groundwater in the morning before 8:00 am and in the evening after
8:00 pm by means of a handheld bucket, handheld hose, soaker hose or properly
installed drip irrigation system, immediately next to a concrete foundation solely for
the purpose of preventing, and to the extent the watering is necessary to prevent,
substantial damage to the foundation or the structure caused by movement of the
foundation.
(h) Athletic field - Conforming 25% reduction watering as in Section XI
Non-conforming 30% reduction watering as in Section XI.
Stage 4 -Emergency Restrictions CRITICAL Water Shortage Conditions
Goal: Achieve a forty percent (40%) reduction in daily water demand.
Supply Management Measures:
Director of Public Works shall see that reduced or discontinued flushing of water
mains, reduced or discontinued irrigation of public landscaped areas; use of blending
an alternative supply source(s); use of reclaimed water for non-potable purposes.
Water Use Restrictions: All requirements of Stages 1,2, and 3 shall remain in effect during
Stage 4 except:
(a) Irrigation of landscaped areas is absolutely prohibited.
(b) Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, airplane or other
vehicle is absolutely prohibited.
(c) Implementation of additional drought contingency measures maybe applied at the
direction of the City of Schertz.
Section X: Golf Courses
Notwithstanding any other language in the_Plan, the owners of golf courses that are applicants or
customers of an applicant shall be required to submit a groundwater conservation plan and shall
be defined as "conforming" and "non- conforming" and shall reduce usage of aquifer
groundwater under the following terms:
1. It shall be unlawful to water any golf course between the hours of 10:00 am and 8:00
pm.
2. A conforming golf course is one that achieves enhanced conservation by utilizing a
computer controlled irrigation system ("CCIS"), or similar system, which may be
comprised of a computer controller (digital operating system), software, interface
EX A - Ihought Contingency Plan.doc 11
modules, satellite, field controller, soil sensors, weather station, or similar devices,
which is capable of achieving maximum efficiency and conservation in the application
of water to the golf course, must accomplish the following restrictions listed in
subparagraphs (A)-(C) of this paragraph:
(A) Stage 1 Restrictions - 10% reduction in the replacement of daily
evapotranspiration rate ("ET rate") or daily soil holding capacity; or use of not more than
95% of the metered amount for that corresponding month.
(B) Stage 2 Restrictions - 15% reduction in the replacement of daily ET rate or
daily soil holding capacity; or use of not more than 90% of the metered amount for that
corresponding month.
(C) Stage 3 Restrictions - 25% reduction in the replacement of daily ET rate or
daily soil holding capacity, or use of not more than 75% of the metered amount for that
corresponding month.
(D) Stage 4 Restrictions - 40% reduction in the replacement of daily ET rate or
daily soil holding capacity not to exceed 60% of metered amount.
(3) Anon-conforming golf course shall comply with the following reduction measures
listed in paragraphs (A)-(C) of this subsection:
(A) Stage 1 Restrictions - 15% reduction in the replacement of daily ET rate as
monitored by a properly operating CCIS or use of not more than 95% of the metered
amount for that corresponding month for golf courses that are not equipped with a CCIS;
(B) Stage 2 Restrictions - 20% reduction in the replacement of daily ET rate as
monitored by a properly operating CCIS or use of not more than 90% of the metered
amount for that corresponding month for golf courses that are not equipped with a CCIS;
(C) Stage 3 Restrictions - 30% reduction in the replacement of daily ET rate as
monitored by a properly operating CCIS or use of not more than 85% of the metered
amount for that corresponding month for golf courses that are not equipped with a CCIS.
(D) Stage 4 Restrictions - 40% reduction in the replacement of daily ET rate as
monitored by a properly operating CCIS or use of not more than 60% of the metered
amount for that corresponding month for golf courses that are not equipped with a CCIS;
(4) The owner or operator of a golf course must comply with all rules relating to Stages 3
and 4.
(5) The owner or operator of a golf course must maintain daily water use records which
must be available for inspection upon request.
