(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 Texas 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.
(Ordinance 2912 adopted 7/22/19; Ordinance 3138 adopted 5/13/2024)
(a) 
This drought contingency plan is consistent with Texas 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:
288.20(a)(1)(A) - Provisions to inform the public and provide opportunity for public input
Section 13.10.083
288.20(a)(1)(B) - Provisions for continuing public education and information
Section 13.10.084
288.20(a)(1)(C) - Coordination with regional water planning group
Section 13.10.089
288.20(a)(1)(D) - Criteria for initiation and termination of drought stages
Section 13.10.085
Section 11.039, TWC - Initiation of drought response stages
288.20(a)(1)(E) - Drought and emergency response stages
Section 13.10.086
288.20(a)(1)(F) - Specific, quantified targets for water use reductions
Section 13.10.086
288.20(a)(1)(G) - Water supply and demand management measures for each stage
Section 13.10.086
288.20(a)(1)(H) - Procedures for initiation and termination of drought stages
Section 13.10.086
288.20(a)(1)(I) - Procedures for granting variances
Section 13.10.087
288.20(a)(1)(J) - Procedures for enforcement of mandatory restrictions
Section 13.10.088
288.20(a)(3) - Consultation with wholesale supplier (City of Katy not applicable)
288.20(b) - Notification of implementation of mandatory measures
Section 13.10.085
288.20(c) - Review and update of plan
Section 13.10.090
(Ordinance 2912 adopted 7/22/19; Ordinance 3138 adopted 5/13/2024)
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; Ordinance 3138 adopted 5/13/2024)
(a) 
The city will inform and educate the public about its drought contingency plan by the following means:
(1) 
Making the plan available to the public through the city's website at www.cityofkaty.com.
(2) 
Notifying local organizations, schools, and civic groups that city staff members are available to make presentations on the drought contingency plan.
(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; Ordinance 3138 adopted 5/13/2024)
(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; Ordinance 3138 adopted 5/13/2024)
(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 conditions for stage 1.
(i) 
When total daily water demand equals or exceeds 70% of total water well pumpage capacity 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.
(B) 
Termination conditions for stage 1.
Stage 1 can be terminated when the circumstances that caused the initiation of stage 1 no longer prevail.
(C) 
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 conditions for stage 2.
(i) 
When total daily water demand equals or exceeds 80% of total water well pumpage capacity 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.
(B) 
Termination conditions for stage 2.
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.
(C) 
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. 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.
(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.
(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.
(D) 
Requires notification to TCEQ.
(i) 
Initiate mandatory water use restrictions as follows:
a. 
Limit landscape watering at each service address to three 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. for each customer type 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.)
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.)
Customer Type:
Allowed Landscape Watering Days:
Residential Users
Monday, Wednesday, Sunday
Commercial, Schools, Governmental, HOA, Greenspace, Right-of-Way
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
(3) 
Stage 3, severe.
(A) 
Triggering conditions for stage 3.
(i) 
When total daily water demand equals or exceeds 85% of total water well pumpage capacity 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 delivery water due to the failure or damage of major water system components; or
(v) 
Water demand is approaching the limit of the permitted supply.
(B) 
Termination conditions for stage 3.
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.
(C) 
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.
(i) 
Continue or initiate any actions available under stage 1 and 2.
(ii) 
Implement viable alternative water supply strategies.
(iii) 
Discontinue city government water use for landscape irrigation, except as needed to prevent foundation damage and preserve new plantings.
(D) 
Requires notification to TCEQ.
(i) 
Initiate mandatory water use restrictions as follows:
a. 
Prohibit hosing of paved areas, buildings, windows, and any hard-surfaced areas.
b. 
Prohibit operation of ornamental fountains.
c. 
Prohibit washing or rinsing of vehicles by hose.
d. 
Prohibit using water in such a manner as to allow runoff or other waste.
e. 
Prohibit operation of splash pads.
(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.
(v) 
Halt the issuance of permits for new swimming pools, splash pads, spas, and fountains except for the following provision: A permit for a residential swimming pool or spa may be issued by the city if the permittee provides a signed agreement stating that the water used to fill the pool will not be city potable water, if the city is in either stage 3 or higher of the drought contingency plan at the time of filling of the pool.
Table 13.10B
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.)
Customer Type:
Allowed Landscape Watering Days:
Residential Users
Wednesday and Sunday
Commercial, Schools, Governmental, HOA, Greenspace, Right-of-Way
Tuesday and Saturday
(4) 
Stage 4, emergency.
(A) 
Triggering conditions for stage 4.
(i) 
When total daily water demand equals or exceeds 90% of total water well pumpage capacity 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.
(B) 
Termination conditions for stage 4
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.
(C) 
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.
(i) 
Continue or initiate any actions available under stages 1, 2 and 3.
(ii) 
Implement viable alternative water supply strategies.
(D) 
Requires notification to TCEQ.
(i) 
Prohibit washing of vehicles except as necessary for health, sanitation or safety reasons, except for vehicle washing done on the immediate premises of a commercial carwash or commercial service station. This exception is allowed only for commercial vehicle wash facilities. Commercial vehicle wash facility means a permanently-located business that washes vehicles or other mobile equipment with water or water-based products, including but not limited to self-service carwashes, full service carwashes, roll-over/in-bay style carwashes, and facilities managing vehicle fleets or vehicle inventory.
(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.)
Customer Type:
Allowed Landscape Watering Days:
Residential Users
Sunday
Commercial, Schools, Governmental, HOA, Greenspace, Right-of-Way
Tuesday
(Ordinance 2912 adopted 7/22/19; Ordinance 3051 adopted 7/28/2022; Ordinance 3138 adopted 5/13/2024)
(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, denied, and/or revoked 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; Ordinance 3138 adopted 5/13/2024)
Mandatory water use restrictions may be imposed in stage 2, stage 3 and stage 4 drought stages. These mandatory waters use restrictions will be enforced by warnings and penalties as follows:
(1) 
Stage 2 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 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.
(3) 
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; Ordinance 3138 adopted 5/13/2024)
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; Ordinance 3138 adopted 5/13/2024)
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; Ordinance 3138 adopted 5/13/2024)