The purpose of this division is to provide for the health, safety,
and general welfare of the citizens of city, as well as protect the
environment and limited regional water sources through the effective
management and conservation of the public water supply. This division
establishes methods to conserve and manage the public water supply
yearround and in times of drought.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
An opportunity for the public to provide input into the preparation
of the plan was provided by the city by means of providing a public
notice of a public meeting to accept input on the plan.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
The city 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 at a minimum by means of a notice published on the
city's website and a press release.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
The service area of the city is located within the Region K
and Region L water planning areas. The city has provided a copy of
this plan to Region K, Region L, Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation
District, Alliance Regional Water Authority, and Guadalupe Blanco
River Authority.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
The city manager or his/her designee is hereby authorized and
directed to implement the applicable provisions of this plan upon
the determination that such implementation is necessary to protect
the public health, safety, and welfare. The city manager or his/her
designee shall have the authority to initiate or terminate drought
of other water supply emergency response measures as described in
this plan.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
The provision of this plan shall apply to all persons, customers,
and property utilizing water provided by the city. The terms "person"
and "customer" as used in the plan include individuals, corporations,
partnerships, associations, and all other legal entities. The requirements
do not apply to alternative water sources such as rainwater, graywater,
reclaimed water, and private wells. Owners of private wells and customers
of other water utilities are encouraged to contact their respective
utility provider and/or regulatory agency for applicable requirements.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
The following words and phrases, when used in this division,
shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this definitions
section, except when the context otherwise requires. Whenever any
words and phrases used herein are not defined herein but are defined
in the federal and state laws regulating public water supplies and
drought management, any such definition therein shall be deemed to
apply to such words and phrases used herein, except when the context
otherwise requires.
A fountain, waterfall, landscape lake or pond, or another
decorative feature where the use is entirely ornamental and serves
no other functional purpose.
The Edwards Aquifer.
The Alliance Regional Water Authority.
A system of fixed pipes and sprinkler heads that apply water
to landscape plants or turf.
The Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District.
Cubic feet per second.
Any special event involving the washing of vehicles for a
requested or suggested donation.
The city manager of the city, or a person designated by the
city manager to act in his or her behalf.
Any permanently located or mobile carwash that washes automobiles,
trucks, trailers, boats and other mobile equipment for a fee.
For the purposes of this division, a water customer being
charged using the commercial rate structure. This includes irrigation
meters not associated with a companion residential water account (i.e.
landscape lots maintained by homeowners associations).
A system of fixed pipes or hoses with emitters designed to
apply water to plants slowly and under pressurized conditions at or
below the soil surface.
Landscaping plants and/or turf on which installation was
completed more than 21 days from the current date.
Use of a soaker hose or similar device placed within 24 inches
of a building foundation that does not produce a spray of water above
the ground for the purpose of providing moisture to the foundation
soils in an effort to prevent cracking or shifting.
The Guadalupe Blanco River Authority.
Defined as wastewater from showers, bathtubs, handwashing
lavatories, sinks not used for the disposal of hazardous or toxic
ingredients, sinks not used for food preparation or disposal. Graywater
does not include wastewater from the washing of material, including
diapers, soiled with human excrement or wastewater that has come into
contact with toilet waste. Graywater does not include municipally
treated reclaimed water.
A container holding five gallons or less.
A hose equipped with a positive shutoff device.
Use of water for any purpose that is necessary to protect
human health and safety.
Any lawn irrigation device that attaches to the end of a
water hose and is not equipped with an integrated positive shutoff
device.
A type of surface that prevents water from penetrating directly
into the ground. Impervious surfaces include but are not limited to,
sidewalks, driveways, paved streets, and pavers or stones set with
mortar.
See automatic sprinkler irrigation system.
The application of water to grow landscaping plants.
Any plant, including any tree, shrub, vine, herb, flower,
vegetable, fruit, succulent, ground cover or grass species that is
used for landscaping purposes or for the support of intensive recreational
areas including playgrounds and playing fields.
Partial refilling of a swimming pool or hot tub or an aesthetic
water feature to replace water lost through evaporation or backwashing.
A commercial carwash equipped with a vehicle or trailer-mounted
self-contained washing system with any of the following: Water or
detergent solution, storage tank, high pressure/low-flow pumping equipment,
hoses, spray wand and related apparatuses.
Landscaping plants and/or turf on which installation was
completed within the last 21 days.
The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, and
other mobile equipment at a private residence.
Any usage of water that is not required for:
As it relates to swimming pools, hot tubs and similar facilities,
a facility which is not used during any 24-hour-period.
A permanent recreational water feature that sprays, pours,
and/or dumps water onto individuals.
A device which sprays fine water particles for outdoor cooling.
With respect to this division, any individual, corporation,
partnership, or other legal entity within the corporate limits of
the city, or any individual, corporation, partnership, or other legal
entity outside the corporate limits of the city who is a city water
customer.
A device which permits water to flow through it only when
a continuous pressure is applied to a handle, trigger, or similar
portion of the device.
A tree greater than eight (8) caliper inches.
Systems used to collect and store rainwater for consumption,
irrigation, or other purposes.
Municipally treated wastewater that is recycled or reused
after it has been used for another purpose.
For the purposes of this division, a water customer being
charged using the residential rate structure. This includes irrigation
meters associated with a companion residential water account (i.e.
a separate irrigation meter at a residence supplying an automated
sprinkler system for the residence).
A portable hose with small openings that applies water slowly
to plants at the soil surface with no vertical spray.
Any structure, basin, chamber, or tank including hot tubs
that contains an artificial body of water for swimming, diving, or
recreational bathing, and having a depth of two (2) feet or more at
any point.
A watering device that holds water and is attached to a tree
to slowly drain providing irrigation for a tree.
A defined area cultivated primarily to grow vegetables, herbs
and other plants useful for human consumption. A defined area in which
such plants are grown together with aesthetic plants (also known as
a 'potager') shall be treated as a "vegetable garden" for
the purposes of the division if at least 60 percent of the plants
are vegetables, herbs and other plants useful for human consumption.
Any activity which causes or results in excessive water usage,
including but not limited to the following:
Failing to repair a controllable leak, including a broken sprinkler
head, a leaking valve, leaking or broken pipes, or a leaking faucet;
Operation of a permanently installed irrigation system with
a broken head, a head that is out of adjustment and the arc of the
spray head is over a street or parking lot, or a head that is misting
because of high water pressure;
Operation of a permanently installed irrigation system, or use
of a hose-end sprinkler, hand-held hose, handheld bucket, or soaker
hose outside of the permitted days and times established by city ordinance;
or
Any irrigation that allows water to:
Run off a property and form a stream of water in a street, gutter,
ditch, drain, creek or any other natural or manmade water course for
a distance of 50 feet or greater;
Pond in a street or parking lot exceeding 50 square feet in
size and to a depth greater than one-quarter of an inch; or
Run off from a property onto adjacent properties.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
The city manager shall monitor water supply conditions on a
daily basis. The city manager shall issue notices to implement or
terminate drought response stages as follows:
(1)
Stage 1.