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 12
(6) The owner or operator of a conforming golf course or a golf course with a CCIS must
maintain daily water use records of their ET rate or daily soil holding capacity, which
must be available for inspection upon request.
(7) All daily records must be kept on site.
Section XI: Athletic Fields
Notwithstanding any other language in the Plan, the owners of athletic fields that are applicants
or customers of an applicant shall be required to submit a groundwater conservation plan and
shall be defined as "conforming" or "non- conforming" and shall reduce usage of City supplied
groundwater under the following terms:
1. It shall be unlawful to water any athletic field between the hours of 10:00 am and
8:00 pm
2. A conforming athletic field is one that achieves enhanced conservation by utilizing a
CCIS, or similar system, which may be comprised of a computer controller (digital operating
system), software, interface modules, satellite, field controller, soil sensors, weather station, or
similar devices, which is capable of achieving maximum efficiency and conservation in the
application of water to the athletic field, must accomplish the following restrictions listed in
subparagraphs (A)-(C) of this paragraph:
(A) Stage 1 Restrictions - 10% reduction in the replacement of daily
evapotranspiration rate ("ET rate") or daily soil holding capacity, or use of not more than
95% of the metered amount for that corresponding month.
(B) Stage 2 Restrictions - 15% reduction in the replacement of daily ET rate or
daily soil holding capacity; or use of not more than 90% of the metered amount for that
corresponding month,
(C) Stage 3 Restrictions - 25% reduction in the replacement of daily ET rate or
daily soil holding capacity, or use of not more than 75% of the metered amount for that
corresponding month.
(D) Stage 4 Restrictions - 40% reduction in the replacement of daily ET rate or
daily soil holding capacity, not to exceed 60% of metered amount.
(3) Anon-conforming athletic field shall comply with the following reduction measures
listed in paragraphs (A)-(C) of this subsection:
(A) Stage 1 Restrictions - 15% reduction in the replacement of daily ET rate as
monitored by a properly operating CCIS, or use of not more than 95% of the metered
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 13
amount for that corresponding month for athletic fields that are not equipped with a
CCIS;
(B) Stage 2 Restrictions - 20% reduction in the replacement of daily ET rate as
monitored by a properly operating CCIS, or use of not more than 90% of the metered
amount for that corresponding month for athletic fields that are not equipped with a
CCIS;
(C) Stage 3 Restrictions - 30% reduction in the replacement of daily ET rate as
monitored by a properly operating CCIS, or use of not more than 85% of the metered
amount for that corresponding month for athletic fields that are not equipped with a
CCIS.
(D) Stage 4 Restrictions - 40% reduction in the replacement of daily ET rate as
monitored by a properly operating CCIS or use of not more than 60% of the metered
amount for that corresponding month for athletic fields that are not equipped with a
CCIS.
(4) The owner or operator of an athletic field must comply with all rules relating to
Stages 3 and 4.
(5) The owner or operator of an athletic field must maintain daily water use records,
which must be available for inspection upon request.
(6) The owner or operator of a conforming athletic field or an athletic field with a CCIS
must maintain daily water use records of their ET rate or daily soil holding capacity,
which must be available for inspection upon request.
(7) All daily records must be kept on site.
Section XII: Water Rationing
In the event that water shortage conditions threaten public health, safety, and welfare, the Mayor is
hereby authorized to require water rationing according to the following water allocation plan:
Single-Family Residential Customers
The allocation to residential water customers residing in asingle-family dwelling shall be as
follows:
Persons per Household Gallons per Month
1 or 2 6,000
3 or 4 7,000
5 or 6 8,000
EX A - Ihought Contingency Plan.doc 14
7 or 8 9,000
9 or 10 10,000
11 or more 12,000
"Household" means the residential premises served by the customer's meter. "Persons per
household" includes only those persons currently physically residing at the premises and expected
to reside there for the entire billing period. It shall be assumed that a particular customer's
household is comprised of two (2) persons unless the customer notifies the City of Schertz of a
greater number of persons per household on a form prescribed by the Director of Public Works.
