(a)
Water supply has always been a key issue in the development of the
state. In recent years, the increasing population and economic development
in regional planning group H have led to growing demands for water.
At the same time, local and less expensive sources of water supply
are largely developed. Additional supplies to meet higher demands
will be expensive and difficult to develop. Therefore, it is important
that we make efficient use of existing supplies and make them last
as long as possible. This will delay the need for new supplies, minimize
the environmental impacts associated with developing new supplies,
and delay the high cost of additional water supply development.
(b)
Recognizing the need for efficient use of existing water supplies,
the state commission on environmental quality (TCEQ) has developed
guidelines and requirements governing the development of drought contingency
plans for public water suppliers.
(c)
The TCEQ rules governing development of drought contingency plans
for public water suppliers are contained in title 30, part 1, chapter
288, subchapter B, rule 288.20 of the Texas Administrative Code. For
the purpose of these rules, a drought contingency plan is defined
as: “A strategy or combination of strategies for temporary supply
and demand management responses to temporary and potentially recurring
water supply shortages and other water supply emergencies. A drought
contingency plan may be a separate document identified as such or
may be contained within another water management document(s).”
(d)
The city has adopted this drought contingency plan pursuant to TCEQ
guidelines and requirements.
(e)
The purpose of this drought contingency plan is as follows:
(1)
To conserve the available water supply in times of drought and emergency.
(2)
To maintain supplies for domestic water use, sanitation, and fire
protection.
(3)
To protect and preserve public health, welfare, and safety.
(4)
To minimize the adverse impacts of water supply shortages.
(5)
To minimize the adverse impacts of emergency water supply conditions.
(a)
This drought contingency plan is consistent with state commission
on environmental quality (TCEQ) guidelines and requirements for development
of drought contingency plans by public drinking water suppliers, contained
in title 30, part 1, chapter 288, subchapter B, rule 288.20 of the
Texas Administrative Code, and contained in section 11.039 of the
Texas Water Code.
(b)
TCEQ's minimum requirements for drought contingency plans are addressed
in the following subsections of this report:
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288.20(a)(1)(A) - Provisions to inform the public and provide
opportunity for public input
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Section 13.10.083
|
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288.20(a)(1)(B) - Provisions for continuing public education
and information
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Section 13.10.084
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288.20(a)(1)(C) - Coordination with regional water planning
group
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Section 13.10.089
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288.20(a)(1)(D) - Criteria for initiation and termination of
drought stages
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Section 13.10.085
|
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Section 11.039, TWC - Initiation of drought response stages
| |
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288.20(a)(1)(E) - Drought and emergency response stages
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Section 13.10.086
|
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288.20(a)(1)(F) - Specific, quantified targets for water use
reductions
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Section 13.10.086
|
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288.20(a)(1)(G) - Water supply and demand management measures
for each stage
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Section 13.10.086
|
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288.20(a)(1)(H) - Procedures for initiation and termination
of drought stages
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Section 13.10.086
|
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288.20(a)(1)(I) - Procedures for granting variances
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Section 13.10.087
|
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288.20(a)(1)(J) - Procedures for enforcement of mandatory restrictions
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Section 13.10.088
|
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288.20(a)(3) - Consultation with wholesale supplier (City of
Katy not applicable)
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288.20(b) - Notification of implementation of mandatory measures
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Section 13.10.085
|
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288.20(c) - Review and update of plan
|
Section 13.10.090
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(Ordinance 2912 adopted 7/22/19)
Notice of the adoption of this division at a regular city council
meeting was posted and interested members of the public were given
an opportunity to express opinions and concerns regarding the plan.
(Ordinance 2912 adopted 7/22/19)
(a)
The city will inform and educate the public about its drought contingency
plan by the following means:
(b)
At any time that the drought contingency plan is activated or the
drought stage changes, the city will notify local media of the issues,
the drought response stage, and the specific actions required of the
public. The information will also be publicized on the city's website,
www.cityofkaty.com. Billing inserts or mail-outs will also be used
as appropriate.
(Ordinance 2912 adopted 7/22/19)
(a)
Initiation.
(1)
The mayor or his/her official designee may order the implementation
of a drought response stage or water emergency when one or more of
the trigger conditions for that stage is met. The following actions
will be taken when a drought stage is initiated:
(A)
The public will be notified through local media,
website postings, message boards, and other communication strategies
as they are developed.