(A)
Stage 1 may be implemented by the city manager when any one
of the following conditions occur, and shall be implemented if two
or more conditions are present unless otherwise noted:
(i)
BSEACD declares an alarm stage in accordance with
its drought contingency plan;
(ii)
GBRA declares a stage 1 drought in accordance
with their drought contingency plan;
(iii)
ARWA declares a stage 1 drought in accordance
with their drought contingency plan;
(iv)
Daily demand reaches 75 percent of available supply,
based on the city's current water supply resulting from any curtailments
implemented by water suppliers, for five consecutive days; or
(v)
A water quality, supply, distribution system or
other emergency exists as determined by the city manager.
(B)
Stage 1 shall be terminated when the conditions which prompted
the initiation of stage 1 no longer exist.
(2)
Stage 2.
(A)
Stage 2 may be implemented by the city manager when any one
of the following conditions occur and shall be implemented if two
or more conditions are present unless otherwise noted:
(i)
BSEACD declares a critical stage in accordance
with its drought contingency plan;
(ii)
GBRA declares stage 2 drought in accordance with
their drought contingency plan;
(iii)
ARWA declares stage 2 drought in accordance with
their drought contingency plan;
(iv)
Daily demand reaches 80 percent of available supply,
based on the city's current water supply resulting from any curtailments
implemented by water suppliers, for five consecutive days;
(v)
A water quality, supply, distribution system or
other emergency exists as determined by the city manager; or
(vi)
If one of the conditions from stage 1 exists and
one condition from stage 2 has been reached, then stage 2 shall be
implemented.
(B)
Stage 2 shall be terminated when the conditions which prompted
initiation of stage 2 no longer exist.
(3)
Stage 3.
(A)
Stage 3 may be implemented when any one of the following conditions
occur and shall be implemented if two or more conditions are present
unless otherwise noted:
(i)
BSEACD declares an exceptional stage in accordance
with its drought contingency plan;
(ii)
GBRA declares stage 3 drought in accordance with
their drought contingency plan;
(iii)
ARWA declares stage 3 drought in accordance with
their drought contingency plan;
(iv)
Daily demand reaches 85 percent of available supply,
based on the city's current water supply resulting from any curtailments
implemented by water suppliers, for five consecutive days;
(v)
A water quality, supply, distribution system or
other emergency exists as determined by the city manager; or
(vi)
If one of the conditions from stage 2 exists and
one condition from stage 3 has been reached, then stage 3 shall be
implemented.
(B)
Stage 3 shall be terminated when the conditions which prompted
the initiation of stage 3 no longer exist.
(4)
Stage 4.
(A)
A stage 4 drought may be declared by the city manager when any
one of the following conditions occur and shall be declared if two
or more of the below conditions:
(i)
BSEACD declares an emergency response stage in
accordance with its drought contingency plan;
(ii)
GBRA declares stage 4 drought in accordance with
their drought contingency plan;
(iii)
ARWA declares stage 4 drought in accordance with
their drought contingency plan;
(iv)
Daily demand reaches 90 percent of available supply,
based on the city's current water supply resulting from any curtailments
implemented by water suppliers, for five consecutive days;
(v)
A water quality, supply, distribution system or
other emergency exists as determined by the city manager; or
(vi)
If one of the conditions from stage 3 exists and
one condition from stage 4 has been reached, then stage 4 shall be
implemented.
(B)
Stage 4 shall be terminated when the conditions which prompted
the initiation of stage 4 no longer exist.
(5)
Notice of implementation and termination of stages.
The city will make reasonable efforts to provide customers with notices
of implementation and termination of drought stages. At a minimum,
the city shall post notices on the city's website and in the
official newspaper of record of the city.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
The city obtains water from several sources, including BSEACD,
ARWA, and GBRA. Each of these entities has their own drought contingency
plan with different reduction requests for each stage. Table 1 below
provides a list of the percent reductions called for by each water
provider as well as the target percent reduction in water use proposed
by the city.
|
Table 1. Percent Reduction in Water Use
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Stage
|
BSEACD
|
GBRA
|
City of Buda
|
|
Yearround
|
10%
|
0%
|
5%
|
|
I
|
20%
|
5%
|
10%
|
|
II
|
30%
|
10%
|
20%
|
|
III
|
40%
|
15%
|
30%
|
|
IV
|
50%
|
pro rata basis
|
40%
|
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
(a)
Targeted reduction: 5% of total water use.
(b)
The following allowances and restrictions are in effect always;
however, the allowances and restrictions may be superseded by more
stringent restrictions upon implementation of a drought response stage.
(1)
Waste of water is prohibited at all times.
(2)
Irrigation:
(A)
Irrigation with hose-end sprinklers and automatic
sprinkler systems is prohibited between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and
7:00 p.m.
(C)
Irrigation with a handheld bucket, handheld hose,
soaker hose or drip irrigation is allowed on any day and at any time.
(D)
Irrigation of vegetable gardens with a handheld
bucket, handheld hose, soaker hose or drip irrigation is allowed on
any day and at any time.
(E)
Date and time restrictions for irrigation do not
apply during repair or testing of a new or existing irrigation system
if the person performing the testing is present. The irrigation system
shall only be operated as long as is necessary to diagnose and complete
repairs.
(F)
No golf courses shall be allowed to irrigate the
landscape, greens, tees, roughs or fairways with potable water.
(G)
Outdoor watering using potable water at HOA common
areas, athletic fields and city facilities shall follow the same watering
schedule as commercial accounts.
(3)
Vehicle washing:
(A)
Charity carwashes are allowed but must be done
using a handheld bucket or a handheld hose equipped with a positive
shutoff device. Charity carwashes shall not create water waste as
defined herein.
(B)
Noncommercial vehicle washing is allowed on any
day and at any time but must be done using a handheld bucket or a
handheld hose equipped with a positive shutoff device.
(C)
Commercial vehicle washing is allowed on any day
and at any time.
(D)
New commercial carwashes built after January 1,
2019 shall reuse at least 50 percent of rinse water and reuse all
reverse osmosis concentrate.
(4)
Swimming pools are allowed to operate and be filled as normal.
It is recommended that swimming pools be covered while not in use
to minimize evaporative losses.
(5)
Operation of nonrecirculating outdoor splash pads shall be prohibited
at all times.
(6)
Operation of nonrecirculating aesthetic water features is prohibited
at all times.