The Director of Public Works shall give his/her best effort to see that such forms are mailed,
otherwise provided, or made available to every residential customer. If, however, a customer does
not receive such a form, it shall be the customer's responsibility to go to the City of Schertz offices
to complete and sign the form claiming more than two (2) persons per household. New customers
may claim the number of persons per household at the time of applying for water service on the
form prescribed by the Director of Public Works. When the number of persons per household
increases so as to place the customer in a different allocation category, the customer may notify the
City of Schertz on such form and the change will be implemented in the next practicable billing
period. If the number of persons in a household is reduced, the customer shall notify the City of
Schertz in writing within two (2) days. In prescribing the method for claiming more than two (2)
persons per household, the Director of Public Works shall adopt methods to insure the accuracy of
the claim. Any person who knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence falsely reports the
number of persons in a household or fails to timely notify the City of Schertz of a reduction in the
number of person in a household shall be fined not less than $200.00. Residential water customers
shall pay the following surcharges:
$2.00 for the first 1,000 gallons over allocation.
$3.00 for the second 1,000 gallons over allocation.
$4.00 for the third 1,000 gallons over allocation.
$5.00 for each additiona11,000 gallons over allocation.
Surcharges shall be cumulative.
Master-Metered Multi-Family Residential Customers
The allocation to a customer billed from a master meter which jointly measures water to multiple
permanent residential dwelling units (e.g., apartments, mobile homes) shall be allocated 6,000
gallons per month for each dwelling unit. It shall be assumed that such a customer's meter serves
two dwelling units unless the customer notifies the City of Schertz of a greater number on a form
prescribed by the Director of Public Works. The Director of Public Works shall give his/her best
effort to see that such forms are mailed, otherwise provided, or made available to every such
customer. If, however, a customer does not receive such a form, it shall be the customer's
responsibility to go to the City of Schertz offices to complete and sign the form claiming more than
two (2) dwellings. A dwelling unit may be claimed under this provision whether it is occupied or
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 15
not. New customers may claim only those occupying the dwelling unit at the time of applying for
water service on the form prescribed by the Director of Public Works. If the number of dwelling
units served by a master meter is reduced, the customer shall notify the City of Schertz in writing
within two (2) days. In prescribing the method for claiming more than two (2) dwelling units, the
Director of Public Works shall adopt methods to insure the accuracy of the claim. Any person who
knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence falsely reports the number of dwelling units
served by a master meter or fails to timely notify the City of Schertz of a reduction in the number of
person in a household shall be fined not less than $200.00. Customers billed from a master meter
under this provision shall pay the following monthly surcharges:
$2.00 for the first 1,000 gallons over allocation.
$3.00 for the second 1,000 gallons over allocation.
$4.00 for the third 1,000 gallons over allocation.
$5.00 for each additional 1,000 gallons over allocation.
Surcharges shall be cumulative.
Commercial Customers
A monthly water usage allocation shall be established by the Director of Public Works, or his/her
designee, for each nonresidential commercial customer other than an industrial customer who uses
water for processing purposes. The non-residential customer's allocation shall be approximately
seventy-five percent (75%) of the customer's usage for corresponding month's billing period for the
previous 12 months. If the customer's billing history is shorter than 12 months, the monthly
average for the period for which there is a record shall be used for any monthly period for which no
history exists. The Director of Public Works shall give his/her best effort to see that notice of each
non-residential customer's allocation is mailed to such customer. If, however, a customer does not
receive such notice, it shall be the customer's responsibility to contact the City of Schertz to
determine the allocation. Upon request of the customer or at the initiative of the Director of Public
Works, the allocation may be reduced or increased if, (1) the designated period does not accurately
reflect the customer's normal water usage, (2) one nonresidential customer agrees to transfer part of
its allocation to another nonresidential customer, or (3) other objective evidence demonstrates that
the designated allocation is inaccurate under present conditions. A customer may appeal an
allocation established hereunder to the City Manager. Nonresidential commercial customers shall
pay the following surcharges:
$2.00 per thousand gallons for the first 1,000 gallons over allocation.
