Township of Plumstead, PA ESTABLISHING WATER EMERGENCY USE RESTRICTIONS

Water may be applied to grass areas as part of a wastewater or stormwater system utilizing spray irrigation.

Grass tennis courts and newly seeded or sodded grass areas may be watered at the minimum rate by bucket, can or handheld hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle only between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. and only every other day. Premises with even-numbered addresses may water on even-numbered dates, and premises with odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered dates (hereinafter "designated days").

Greens and tees of golf courses may be watered, only on designated days at the minimum rate recommended by a professional landscaper between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

(4)

Sod or turf farms may irrigate at the minimum rate to avoid loss of crop and in accordance with industry standard best conservation management practices.

Use of water to irrigate and water outdoor gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs and other outdoor plants, except:

By bucket, can or handheld hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. and only on designated days.

Agricultural irrigation for the production of food and fiber, the maintenance of livestock and poultry or the production of nursery stock at a minimum amount required, where nonfresh water is not available.

For the preservation and maintenance of significant specimens in arboretums and public gardens of regional significance.

(4)

At the minimum rate necessary to implement revegetation required pursuant to an approved sedimentation and erosion control plan in compliance with best conservation management practices of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or the Bucks County Conservation District.

The use of any water for washing paved surfaces, except:

To prewash in preparation of asphalt street or driveway recoating or sealing.

To maintain clay tennis courts at the minimum rate necessary.

For the sanitary maintenance of the premises of public eating and drinking establishments.

The use of any water for ornamental purposes such as fountains, artificial waterfalls and reflecting pools.

The use of any water for the cleaning or washing of mobile or stationary equipment, vehicles, boats, trucks, trailers, except:

To preserve the safe operation and functioning of public, commercial and government vehicles.

By commercial car washes equipped with facilities that recycle water and restrict flow to three gallons per minute.

The serving of water in clubs and eating and drinking establishments, unless specifically requested by the customer.

Exportation of fresh water from the Township in quantities in excess of 1,000 gallons per day.

Filling and topping off swimming pools, except:

Swimming pools equipped with filtration equipment that allows for continued use and recycling of water over the swimming season.

Swimming pools operated by health care facilities used in connection with patient care and rehabilitation.

Qualifying swimming pools may be filled or topped off only on designated days.

Exemption from the ban on nonessential uses may be granted as follows:

By the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council in accordance with established procedures within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

In addition to these prohibitions, residents are encouraged to monitor their consumption and conserve water at every reasonable opportunity.

§ 26-304 Burning Permits.

[Ord. 99-8-17-2, 8/17/1999, Art. IV]

Upon the declaration of a drought emergency by the Township Board of Supervisors, no burning permits shall be granted by the Township Fire Marshal or other designated Township official.

§ 26-305 Seeding.

[Ord. 99-8-17-2, 8/17/1999, Art. V]

Upon the declaration of a drought emergency, no builder or developer in the Township may seed a new lawn for a recently constructed residence or commercial building until such time as the drought emergency has ended.

If a building permit has been issued by the Township, prior to the declaration of a drought emergency, which authorizes the seeding of a new lawn upon completion of construction, the provisions of the building permit shall automatically be amended to prohibit seeding until the drought restrictions have ended.

§ 26-306 Violations and Penalties.

[Ord. 99-8-17-2, 8/17/1999, Art. VI; amended by A.O.]

Any person, corporation, business or other user of water in the Township found to be in violation of any of the provisions of this Part shall, upon conviction in a summary proceeding brought before a Magisterial District Judge under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, be guilty of a summary offense and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, plus costs of prosecution. In default of payment thereof, the defendant may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days. Each day or portion thereof that such violation continues or is permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense, and each section of this Part that is violated shall also constitute a separate offense.

In addition to the penalties set forth herein, customers of the Township's publicly owned water system shall be subject to the following:

Consumption of water in excess of 50 gallons per person, per household, per day shall be billed at the rate of $5.50 per 1,000 gallons.