(7)
Washing of impervious surfaces is allowed but should be limited
unless required for health and safety use.
(8)
Foundation watering is allowed on any day and at any time. However,
foundation watering shall not result in saturation to the point it
causes pooling in the yard or runoff onto impervious surfaces, adjacent
property, drainage facilities (natural or manmade), sidewalks or streets.
(9)
Other nonessential water uses are allowed but all reasonable
measures shall be taken to limit the use.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
(a)
Targeted reduction: 10% of total water use (target reduction
of 500 to 1,500 gallons per billing cycle).
(b)
The following measures are in effect for any period when stage
1 of the drought response plan has been implemented:
(1)
Waste of water is prohibited.
(2)
Outdoor irrigation shall be restricted as follows:
(A)
Irrigation with hose-end sprinklers and automatic
sprinkler systems is prohibited between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and
7:00 p.m. and shall follow the outdoor watering twice-per-week schedule:
(i)
Odd-numbered residential: Wednesday and/or Saturday.
(ii)
Even-numbered residential: Thursday and/or Sunday.
(iii)
Commercial, mixed use, multifamily, school/city
athletic fields: Tuesday and/or Friday.
(iv)
Outdoor watering must start and stop within the
24-hour period of the designated water day as determined by address.
(v)
It is recommended that outdoor watering be limited
to one of the permitted watering days each week to promote conservation.
(B)
Outdoor watering with a handheld bucket, handheld
hose with a positive shutoff device, soaker hose and/or drip irrigation
are permitted at any time on any day.
(C)
Irrigation of vegetable gardens with a handheld
bucket, handheld hose, soaker hose or drip irrigation is allowed on
any day and at any time.
(D)
Irrigation of protected trees by a soaker hose,
automatic bubbler, tree watering bag, or similar device placed within
the tree's dripline is allowed on any day and at any time.
(E)
Commercial nurseries are subject to the time restrictions
when using automated irrigation systems but may operate on any day.
Use of a handheld bucket, handheld hose with a positive shutoff device,
soaker hose and/or drip irrigation are permitted at any time on any
day.
(F)
Date and time restrictions for irrigation do not
apply during repair or testing of a new or existing irrigation system
if the person performing the testing is present. The irrigation system
shall only be operated as long as is necessary to diagnose and complete
repairs.
(3)
Vehicle washing:
(A)
Charity carwashes are allowed but must be done
using a handheld bucket or a handheld hose equipped with a positive
shutoff device. Charity carwashes shall not create water waste as
defined herein.
(B)
Noncommercial vehicle washing is allowed on any
day and at any time but must be done using a handheld bucket or a
handheld hose equipped with a positive shutoff device.
(C)
Commercial vehicle washing is allowed on any day
and at any time.
(4)
Swimming pools are allowed to operate and be filled as normal.
It is recommended that swimming pools be covered while not in use
to minimize evaporative losses.
(5)
Operation of nonrecirculating aesthetic water features is prohibited
at all times.
(6)
Washing of impervious surfaces is prohibited unless required
for health and safety use.
(7)
Foundation watering is allowed on any day and at any time. However,
foundation watering shall not result in saturation to the point it
causes pooling in the yard or runoff onto impervious surfaces, adjacent
property, drainage facilities (natural or manmade), sidewalks or streets.
(8)
Other nonessential water uses are allowed but all reasonable
measures shall be taken to limit the use.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
(a)
Targeted reduction: 20% of total water use (target reduction
of 1,000 to 3,000 gallons per billing cycle).
(b)
The following measures are in effect for any period when stage
2 of the drought response plan has been implemented:
(1)
Waste of water is prohibited.
(2)
Outdoor irrigation shall be restricted as follows:
(A)
Irrigation with hose-end sprinklers and automatic
sprinkler systems is prohibited between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and
7:00 p.m., and shall follow the outdoor watering once-per-week schedule:
(i)
Odd-numbered residential: Wednesday.
(ii)
Even-numbered residential: Thursday.
(iii)
Commercial, mixed use and multifamily: Tuesday.
(iv)
School and city athletic fields: Tuesday and Friday
(v)
Outdoor watering must start and stop within the
24-hour period of the designated water day as determined by address.
(B)
Outdoor watering with a handheld bucket, handheld
hose with a positive shutoff device, soaker hose and/or drip irrigation
is restricted to the stage 1 outdoor watering twice-per-week schedule
and shall be prohibited between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
(C)
Irrigation of vegetable gardens with a handheld
bucket, handheld hose with a positive shutoff device, soaker hose
and/or drip irrigation is allowed any day but is prohibited between
the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
(D)
Irrigation of protected trees by a soaker hose,
automatic bubbler, tree watering bag, or similar device placed within
the tree's dripline is allowed any day but prohibited between
the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
(E)
Commercial nurseries are subject to the time restrictions
when using automated irrigation systems but may operate on any day.
Use of a handheld bucket, handheld hose with a positive shutoff device,
soaker hose and/or drip irrigation are permitted at any time on any
day.
(F)
Date and time restrictions for irrigation does
not apply during repair or testing of a new or existing irrigation
system if the person performing the testing is present. The irrigation
system shall only be operated for the minimum amount of time that
is reasonably necessary to diagnose, complete any repairs and test
the system.
(3)
Vehicle washing:
(A)
Charity carwashes are prohibited unless held at
and using a commercial carwash facility that recycles at least 50%
of their water to wash vehicles.
(B)
Noncommercial vehicle washing is allowed but must
comply with the twice-per-week outdoor watering schedule and must
be done using a handheld bucket or a handheld hose equipped with a
positive shutoff device.
(C)
Commercial vehicle washing is allowed on any day
and at any time.
(4)
Filling of new and existing swimming pools using the municipal
water supply is prohibited. Make up water of existing swimming pools
is allowed. Swimming pool surfaces shall be covered at least 50 percent
when not in use.
(5)
Operation of nonrecirculating aesthetic water features are prohibited
at all times.
(6)
Washing sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, street,
tennis courts, and other impervious surfaces is prohibited except
in emergencies to remove spills of hazardous materials or to eliminate
dangerous conditions which threaten the public health, safety, or
welfare. Washing buildings, houses or structures with a pressure washer
or garden hose is prohibited for aesthetic purposes but allowable
for surface preparation of maintenance work to be performed. A variance
from the city must be obtained for any pressure washing performed
during drought stage.
(7)
Foundation watering is allowed on any day and at any time. However,
foundation watering shall not result in saturation to the point it
causes pooling in the yard or runoff onto impervious surfaces, adjacent
property, drainage facilities (natural or manmade), sidewalks or streets.
(8)
Other nonessential water uses are allowed but all reasonable
measures shall be taken to limit the use.