$3.00 per thousand gallons for the second 1,000 gallons over allocation.
$4.00 per thousand gallons for the third 1,000 gallons over allocation.
$5.00 per thousand gallons for each additional 1,000 gallons over allocation.
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 16
The surcharges shall be cumulative. As used herein, "block rate" means the charge to the customer
per 1,000 gallons at the regular water rate schedule at the level of the customer's allocation.
Industrial Customers and Commercial Nurseries
A monthly water usage allocation shall be established by the Director of Public Works, or his/her
designee, for each industrial customer, which uses water for processing purposes. The industrial
customer's and commercial nurseries allocation shall be approximately ninety percent (90%) of the
customer's water usage baseline. Ninety (90) days after the initial imposition of the allocation for
industrial customers and commercial nurseries, the industrial customer's and commercial nurseries
allocation shall be further reduced to 85% percent of the customer's water usage baseline. The
industrial customer's and commercial nurseries water usage baseline will be computed on the
average water usage for the 12 month period ending prior to the date of implementation of Stage 2
of the Plan. If the industrial water customer's and commercial nurseries billing history is shorter
than 12 months, the monthly average for the period for which there is a record shall be used for any
monthly period for which no billing history exists. The Director of Public Works shall give his/her
best effort to see that notice of each industrial customer and commercial nurseries allocation is
mailed to such customer. If, however, a customer does not receive such notice, it shall be the
customer's responsibility to contact the City of Schertz to determine the allocation, and the
allocation shall be fully effective notwithstanding the lack of receipt of written notice. Upon request
of the customer or at the initiative of the Director of Public Works, the allocation maybe reduced or
increased, (1) if the designated period does not accurately reflect the customer's normal water usage
because the customer had shutdown a major processing unit for repair or overhaul during the period,
(2) the customer has added or is in the process of adding significant additional processing capacity,
(3) the customer has shutdown or significantly reduced the production of a major processing unit,
(4) the customer has previously implemented significant permanent water conservation measures
such that the ability to further reduce usage is limited, (5) the customer agrees to transfer part of its
allocation to another industrial customer and commercial nurseries, or (6) if other objective
evidence demonstrates that the designated allocation is inaccurate under present conditions. A
customer may appeal an allocation established hereunder to the City Manager. Industrial customers
and commercial nurseries shall pay the following surcharges:
Customers whose allocation is 90% of their twelve month average.
$ 2.00 per thousand gallons for the first 1,000 gallons over allocation.
$ 3.00 per thousand gallons for the second 1,000 gallons over allocation.
$ 4.00 per thousand gallons for the third 1,000 gallons over allocation.
$ 5.00 per thousand gallons for each additional 1,000 gallons over allocation.
The surcharges shall be cumulative. As used herein, "block rate" means the charge to the customer
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 17
per 1,000 gallons at the regular water rate schedule at the level of the customer's allocation.
Section XIII: Enforcement
(a) No person shall knowingly or intentionally allow the use of water from the City of
Schertz for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, governmental, or any other
purpose in a manner contrary to any provision of this Plan, or in an amount in excess of that
permitted by the drought response stage in effect at the time pursuant to action taken by the
City Manager, or his/her designee, in accordance with provisions of this Plan.
(b) Any person who violates this Plan is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction,
shall be punished by a fine up to $200.00. Each day that one or more of the provisions in the
Plan is violated shall constitute a separate offense. If a person is convicted of three or more
distinct violations of this Plan, the Director of Public Works shall, upon due notice to the
customer, be authorized to discontinue water service to the premises where such violations
occur. Services discontinued under such circumstances shall be restored only upon payment
of a re-connection charge, hereby established at $150.00, and any other costs incurred by the
City of Schertz in discontinuing service. In addition, suitable assurance must be given to the
Director of Public Works that the same action shall not be repeated while the Plan is in
effect. Compliance with this Plan may also be sought through injunctive relief in the district
court.