(B)
If any mandatory provisions of the drought contingency
plan are activated, the city will notify the executive director of
the TCEQ within five business days
(2)
For other trigger conditions, the mayor or his/her designee
may decide not to order the implementation of a drought response stage
or water emergency even though one or more of the trigger criteria
for the stage are met. Factors that could influence such a decision
include, but are not limited to, the time of the year, weather conditions,
the anticipation of replenished water supplies, or the anticipation
that additional facilities will become available to meet needs.
(b)
Termination.
(1)
The mayor or official designee may order the termination of
a drought response stage or water emergency when the conditions for
termination are met or at his/her discretion. The following actions
will be taken when a drought stage is terminated:
(A)
The public will be notified through local media,
website postings, message boards, and other communication strategies
as they developed.
(B)
When any mandatory provisions of the drought contingency
plan that have been activated are terminated, the city will notify
the executive director of the TCEQ within five business days.
(2)
The mayor or his/her designee may decide not to order the termination
of a drought response stage or water emergency even though the conditions
for termination of the stage are met. Factors that could influence
such a decision include, but are not limited to, the time of the year,
weather conditions, or the anticipation of potential changed conditions
that warrant the continuation of the drought stage.
(Ordinance 2912 adopted 7/22/19; Ordinance
3051 adopted 7/28/2022)
(a)
Initiation.
Customers shall be required to comply
with the requirements and mandatory restrictions on certain nonessential
water uses and shall be requested to adhere to voluntary measures
provided in this plan when:
(1)
Stage 1, mild.
(A)
Triggering and termination conditions for stage
1.
(i)
When total daily water demand equals or exceeds
75% of total water well pumpage for three (3) consecutive days;
(ii)
Water demand for all or part of the delivery system
approaches delivery capacity because delivery capacity is inadequate;
(iii)
The supply source becomes contaminated;
(iv)
The water supply system is unable to deliver water
due to the failure or damage of major water system components; or
(v)
Water demand is approaching the limit of the permitted
supply.
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Termination: Stage 1 can be terminated when the circumstances
that caused the initiation of stage 1 no longer prevail.
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(B)
Goal for use reduction and actions available under
stage 1.
The goal for water use reduction under stage
1, mild, is a 5 percent of water use compared to baseline historical
monthly average water usage as calculated by the city (based on the
water usage data over the previous 12-month period). The purpose of
actions under stage 1, mild, is to raise public awareness of potential
drought problems. The mayor or his/her designee can order the implementation
of any of the actions listed below, as deemed necessary:
(i)
Request voluntary reductions in water use by the
public.
(ii)
Increase public education efforts on ways to reduce
water use.
(iii)
Review the problems that caused the initiation
of stage 1.
(iv)
Notify major water users and work with them to
achieve voluntary water use reductions.
(v)
Intensify efforts on leak detection and repair.
(vi)
Reduce nonessential city government water use,
including street cleaning, vehicle washing, and operation of ornamental
fountains.
(vii)
Reduce city government water use for landscape
irrigation.
(viii)
Ask the public to voluntary reduce watering
and/or irrigate landscape between 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 8:00
p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
(ix)
Encourage reduction of draining and refilling
of swimming pools. Water may be added to existing pools to replace
losses from normal use and operation.
(2)
Stage 2, moderate.
(A)
Triggering and termination conditions for stage
2.
(i)
When total daily water demand equals or exceeds
80% of total water well pumpage for three (3) consecutive days;
(ii)
Water demand for all or part of the delivery system
equals delivery capacity because delivery capacity is inadequate;
(iii)
The supply source becomes contaminated;
(iv)
The water supply system is unable to deliver water
due to the failure or damage of major water system components; or
(v)
Water demand is approaching the limit of the permitted
supply.
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Termination: Stage 2 can terminate when the circumstances that
caused the initiation of stage 2 no longer prevail. Stage 1 becomes
operative on termination of stage 2.
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(B)
Goal for use reduction and actions available under
stage 2.
The goal for water use reduction under stage
2, moderate, is a 10 percent of water use compared to baseline historical
monthly average water usage as calculated by the city (based on the
water usage data over the previous 12-month period). The mayor or
his/her designee can order the implementation of any of the actions
listed below, as deemed necessary:
(i)
Continue or initiate any actions available under
stage 1.
(ii)
Initiate engineering studies to evaluate alternatives
should conditions worsen.