(9)
Construction water used for nonpotable needs, such as dust suppression,
shall utilize alternative sources of water such as rainwater, graywater
and reclaimed water to the maximum extent available. The city manager
may cap withdrawals from construction meters connected to the city
water system.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
(a)
Targeted reduction: 30% of total water use (target reduction
of 1,500 to 5,000 gallons per billing cycle).
(b)
The following measures are in effect for any period when stage
3 of the drought response plan has been implemented:
(1)
Waste of water is prohibited.
(2)
Outdoor irrigation shall be restricted as follows:
(A)
Irrigation with hose-end sprinklers and automatic
sprinkler systems is allowed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 11:00
a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and shall follow the outdoor watering
once-per-week schedule:
(i)
Odd-numbered residential: Wednesday.
(ii)
Even-numbered residential: Thursday.
(iii)
Commercial, mixed use and multifamily: Tuesday.
(iv)
School and city athletic fields: Tuesday and Friday.
(v)
Outdoor watering must start and stop within the
24-hour period of the designated water day as determined by address.
(B)
Outdoor watering with handheld bucket, handheld
hose with a positive shutoff device, soaker hose and/or drip irrigation
is restricted to the outdoor watering once-per-week schedule and shall
be prohibited between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
(C)
Irrigation of vegetable gardens with a handheld
bucket, handheld hose, soaker hose or drip irrigation is allowed on
any day but is prohibited between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 7:00
p.m.
(D)
Irrigation of protected trees by a soaker hose,
automatic bubbler, tree watering bag, or similar device placed within
the tree's dripline is restricted to the outdoor watering once-per-week
schedule and shall be prohibited between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and
7:00 p.m.
(E)
Commercial nurseries using automatic irrigation
systems are allowed on any day but prohibited between the hours of
11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Use of handheld bucket, handheld hose with
a positive shutoff device, soaker hose and/or drip irrigation are
permitted at any time on any day.
(F)
Date and time restrictions for irrigation do not
apply during repair or testing of a new or existing irrigation system
if the person performing the testing is present. The irrigation system
shall only be operated as long as is necessary to diagnose and complete
repairs.
(3)
Vehicle washing:
(A)
Charity carwashes are prohibited.
(B)
Noncommercial vehicle washing is allowed but must
comply with the once-per-week outdoor watering schedule and use a
handheld bucket or a handheld hose equipped with a positive shutoff
device.
(C)
Commercial vehicle washing is allowed on any day
and at any time.
(4)
Filling of new and existing swimming pools is prohibited. Makeup
of existing swimming pools is allowed. Swimming pool surfaces shall
be covered at least 50 percent when not in use. Outdoor splash pads
may be operated no more than three days per week. Operation of government-owned
swimming pools and outdoor splash pads are exempted.
(5)
Operation of nonrecirculating aesthetic water features are prohibited
at all times.
(6)
Washing sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, street,
tennis courts, and other impervious surfaces is prohibited except
in emergencies to remove spills of hazardous materials or to eliminate
dangerous conditions which threaten the public health, safety, or
welfare. Washing buildings, houses or structures with a pressure washer
or garden hose is prohibited for aesthetic purposes but allowable
for surface preparation of maintenance work to be performed. A variance
from the city must be obtained for any pressure washing performed
during drought stage.
(7)
Foundation watering is allowed on any day and at any time. However,
foundation watering shall not result in saturation to the point it
causes pooling in the yard or runoff onto impervious surfaces, adjacent
property, drainage facilities (natural or manmade), sidewalks or streets.
(8)
Other nonessential water uses are allowed but all reasonable
measures shall be taken to limit the use.
(9)
Construction water used for nonpotable needs, such as dust suppression,
shall utilize alternative sources of water such as rainwater, graywater
and reclaimed water to the maximum extent available. The city manager
may cap withdrawals from construction meters connected to the city
water system.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
(a)
Targeted reduction: 40% of total water use (target reduction
of 2,000 to 6,000 gallons per billing cycle).
(b)
The following measures are in effect for any period when stage
4 of the drought response plan has been implemented:
(1)
Waste of water is prohibited.
(2)
Outdoor irrigation shall be restricted as follows:
(A)
Irrigation with hose-end sprinklers and automatic
sprinkler systems is allowed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 11:00
a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and shall follow the outdoor watering
once-per-every-other-week schedule:
(i)
Odd-numbered residential: Wednesday, on the week
of recycling pick up for that address.
(ii)
Even-numbered residential: Thursday, on the week
of recycling pick up for that address.
(iii)
Commercial, mixed use, multifamily, school/city
athletic fields: Tuesday, on the week of recycling pick up for that
address.
(iv)
Outdoor watering must start and stop within the
24-hour period of the designated water day as determined by address.
(B)
Outdoor watering with handheld bucket, handheld
hose with a positive shutoff device, soaker hose and/or drip irrigation
is restricted to the outdoor watering once per week schedule and shall
be prohibited between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
(C)
Irrigation of vegetable gardens with a handheld
bucket, handheld hose, soaker hose or drip irrigation is allowed on
any day, but is prohibited between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 7:00
p.m.
(D)
Irrigation of protected trees by a soaker hose,
automatic bubbler, tree watering bag, or similar device placed within
the tree's dripline is restricted to the outdoor watering once-per-week
schedule and shall be prohibited between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and
7:00 p.m.
(E)
Commercial nurseries are restricted to the once-per-week
schedule for automated irrigation systems before 11:00 a.m. and after
7:00 p.m. Use of handheld bucket, handheld hose with a positive shutoff
device, soaker hose and/or drip irrigation are permitted any day before
11:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m.
(F)
Date and time restrictions for irrigation does
not apply during repair or testing of a new or existing irrigation
system if the person performing the testing is present. The irrigation
system shall only be operated as long as is necessary to diagnose
and complete repairs.
(G)
The city council may take action following enactment
of stage 4 to prohibit all outdoor irrigation if it determines there
is a direct threat to health, safety and the general welfare.
(4)
Filling and makeup water of all swimming pools is prohibited.
Swimming pool surfaces shall be fully covered when not in use. Operation
of outdoor splash pads are prohibited. Operation of government-owned
swimming pools and outdoor splash pads are exempted.
(5)
Operation of nonrecirculating aesthetic water features is prohibited
at all times.
(6)
Washing sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, street,
tennis courts, and other impervious surfaces is prohibited except
in emergencies to remove spills of hazardous materials or to eliminate
dangerous conditions which threaten the public health, safety, or
welfare. Washing buildings, houses or structures with a pressure washer
or garden hose is prohibited for aesthetic purposes but allowable
for surface preparation of maintenance work to be performed. A variance
from the city must be obtained for any pressure washing performed
during drought stage.