(c) Any person, including a person classified as a water customer of the City of Schertz,
in apparent control of the property where a violation occurs or originates shall be presumed
to be the violator, and proof that the violation occurred on the person's property shall
constitute a rebuttable presumption that the person in apparent control of the property
committed the violation, but any such person shall have the right to show that he/she did not
commit the violation. Parents shall be presumed to be responsible for violations of their
minor children and proof that a violation, committed by a child, occurred on property within
the parents' control shall constitute a rebuttable presumption that the parent committed the
violation, but any such parent may be excused if he/she proves that he/she had previously
directed the child not to use the water as it was used in violation of this Plan and that the
parent could not have reasonably known of the violation.
(d) Any police officer, code enforcement officer, or other City of Schertz employee
designated by the Director of Public Works, may issue a citation to a person he/she
reasonably believes to be in violation of this Ordinance. The citation shall be prepared in
duplicate and shall contain the name and addresss of the alleged violator, if known, the
offense charged, and shall direct him/her to appear in the municipal court on or before the
14~' day following the date the citation was issued. The alleged violator shall be served a
copy of the citation. Service of the citation shall be complete upon delivery of the citation to
the alleged violator, to an agent or employee of a violator, or to a person over 14 years of
age who is a member of the violator's immediate family or is a resident of the violator's
residence. The alleged violator shall appear in municipal court to enter a plea of guilty or
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 1 g
not guilty for the violation of this Plan. If the alleged violator fails to appear in municipal
court, a warrant for his/her arrest may be issued. A summons to appear may be issued in
lieu of an arrest warrant. These cases shall be expedited and given preferential setting in
municipal court before all other cases.
Section XIV: Variances
The City Manager, or his/her designee, may, in writing, grant temporary variance for existing water
uses otherwise prohibited under this Plan if it is determined that failure to grant such variance would
cause an emergency condition adversely affecting the health, sanitation, or fire protection for the
public or the person requesting such variance and if one or more of the following conditions are
met:
(a) Compliance with this 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 exemption from the provisions of this Ordinance shall file a petition for
variance with the City Manager of the City of Schertz within 5 days after the Plan or a particular
drought response stage has been invoked. All petitions for variances shall be reviewed by the
Director of Public Works, or his/her designee, and shall include the following:
(a) Name and address of the petitioner(s).
(b) Purpose of water use.
(c) Specific provision(s) of the Plan from which the petitioner is requesting relief.
(d) Detailed statement as to how the specific provision of the Plan adversely affects the
petitioner or what damage or harm will occur to the petitioner or others if petitioner
complies with this Ordinance.
(e) Description of the relief requested.
(f
j Period of time for which the variance is sought.
(g) Alternative water use restrictions or other measures the petitioner is taking or
proposes to take to meet the intent of this Plan and the compliance date.
(h) Other pertinent information.
Variances granted by the City of Schertz shall be subject to the following conditions, unless waived
or modified by the City Manager or his/her designee:
(a) Variances granted shall include an acceptable timetable for compliance.
(b) Variances granted shall expire when the Plan is no longer in effect, unless the
petitioner has failed to meet specified requirements.
EX A -Drought Contingency Plan.doc 19
No variance shall be retroactive or otherwise justify any violation of this Plan occurring prior to the
issuance of the variance.
Section XV: Severability
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City of Schertz that the sections, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses, and phrases of this Plan are severable and, if any phrase, clause, sentence,
paragraph, or section of the Plan shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree
of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining
phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and sections of the Plan, since the same would not have
been enacted by the City of Schertz without the incorporation into the Plan of any such
unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section.
EX A - Ih-ought Contingency Plan.doc 2