City of Gerald, MO Article III Water Conservation Plan

Section 705.230 Water Conservation Plan.

[R.O. 1996 § 705.230; CC 1987 §112.500]

The plan would become effective upon a finding by the Public Works Director that a probable water shortage problem exists. When it can be anticipated that there is a distinct possibility of a water distribution shortfall, the following plan will be implemented until it can be determined that the emergency no longer exists. Depending on the expected severity of the problem, it is possible that Stages II and III might be implemented immediately. Requests for public cooperation would be made through the news media. This Article will affect only those citizens and commercial entities who receive water service from the City.

Section 705.240 Stage I — Voluntary Compliance.

[R.O. 1996 § 705.240; CC 1987 §112.510]

A. The City will, on a declaration of Stage I, request voluntary conservation effort and compliance with the following restrictions:

1. No washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, patios, or other paved areas, no pumping of fountain recirculating water.

2. No washing of cars, other motor vehicles, trailers or boats.

3. No water to be used for dust control.

4. No flushing of mains by Water Committee's personnel, except to alleviate specific customer complaints.

5. Commercial and industrial users will be requested to conserve water use as much as possible.

6. If, after the initiation of Stage I, weather conditions, expected trends in demand, or other factors indicate that the threat of a water shortage will continue, the additional provisions of Stage II will be implemented.

Section 705.250 Stage II — Voluntary Compliance.

[R.O. 1996 § 705.250]

A. Upon a declaration of Stage II, the voluntary Stage I restrictions would remain in effect plus the following restrictions would also be requested:

1. No use of water from a fire hydrant except for fighting fires, human consumption, or use in connection with animals.

2. Watering of any lawn, garden, landscaped area, tree, shrub, or other plants shall be prohibited, except from a handheld hose or container, or drip irrigation system. Such watering shall be permitted only at times designated by the Public Works Director.

3. Commercial and industrial users would be requested to reduce their water consumption by thirty percent (30%).

4. If, after the initiation of Stage II, weather conditions, expected trends in demand, or other factors indicate that the threat of a water shortage will continue or worsen, or if a serious problem or system emergency should develop, the mandatory measures of Stage III would be implemented.

Section 705.260 Stage III — Mandatory Provisions.

[R.O. 1996 § 705.260; CC 1987 §112.530]

A. Upon the declaration of Stage III, the following mandatory provisions will be effective:

1. No washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, patios or other paved areas, no pumping of fountain recirculating water.

2. No use of water for recreational uses such as water slides or yard play.

3. No washing of cars, other motor vehicles, trailers or boats except from a bucket.

4. No water to be used for dust control.

5. No flushing of mains by Water Committee personnel, except to alleviate specific customer complaints.

6. No use of water from a fire hydrant except for fighting fires, human consumption, or use in connection with animals.

7. Watering of any lawn, garden, landscaped area, tree, shrub or other plants shall be prohibited.

8. If would be mandatory that all large commercial and industrial users follow a previously submitted conservation plan for their operation which has been approved by the Public Works Director.

9. A customer that fails to submit a conservation plan would be subject to the penalties of Section 705.290 of this Article.

10. Depending upon the severity of the problem, the plan could revert back to Stage I or II or be cancelled as conditions improve.

Section 705.270 Notification Provision.

[R.O. 1996 § 705.270; CC 1987 §112.540]

A. With respect to mandatory provisions of this plan, a customer shall be deemed to have been notified and directed to reduce the use of water as set forth in the plan when the Public Works Director or his/her designated representative files such notice through the news media, except nothing contained herein shall be deemed to prohibit other means to notify persons of the need to reduce use of water in accordance with the plan.

B. Upon the Public Works Director taking steps to notify customers as set forth above, a customer shall be presumed to have notice and shall take steps to comply with the plan, except a customer may rebut such presumption by showing that the customer did not, in fact, have notice of the directions to comply with the provisions of this plan.

Section 705.280 Compliance With The Plan.

[R.O. 1996 § 705.280; CC 1987 §112.550]

A. All persons who receive City water service shall be entitled to receive such water service only upon strict compliance with provisions of the plan.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person to violate the mandatory provisions of the plan when such person is directed to reduce or curtail their use of water as set forth in Stage III of the plan. A direction to reduce or curtail use of water shall be presumed when notice is given as set forth in the plan.

Section 705.290 Violations And Penalties.

[R.O. 1996 § 705.290; CC 1987 §112.560]

Any person or persons who violate any mandatory provisions of the water conservation plan or do not discontinue or curtail water use, shall subject themselves to a fine of not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00).