(7)
Foundation watering is allowed on any day and at any time. However,
foundation watering shall not result in saturation to the point it
causes pooling in the yard or runoff onto impervious surfaces, adjacent
property, drainage facilities (natural or manmade), sidewalks or streets.
(8)
The use of patio misters for outdoor cooling is prohibited.
(9)
Other nonessential water uses are prohibited as established
by the city council.
(10)
Construction water used for nonpotable needs, such as dust suppression,
shall utilize alternative sources of water such as rainwater, graywater
and reclaimed water to the maximum extent available. The city manager
may cap withdrawals from construction meters connected to the city
water system.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
(a)
The city manager may grant an exception from the requirements
of this division if it is determined that special circumstances exist
and that:
(1)
Compliance with this division adversely affects the health,
sanitation, fire protection, or safety of the public;
(2)
Compliance with this division cannot be technically accomplished;
(3)
Alternative methods can be implemented that will achieve the
same or greater reduction in water use;
(4)
Substantially threatens the applicant's primary source
of income; or
(5)
Adversely affects pesticide or fertilizer application.
(b)
The city manager may grant an exception pertaining to the time
of day allowed and/or permitted watering day calendar for outdoor
water use if the city manager determines that a property cannot be
completely watered with an average of three-quarters of an inch of
water per week and that the property should be divided into sections
to be watered on different days.
(c)
A person may seek an exception by filing an application with
the city manager. The city manager may require the applicant to provide
information to the city manager, if necessary, to evaluate the exception
request. At a minimum, the applicant must provide the following:
(1)
Name and address of the applicant;
(2)
Purpose and location of water use;
(3)
Specific provisions of this division for which the applicant
is requesting an exception;
(4)
Detailed explanation of how the specific provisions will adversely
affect the applicant;
(5)
Time period for which the exception is sought;
(6)
Alternative measures the applicant proposes to implement in
order to meet the intent of this division; and
(7)
Any other pertinent information as required by the city manager.
(d)
If the city manager approves an exception, the applicant shall
keep a copy of the approval letter in a location on the affected property
that is accessible and visible to the public.
(e)
An approved exception or approved form of alternative compliance
shall expire on its own terms, or when any of the following occur:
(1)
A more intensive drought stage takes effect; or
(2)
When a citation is issued alleging the applicant violated this
division. Any person holding an exception or approved form of alternative
compliance may make a request for reinstatement to the city manager
within 72 hours of the issuance of a citation. All requests for reinstatement
are denied unless they are approved within three (3) business days
of receipt by the city manager's office. The city manager may
delegate the responsibility of approving reinstatements to an appropriate
department head or assistant city manager if he/she deems appropriate
to do so under the circumstances.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
(a)
Noticed new landscape authorization.
Expressed
approval from the city is not required. Rather, an applicant will
submit a new landscape installation authorization form. Upon receipt
of the completed form, the city will confirm its receipt with the
applicant. The submission will reflect compliance with new landscape
installation irrigation requirements as described below. Irrigation
of the new landscaping may then commence in accordance with the dates
as indicated by the applicant on the new landscape installation authorization.
Any modification will require submittal of a new and completed new
landscape installation authorization.
(b)
Outdoor watering schedule during yearround conservation.
New landscape installation irrigation shall comply with the
following schedule when drought stages are not in effect:
(c)
Outdoor watering schedule during drought stages.
New landscape installation irrigation shall comply with the following
schedule when drought stages are in effect:
(d)
The applicant shall post a copy of the notice in a location
on the affected property that is accessible and visible to the public.
(e)
All other aspects of this division shall remain in full effect,
including prohibitions on waste of water.
(f)
Watering shall not result in saturation to the point it causes
pooling in the yard or runoff onto impervious surfaces, adjacent property,
drainage facilities (natural or manmade), sidewalks or streets.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
(a)
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this division
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined
not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than five hundred
dollars ($500.00).
(b)
If upon the trial, the state proves that the offense relates
to public health or sanitation or there is a finding made that the
offense was committed with criminal intent, whether it be criminal
negligence, recklessness, knowingly or intentionally, the minimum
fine is $1,000.00 and the maximum fine is $2,000.00 per offense.
(c)
Each hour or portion thereof after the first hour of each day
that a violation continues to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
(d)
The city manager or their designee is authorized shall commence
any action, in law or in equity, including the filing of criminal
charges, deemed necessary to enforce this division. Civil penalties
and any other legal or equitable relief available under common law,
chapter 54 of the Texas Local Government Code or any other applicable
city, state or federal code or statute are authorized, in addition
to any criminal penalties. Under Local Government Code, chapter 54,
the city may presently pursue civil enforcement for injunctive relief
and the imposition of up to $1,000.00 per day civil penalties appropriately
imposed by the court. This statutory remedy is in addition to the
city's common law right to bring civil actions for injunctive
relief to stop harmful acts, independent of authority found in the
Texas Local Government Code. A civil penalty assessed against a utility
customer for violation of this division may be collected through the
utility billing system as part of the consolidated billing system.
(e)
It is not a defense to prosecution under any provision of the
division that the violation charged is no longer occurring or no longer
exists. A judge of the municipal court may not dismiss a complaint
or enter a finding of not guilty on the grounds that the violation
is no longer occurring or no longer exists.
(f)
Surcharges: Any person who violates the watering restriction
provisions of this division will be held strictly liable and the punishment
for such violation may include the imposition of punitive surcharges.
The city is authorized to assess one or more surcharges on the water
bill of any person presumed to have been the one who violated this
division. In the event the city determines a violation has occurred,
the person assessed the punitive surcharge by the city is prima facia
presumed to have violated this division for the purpose of assessment
of surcharges. Punitive surcharges may be assessed as follows:
(g)
Enforcement personnel may issue verbal and/or written warnings
prior to issuance of a citation.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
(a)
In addition to all peace officers, code enforcement officers, and
other persons authorized to enforce city ordinances, the city manager
is authorized to enforce this division by issuing citations to violators,
filing complaints in the municipal court, and by directing the city
attorney to file and pursue civil enforcement actions.
