(a)
The city has adopted a tiered wastewater rate schedule as a key part
of the water conservation plan. The adopted tiered rate schedule promotes
conservation by utilizing a tiered rate structure that charges a higher
volumetric rate for high wastewater flow customers.
(b)
A base volumetric rate was established for users that will be sufficient
to cover variable system operations costs based upon an average anticipated
flow per customer. For customers exceeding the base volumetric rate
threshold, a higher volumetric rate will be assessed for each unit
of 1,000 gallons in excess of the threshold. The higher rate will
discourage users from generating high wastewater flows and corresponding
water demands.
(c)
The tiered rate schedule, in accordance with EPA guidelines, will
be modified and updated periodically to consider wastewater flow elasticity
in determining conservation-oriented pricing. This will be feasible
as historical data is acquired over the period of operation of the
new system. Consideration of the allocation between fixed and variable
charges, usage blocks and breakpoints, minimum bills and whether wastewater
is provided in the minimum bill, seasonal pricing options, and pricing
by customer class will be included in future updates.
(d)
The city will also consider the effect of introducing a new rate
structure on revenues. Conservation-oriented pricing considerations
will include certain assumptions (based on the available empirical
evidence) about the elasticity of water demand, or the responsiveness
of water usage to a change in price. Changes in the rate structure
will allow the system to achieve future demand reduction goals while
recovering wastewater system costs. In allocating costs, the impact
of the rate structure on user flows and revenues for specific customer
classes will be considered.
(Ordinance 2006-011, art. I, adopted 4/18/06)
(a)
Public education and information program goals.
The
city plans to improve public awareness of water use and conservation
and encourage the efficient water use through a continued public education
and information program. The goals for the program are as follows:
(1)
Encourage water users to utilize water efficient fixtures and appliances
so that less water is consumed;
(2)
Effectively communicate water conservation practices that include:
(A)
Periodic checks of leak indicators on water meters;
(B)
Washing only full loads of clothes and dishes;
(C)
Using a bucket of water in lieu of a flowing hose to wash vehicles;
(D)
Turning off water while brushing teeth and washing hands;
(E)
Watering lawns, gardens, and shrubs during the evening as opposed
to daytime hours during the heat of the day;
(F)
Periodic checks of irrigation systems to ensure proper operation;
(G)
Maintenance of faucets and spigots to stop leaks.
(b)
Public information program elements.
(1)
The continuing public education and information campaign on water
conservation for the city includes the following elements:
(A)
Promote the city’s water conservation measures.
(B)
Include water conservation information with monthly billing statements
at least twice per year. Information will include material developed
by city staff as well as material obtained from the TWDB, the TCEQ,
and other sources.
(C)
Encourage local media coverage of water conservation issues and the
importance of water conservation.
(D)
Make information on water conservation available online at www.cityofjarrel.com and
to information on water conservation on the TWDB and TCEQ websites.
(E)
Additionally, this public education program will guide water users
toward using water efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances, to
utilize drought tolerant and native and adaptive plants which require
less water and pesticides for landscaping, to find and repair plumbing
leaks, and to take advantage of water conservation incentives where
available.
(2)
The components of the education program include the following:
(A)
Public service announcements.
The city will continue
to publicize and promote the importance of water conservation by placing
public service announcements on the city’s website.
(B)
Water conservation literature.
The city will make
water conservation literature available. Water conservation information
will be distributed to the public through water bills, the city’s
website, at city hall and in response to customer telephone calls
requests for information.
(Ordinance 2022-0927-06 adopted 9/27/22)