(iii)
Further accelerate public education efforts on
ways to reduce water use.
(iv)
Halt nonessential city government water use, including
street cleaning, vehicle washing, and operation of ornamental fountains.
(v)
Encourage the public to wait until the current
drought or emergency situation has passed before establishing new
landscaping.
a.
Ask the public to reduce watering and/or irrigate
landscape to three (3) times per week and water between 12:00 a.m.
to 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. based on the last digit of
the address as defined in table 13.10A. (Exceptions: Foundations,
new plantings (first year) of trees and shrubs may be watered for
up to two hours on any day by a handheld hose or a soaker hose without
restrictions.)
(vi)
Limit hydrant flushing (except for water system
repairs), flushing gutters, or allowing water to run or accumulate
in any street.
(vii)
Encourage reduction of water use for power washing
of buildings, sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis
courts, or other hard-surfaced areas.
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Table 13.10A
Three Days Per Week Watering Schedule (12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
and 8:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.)
| |
|---|---|
|
Last Digit of Address
|
Allowed Landscape Watering Days
|
|
Even Number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8)
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Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
|
|
Odd Number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9)
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Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
|
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Commercial, HOA, Greenspace, Right-of-Way
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Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
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(3)
Stage 3, severe.
(A)
Triggering and termination conditions for stage
3.
(i)
When total daily water demand equals or exceeds
85% or total water well pumpage for three (3) consecutive days;
(ii)
Water demand for all or part of the delivery system
exceeds delivery capacity because delivery capacity is inadequate;
(iii)
The supply source becomes contaminated;
(iv)
The water supply system is unable to deliver water
due to the failure or damage of major water system components; or
(v)
Water demand is approaching the limit of the permitted
supply.
|
Termination: Stage 3 can terminate when the circumstances that
caused the initiation of stage 3 no longer prevail. Stage 2 becomes
operative on termination of stage 3.
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(B)
Goal for use reduction and actions available under
stage 3.
The goal for water use reduction under stage
3, severe, is a reduction of 15 percent of water use compared to baseline
historical monthly average water usage as calculated by the city (based
on the water usage data over the previous 12-month period). If the
circumstances warrant, the mayor or his/her designee can set a goal
for greater water use reduction. The mayor or his/her designee can
order the implementation of any of the actions listed below, as deemed
necessary. Measures described as "requires notification to TCEQ" impose
mandatory requirements on retail and wholesale customers. The city
staff must notify TCEQ within five business days if these measures
are implemented.
(C)
Requires notification to TCEQ.
(i)
Initiate mandatory water use restrictions as follows:
(ii)
Limit landscape watering at each service address to 12:00 a.m.
to 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. twice per week based on the
last digit of the address as defined in table 13.10B. (Exceptions:
Foundations, new plantings (first year) of trees and shrubs may be
watered for up to two hours on any day by a handheld hose or a soaker
hose without restrictions.)
(iii)
Prohibit draining and filling of existing pools and filling
of new pools. (Pools may add water to replace losses during normal
use.)
(iv)
Prohibit establishment of new landscaping.
|
Table 13.10Bb
Two Days Per Week Watering Schedule (12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
and 8:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.)
| |
|---|---|
|
Last Digit of Address
|
Allowed Landscape Watering Days
|
|
Even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8)
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Sunday and Thursday
|
|
Odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9)
|
Saturday and Wednesday
|
|
Commercial, HOA, Greenspace, right-of-way
|
Tuesday and Friday
|
|
Monday - No watering (storage recovery days)
| |
(4)
Stage 4, emergency.
(A)
Triggering and termination conditions for stage
4.
(i)
When total daily water demand equals or exceeds
90% of total water well pumpage for three (3) consecutive days;
(ii)
Water demand for all or part of the delivery system
seriously exceeds delivery capacity because the delivery capacity
is inadequate;
(iii)
The supply source becomes contaminated;
(iv)
The water supply system is unable to deliver water
due to the failure or damage of major water system components; or
(v)
Water demand is approaching the limit of the permitted
supply.
|
Termination: Stage 4 can terminate when the circumstances that
caused the initiation of stage 4 no longer prevail. Stage 3 becomes
operative on termination of stage 4.
|
(B)
Goal for use reduction and actions available under
stage 4.
The goal for water use reduction under stage
4, emergency, is a reduction of 20 percent of water use compared to
baseline historical monthly average water usage as calculated by the
city (based on the water usage data over the previous 12-month period).