(b)
Citizens that witness a violation of this division are encouraged
to notify the city's code enforcement officer.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
For the purposes of this division, in any case where water has
been used on property in violation of this division, it shall be presumed
that the person in whose name a water meter connection is registered
with the city for the property committed the violation. Proof that
the particular premises had a water meter connection registered in
the name of the defendant cited in a criminal or civil complaint filed
under this division shall constitute prima facie evidence that the
defendant committed the violation.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
When a person is charged with more than three criminal violations
of this division within a 12-month period, or a person fails to timely
pay assessed penalties, the city manager or his designee may direct
the installation of a flow control device on the customer's water
line, the partial or complete termination of the customer's water
service, or both, as appropriate. Partial termination of the customer's
water service (discontinued outdoor use) may be attempted as an intermediate
step prior to complete termination, if it reasonably appears that
it will ensure compliance with this article. However, complete termination
of all water service is authorized. In the event of termination of
the customer's water service and water service is subsequently
authorized, the customer shall pay any and all fees, including a reconnection
fee.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
Whenever a corporation or association violates any provision
of this division or in a drought response order issued under this
division, the president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, manager,
or any agent or employee of the corporation or association who is
responsible for the violation shall be subject to the penalty prescribed
for the violation.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11; Ordinance 2023-04 adopted 6/20/2023)
In accordance with the guidelines of the Texas Water Development
Board (TWDB), and in order to meet requirements of the Texas Commission
on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the city has updated its water conservation
plan for adoption as a city resolution. The resolution of the city
council adopting the water conservation plan shall authorize the city
to implement, enforce, and administer the program.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11)
(a)
Population and customer data.
The city’s public
works department manages a water distribution service area covering
6 square miles with an estimated water service population of 11,530
residents as of 2018. This population amount does not include approximately
5,000 residents within the city limits that are served by other water
utility companies. The city provides drinking water to its customers
through a network of over 48 miles of transmission and distribution
mains that provide service to 4,583 water connections as of 2018.
The city is within the boundaries of the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer
Conservation District (BSEACD) and is located within both region K
and region L water planning groups administered by TWDB. The population
within the city’s water service area is anticipated to reach
20,000 by 2030 and over 30,000 by 2050. The corresponding projected
total water demands are 3,254 acre-feet per year (AF/yr) and 5,722
AF/yr respectively.
(b)
Water production and delivery system.
The city utilizes
both groundwater and surface water for its public water supply. The
city has five wells that withdraw groundwater from the Barton Springs
segment of the Edwards Aquifer. The city has an annual historical
permit from BSEACD to pump 275 million gallons. The city also receives
up to 1.5 million gallons per day of surface water provided by the
Guadalupe Blanco River Authority (GBRA) from Canyon Lake. Water is
released from Canyon Lake and diverted via pipeline at Lake Dunlap
south of New Braunfels to a surface water treatment facility in San
Marcos. After the water is treated, it is then pumped via pipeline
to the city. An interim agreement with the City of Kyle and the City
of San Marcos through the Alliance Regional Water Authority (ARWA)
is in place to provide up to 1 million gallons per day until 2023.
At this point, Buda’s share of ARWA water from the Carrizo-Wilcox
Aquifer will be delivered via pipeline from eastern Caldwell County
and the interim water will be allocated back to the City of Kyle and
the City of San Marcos. The city’s water distribution system
includes four ground storage tanks, and five elevated storage tanks,
providing a total storage capacity of 3.1 million gallons.
(c)
Wastewater collection and treatment system.
Raw wastewater
in the city travels through a network of over 70 miles of wastewater
collection lines to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. This
wastewater treatment plant with help from 14 lift stations serve an
estimated population of 16,674 people. The average daily discharge
from the plant is around 1.1 million gallons per day (MGD), with a
maximum daily wastewater treatment capacity of 1.5 MGD. Over the next
several years, the plant will be expanded to 3.5 MGD to keep pace
with the growing demand. The wastewater treatment plant produces treated
effluent that meets Type I reclaimed water quality standards for beneficial
reuse. Currently the city uses reclaimed water for landscape irrigation
along roadway medians, parks, and for the landscaping needs of several
commercial entities. A bulk reclaimed water station is also available
for customers with nonpotable water needs.
(d)
Water use data.
Table 1 below summarizes key water use
statistics for 2014–2018. Average per person usage is given
in gallons per capita per day (gpcd). Average and peak daily water
demand are given in million gallons per day (MGD). The peak day to
average day ratio varies between 1.24 and 1.90. The peak day demand
over the past 5 years occurred in 2017 when 2.391 MGD was consumed
in a single day.
|
Table 1. Municipal Water Demand 2014–2018
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year
|
2014
|
2015
|
2016
|
2017
|
2018
|
|
Peak GPCD
|
175
|
132
|
149
|
215
|
202
|
|
Total GPCD
|
138
|
106
|
98
|
112
|
108
|
|
Peak day (MGD)
|
1.64
|
1.32
|
1.63
|
2.39
|
2.33
|
|
Average day (MGD)
|
1.29
|
1.06
|
1.07
|
1.25
|
1.25
|
|
Peaking factor
|
1.28
|
1.24
|
1.52
|
1.90
|
1.86
|
|
Please see appendix A to Ordinance 2019-11 for more detailed information on the city’s utility profile.
|
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11)
The purpose of this water conservation plan is to reduce long-term
demand on limited water resources by encouraging more efficient water
use practices in the city. Its primary goals are to reduce peak seasonal
water demand and reduce the total gpcd on the water production and
delivery system. The city’s annual average water use over the
past five years is 112 gpcd. The city’s annual average water
loss over the past five years is 6.53%.
(1)
Quantified five (5) and ten (10) year water conservation targets
and goals.
(A)
Goal 1: Reduce peak seasonal daily water demand, total gpcd, and
residential gpcd.
TCEQ rules require the city to build
capacity to meet escalating peak daily demands, which during the summer
months can be twice the amount consumed during the winter months.
Reducing those peak demands will enable the city to defer new capital
expenditures for production facilities and allow for more efficient
use of available water resources. The city will implement recommended
best management practices that help reduce peak per capita demand,
and programs aimed at reducing the overall total and residential gpcd.
Table 2 outlines the targeted goal amounts over the next 5 to 10-year
period. More detailed information relating to best management practices
for reducing peak demand and overall consumption can be found in table
3.
(B)
Goal 2: Maintain water loss at or below 5% of produced water.
The goal of the city’s water loss control program is to
maintain nonrevenue water (defined as unbilled authorized plus unbilled
unauthorized usage) water at or below 6% of water produced, on an
annual basis. In order to meet this goal, the city has several programs
in place, including routine water audits, a program of leak detection
and repair, a meter testing and replacement program, and will also
implement advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) in 2019. Periodic
leak detection surveys of the distribution system will be performed.
Table 2 outlines the targeted goal amounts over the next 5 to 10-year
period. More detailed information relating to best management practices
for maintain water loss can be found in Table 3.
|
Table 2. Water Conservation Goals
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Historic 5-yr Average
|
5-yr Goal
(2023)
|
10-yr Goal
(2028)
|
|
Peak GPCD
|
174
|
210
|
200
|
|
Total GPCD
|
112
|
140
|
135
|
|
Total residential GPCD
|
73
|
73
|
72
|
|
Water loss (GPCD)
|
16
|
8
|
6
|
|
Water loss (percentage)
|
6.53
|
6
|
5
|
(2)
Time frame for achieving conservation goals.
The goals
outlined above are designed to be achieved within five to ten years
of the date of adoption of this plan. The city will annually evaluate
the plan in accordance with state and federal regulations to determine
the extent, if any, that the plan needs modification. Water use and
water loss data is tracked and monitored on a monthly basis. Annual
reports are submitted to TWDB summarizing these results and allow
the city of evaluate the effectiveness of the various programs that
have been implemented.
During the 80th Texas Legislative Session, Senate Bill 3, House
Bill 3, and House Bill 4 were all passed and involved state water
planning and conservation. TCEQ and TWDB jointly adopted these rules
requiring the submission of a water conservation plan from public
utilities that provide service to more than 3,300 connections. These
utilities must also provide annual progress reports to the TWDB, describing
how they are implementing their conservation plan. Several resource
documents have been provided by TWDB relating to best management practices
(BMPs) related to water conservation. The best management practices
that the city currently utilizes and plans to implement to meet their
water conservation goals are as follows:
|
Table 3. Best Management Practices
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
BMP Category
|
BMP
|
City Program Description
|
|
Conservation analysis and planning
|
Conservation coordinator
|
The city has a designated employee (water resource coordinator)
to oversee and coordinate conservation efforts within the city’s
water service area.
|
|
Financial
|
Water conservation pricing
|
The city uses an inclining rate structure outlined in section 24.06.038.
|
|
Plumbing assistance programs for economically disadvantaged
customers
|
The city currently works with customers through a bill payment
plan to help in certain circumstances. The city is researching additional
options for this BMP through a plumbing assistance program and a volunteer
bill rounding program where customers round their bill to the nearest
dollar and the funds go to help economically disadvantaged customers.
| |
|
System operations
|
System water audit and water loss control
|
The city tracks water data on a monthly basis. More details
are presented in other sections of this plan.
|
|
Advance metering infrastructure
|
All meters transmit hourly readings. Through a partnership with
WaterSmart Software, customers and city staff can detect leaks faster
and reduce water loss.
| |
|
Landscaping
|
Park conservation
|
City staff from multiple departments work together to coordinate
proper watering schedules to ensure the most efficient use of water.
Irrigation improvements will occur at several fields over the next
couple of years. Tracking of water use will help keep consumption
in check. Park staff regularly attend trainings on turf management
and irrigation.
|
|
Landscape irrigation conservation and incentives
|
The city has partnered with LCRA through the Texas AgriLife
WaterMyYard.org program which provides weekly irrigation recommendations
based on evapotranspiration data. The city plans to further investigate
irrigation system design and maintenance guidelines.
| |
|
Residential landscape irrigation evaluations
|
The city is investigating whether to provide this service in
house or to partner with a third-party to perform these evaluations
and/or workshops.
| |
|
Education and public awareness
|
Public information
|
The city has a robust social media presence and utilizes these
outlets for water conservation education and information. Print material
is also available to customers. The city has a dedicated webpage for
water conservation: https://www.ci.buda.tx.us/232/Water-Conservation
|
|
School education
|
The city has given presentations to schools and will continue
to look at ways of increasing the amount of presentations given to
kids. The city is also considering participating with TWDB for conservation
program material for 4th and 5th grade schoolteachers within the water
service area of the city.
| |
|
Small utility outreach and education
|
The city has partnered with WaterSmart Software to implement
a customer portal so that customers can track their hourly water usage
and receive helpful conservation tips based on their consumption patterns.
| |
|
Rebate, retrofit, and incentive programs
|
Conservation programs for industrial, commercial, and institutional
accounts
|
The city is investigating partnering with local hotels and restaurant
to ensure they have the most water efficient equipment available.
|
|
Showerhead, aerator, and toilet flapper retrofit program
|
The city has purchased aerators for distribution to customers
upon request, and as promotional items at certain events.
| |
|
Water wise landscape design and conversion programs
|
The city’s 2017 Unified Development Code prohibits turf
grass along roadway buffers and internal parking lot landscapes. Soil
improvement rebates are currently being written for implementation.
| |
|
Conservation technology
|
Rainwater harvesting and condensate reuse
|
The city has held multiple rain barrel rebate distribution events
and will continue to provide this service to customers.
|
|
Water reuse
|
The city delivers over 5 million gallons per year for landscape
irrigation of multiple city and commercial properties, along with
providing a bulk water station for nonpotable water use needs. The
city is currently looking into expansion of the reuse system to serve
more irrigation demands.
| |
|
Regulatory enforcement
|
Prohibition on wasting water
| |
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11)
(a)
The ability to meter all water distribution and consumption uses
allows the city to closely monitor actual water use, water losses,
and to prevent unauthorized use. A master meter is installed on all
city wells to account for groundwater production. A master meter is
also provided for the city’s surface water supply provided from
GBRA. All service connections in the city are metered.
(b)
Master meters at water production wells are calibrated and tested
annually in accordance with American Water Works Association (AWWA)
standards to provide a minimum accuracy of plus or minus two percent
(2%).
(c)
The city will continue to provide a preventive maintenance program
for its water meters, wherein regular scheduled testing, repairs,
and replacement are performed in accordance with American Water Works
Association (AWWA) standards. In 2019, the city is replacing all mechanical
water meters with digital water meters that have no moving parts,
a long-term warranty, and the capability to be retrofitted to Automated
Metering Infrastructure (AMI). This will result in more accurate meter
readings and the ability to provide customers with detailed water
usage data. As part of this meter replacement agreement, the city
has a contract to determine the annual weighted average accuracy of
all meters replaced following current best practices, in accordance
with International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol
and as proscribed by Federal Energy Management Program Guidelines
for a period of 15 years.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11)
The city performs monthly water system audits to track unaccounted
for water using the following monthly data: billing data (gallons
sold), treated water data (gallons pumped), number of repaired leaks
(and estimated gallons lost through leakage), and estimated gallons
used for line flushing and fire hydrant testing. The city also completes
a detailed water system audit following Texas Water Development Board
(TWDB) guidelines at least once each year. In 2019, the city will
have a leak detection survey completed on an older portion of the
water distribution system.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11)
The city investigates all reported leaks, performs periodic
visual inspections, and schedules leak detection surveys of the water
distribution lines. Reports are prepared and incorporated into the
annual system audits. Work orders are generated and prioritized by
this program. The city’s implementation of AMI will allow for
customer notification of potential leaks within hours of a leak being
detected by the meter. Notification through WaterSmart’s customer
portal will be sent via email or text depending on customer preference.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11)
The city utilizes an inclining water rate structure to encourage customers to reduce both peak and overall water usage, while allocating cost of service to each customer class. Under an inclining rate structure, the rate per thousand gallons increases as the amount of water used increases. The rate structure in place as of the date of this conservation plan charges monthly service charges based on meter size, plus a uniform rate per thousand (1000) gallons up to 6,000 gallons for customers inside and outside the city limits. After 6,000 gallons, the rate per thousand increases slightly per thousand gallons for each separate usage block up to 12,000 gallons and continues to increase per block in price up to 40,000 gallons as detailed in appendix A fee schedule.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11)
The city’s public education program makes thousands of
direct and indirect contacts every year through presentations to various
groups, community events, utility bill inserts, newspaper articles,
social media posts, and via the city’s website. Water conservation
material is provided to new customers, and existing customers upon
request. The city has offered a discount program for rain barrels
and plans to expand the rebate program to include other indoor and
outdoor residential aspects. The city has partnered with the Lower
Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to upgrade existing weather instrumentation
located in Buda to provide area residents with a weekly recommendation
on outdoor irrigation amounts based on actual scientific instrumentation
via the website WaterMyYard.org. Customers will also receive conservation
tips and education via the WaterSmart customer portal. The city has
entered into an agreement with WaterSmart to allow customers to view
their hourly water consumption data, and receive customized educational
tips and recommendations based on their water use habits.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11)
The city will, as part of contracts for sale of water to any
other entity re-selling water, require that entity to adopt applicable
provisions of the city’s water conservation and drought contingency
plan or have a plan in effect previously adopted and meeting the basic
requirements of 30 TAC §288. These provisions will be through
a contractual agreement prior to the sale of any water to the water
re-seller.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11)
This section provides information on recommended best management
practices developed by the water conservation advisory council and
adopted by the city as a means of achieving specified water conservation
goals.