If circumstances warrant, the mayor/manager or his/her designee can
set a goal for greater water use reduction. The mayor/manager or his/her
designee can set a goal for greater water use reduction. The mayor
or his/her designee can order the implementation of any of the actions
listed below, as deemed necessary. Measures described as "requires
notification to TCEQ" impose mandatory requirements on retail and
wholesale customers. The city staff must notify TCEQ within five business
days if these measures are implemented.
(C)
Requires notification to TCEQ.
(i)
Prohibit washing of vehicles except as necessary for health,
sanitation or safety reasons, including carwashes.
(ii)
Limit landscape watering at each service address to one (1)
day per week and water between 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
to 11:59 p.m. based on the last digit of the address as defined in
table 13.10. (Exceptions: Foundations, new plantings (first year)
of trees and shrubs may be watered for up to two hours on any day
by a handheld hose or a soaker hose without restrictions.)
(iii)
Prohibit any filling of private pools. Commercial and public
pools may refill to replace losses during normal use.
(iv)
Require all commercial water users to reduce water use by a
percentage established by the mayor and his/her designee.
|
Table 13.10
One Day Per Week Watering Schedule (12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
and 8:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.)
| |
|---|---|
|
Last Digit of Address
|
Allowed Landscape Watering Days
|
|
1, 3
|
Tuesday
|
|
0, 2
|
Wednesday
|
|
5, 7
|
Thursday
|
|
4, 6
|
Friday
|
|
8, 9
|
Saturday
|
|
Commercial, HOA, Greenspace, right-of-way
|
Sunday
|
|
Monday - No watering (storage recovery days)
| |
(Ordinance 2912 adopted 7/22/19; Ordinance
3051 adopted 7/28/2022)
(a)
The mayor/manager and his/her designee may grant temporary variances
for existing water uses otherwise prohibited under this drought contingency
plan if one or more of the following conditions is met:
(1)
Failure to grant such a variance would cause an emergency condition
adversely affecting health, sanitation, or fire safety for the public
or the person requesting the variance.
(2)
Compliance with this plan cannot be accomplished due to technical
or other limitations.
(3)
Alternative methods that achieve the same level of reduction in water
use can be implemented.
(b)
Variances shall be granted or denied at the discretion of the mayor
or his/her designee. All petitions for variances should be in writing
and should include the following information:
(1)
Name and address of the petitioner(s).
(2)
Purpose of water use.
(3)
Specific provisions from which relief is requested.
(4)
Detailed statement of the adverse effect of the provision from which
relief is requested.
(5)
Description of relief requested.
(6)
Period of time for which the variance is sought.
(7)
Alternative measures that will be taken to reduce water use.
(Ordinance 2912 adopted 7/22/19)
Mandatory water use restrictions may be imposed in stage 3 and
stage 4 drought stages. These mandatory waters use restrictions will
be enforced by warnings and penalties as follows:
(1)
Stage 3 enforcement procedures.
(A)
On the first violation, customers will be given a written warning
that they have violated mandatory restrictions.
(B)
On the second and subsequent violations, citations may be issued
to customers with fines not less than $200.00 and not to exceed $2,000.00
per incident - the city may cut off water service to the customer,
subject to appeal.
(2)
Stage 4 enforcement procedures.
(A)
On the first violation, customers will be given a written warning
that they have violated mandatory restrictions.
(B)
On the second and subsequent violations, citations may be issued
to customers with fines not less than $200.00 and not to exceed $2,000.00
per incident - the city may cut off water service to the customer,
subject to appeal.
(Ordinance 2912 adopted 7/22/19; Ordinance
3051 adopted 7/28/2022)
The city is located within the Region H water planning area. Appendix C of Ordinance 2501 includes a copy of a letter sent to the chair of the Region H Water Planning Group (RCWPG) with this drought contingency plan.
(Ordinance 2912 adopted 7/22/19)
As required by TCEQ rules, the city will review this drought
contingency plan every five years to coincide with RCWPG. The plan
will be updated as appropriate based on new or updated information.
As the plan is reviewed and subsequently updated, a copy of the revised
drought contingency plan will be kept on file on the city's website,
www.cityofkaty.com, and submitted to the RCWPG and TCEQ for their
records.
(Ordinance 2912 adopted 7/22/19)