(1)
Conservation coordinator.
This function is fulfilled
through the water resource coordinator position. A conservation coordinator
is an individual designated to be responsible for preparation and
implementation of the utility’s water conservation and drought
contingency plans, preparation and submittal of annual conservation
status reports, promotion of water conservation programs, and other
duties necessary to carry out implementation of the utility’s
conservation program.
(2)
Landscape irrigation conservation and incentives.
The
city provides information to residential and nonresidential customers
regarding the methods and benefits of water conserving landscaping
practices and devices, through public education to homeowners, business
owners, landscape architects and designers, and irrigation professionals.
The use of Xeriscape and “water wise” landscaping techniques,
including drought tolerant plants and grasses is encouraged for landscaping
new homes and commercial areas. The city’s 2017 Unified Development
Code prohibits the use of turf grass for both perimeter and internal
landscaping of parking lot areas, and multi-family residential. A
landscape plan prepared by a landscape architect is required for all
applicable developments. An automatic irrigation system with a rain
and freeze sensors is required for all landscaping. The city is also
partnering with the LCRA and Texas A&M Agri-Life to implement
innovative methods to promote landscape water conservation. Customers
will be able to access specific weather information from a website
(WaterMyYard.org) that will provide specific landscape watering recommendations
based on weather conditions for the city. The system sends weekly
subscription-based email or text updates for watering recommendations
to customers who sign up for the service. Weather-based landscape
watering recommendations have shown great success with water conservation
in other parts of the state and it is believed this new and innovative
program will result in significant savings for the city as well.
(3)
Plumbing code.
The city has adopted the 2015 International
Plumbing Code, which requires water saving, ultra low flow (ULF) fixtures
to be installed in new construction and in the replacement of plumbing
in existing structures. The city educates residents, plumbers, and
contractors on the benefits of retrofitting existing facilities with
water saving devices through its public education program.
(4)
Rainwater harvesting.
(A)
Rainwater harvesting is an effective method of reducing potable water
usage while maintaining healthy landscapes and avoiding problems due
to excessive run-off. Rainwater harvesting is the practice collecting
and storing rainwater close to its source and using it for nearby
needs. This can be done through a rain barrel, cistern (larger container),
or a rain garden.
(B)
In 2016 the city began providing customers with education on the
proper installation and use of rainwater harvesting systems, along
with a modest rebate for rainwater collection barrels. To date rebates
have been issued for over 100 barrels.
(5)
Water reuse.
The city has received authorization from
the TCEQ to reuse its treated wastewater effluent as type I reuse
water, the highest quality of reuse water. The goal for the city’s
water reuse program is to reduce peak demand on the potable (drinking)
water system by switching nonpotable uses of water, such as irrigation,
to reuse water. The city provides over 5 million gallons annually
to irrigate multiple city, commercial, and multi-family landscapes.
In 2019, The city will implement a reclaimed water master plan in
order to allow for expansion of the existing system to cover additional
municipal and commercial landscape irrigation interests near existing
lines.
(6)
Prohibition on wasting water.
The city’s drought
contingency plan (division 1 of this article) was approved in 2018
and will be amended in 2019 to adjust outdoor watering schedules to
better promote water reduction targets. This includes the following
prohibitions on water waste, which apply yearround:
(A)
Operating automatic in-ground or hose-end sprinkler systems between
the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
(B)
Allowing water to run off a property or allowing water to pond in
the street or parking lot.
(C)
Operating an irrigation system with sprinkler heads that are broken
or out of adjustment.
(D)
Failure to repair a controllable leak(s) within a reasonable period
after having been given notice directing the repair of such leak(s).
(E)
Operating fountains or ponds without a recirculation device
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11)
In order to track the effectiveness of the Water Conservation
Plan, the city compiles and submits an annual report on its Water
Conservation Plan to TWDB, which includes the following performance
metrics:
(1)
Summary of public information issued in the previous year.
(2)
Report on meter testing program.
(3)
Summary of water loss control program.
(4)
Peak water demand and overall water consumption.
(5)
Per capita water usage for the previous calendar year.
(6)
Evaluation of the plan and progress toward meeting stated goals.
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11)
The city manager or his/her designee will act as administrator
of this water conservation plan. The administrator shall oversee execution
and implementation of all elements of this plan and is responsible
for overseeing adequate record-keeping for program documentation.
As a means of implementing and enforcing this plan, all plan elements
discussed in this document were adopted by city council resolution
(see appendix C to Ordinance 2019-11).
(Ordinance 110802-1 adopted 8/2/11)
This water conservation plan shall work in accordance with the
related city ordinance, drought contingency and water emergency plan,
last revised in March 2018 and as it may be revised or amended from
time to time. The city will provide a copy of this water conservation
plan to the Lower Colorado River (region K) Water Planning Group,
and also the South-Central Texas (Region L) Water Planning Group,
as designated by the TWDB (see appendix D to Ordinance 2019-11). The
city will also provide a copy of this Plan to the Barton Springs Edwards
Aquifer Conservation District (see appendix E to Ordinance 2019-11).
(Ordinance 2019-11 adopted 6/18/19)
