(a) 
Water supply has always been a key issue in the development of the state. In recent years, the growing population and economic development of North Central Texas has led to increasing demands for water supplies. 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. It is therefore important that the city and its customers make the most efficient use of existing supplies. 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 water conservation plans for public water suppliers. TCEQ guidelines and requirements are included in appendix B to Ordinance 1499. The city has developed this water conservation plan following TCEQ guidelines and requirements. The water conservation plan includes measures that are intended to result in ongoing, long-term water savings. The objectives of this water conservation plan are as follows:
(1) 
To reduce water consumption from the levels that would prevail without conservation efforts.
(2) 
To reduce the loss and waste of water.
(3) 
To improve efficiency in the use of water.
(4) 
To document the level of recycling and reuse in the water supply.
(5) 
To extend the life of current water supplies by reducing the rate of growth in demand.
(c) 
This plan includes all of the elements required by TCEQ. This plan also is intended to include requirements of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for financial assistance programs of greater than $500,000.00 offered by the TWDB.
(Ordinance 1499 adopted 7/1/2024)
(a) 
Conservation plans.
The TCEQ rules governing development of water conservation plans for public water suppliers are contained in title 30, part 1, chapter 288, subchapter A, rule 288.2 of the Texas Administrative Code, which is included in appendix B to Ordinance 1499. For the purpose of these rules, a water conservation plan is defined as: "A strategy or combination of strategies for reducing the volume of water withdrawn from a water supply source, for reducing the loss or waste of water, for maintaining or improving the efficiency in the use of water, for increasing the recycling and reuse of water, and for preventing the pollution of water." The elements in the TCEQ water conservation rules covered in this conservation plan are listed below.
(b) 
Minimum conservation plan requirements.
The minimum requirements in the Texas Administrative Code for water conservation plans for public water suppliers are covered in this report as follows:
(1) 
§ 288.2(a)(1)(A) - Utility profile - Section 13.1333 and appendix C to Ordinance 1499.
(2) 
§ 288.2(a)(1)(B) - Records management system - Section 13.1335(3).
(3) 
§ 288.2(a)(1)(C) - Specific, quantified targets and goals for water savings - Section 13.1334.
(4) 
§ 288.2(a)(1)(D) - Accurate metering - Sections 13.1335(1) and (2).
(5) 
§ 288.2(a)(1)(E) - Universal metering - Section 13.1335(2).
(6) 
§ 288.2(a)(1)(F) - Determination and control of water loss - Section 13.1335(4).
(7) 
§ 288.2(a)(1)(G) - Public education and information program - Section 13.1336.
(8) 
§ 288.2(a)(1)(H) - Nonpromotional water rate structure - Section 13.1337.
(9) 
§ 288.2(a)(1)(J) - Means of implementing and enforcement - Section 13.1339.
(10) 
§ 288.2(a)(1)(K) - Coordination with Regional Water Planning Group - Section 13.1338(d) and appendix G to Ordinance 1499.
(11) 
§ 288.2(c) - Review and update of the plan - Section 13.1340.
(c) 
Conservation additional requirements.
(1) 
§ 288.2(a)(2)(A) - Leak detection, repair, and water loss accounting - Sections 13.1335(4) and (5).
(2) 
§ 288.2(a)(2)(B) - Requirement for water conservation plans by wholesale customers - Section 13.1338(c).
(d) 
Additional conservation strategies.
The TWDB requires a water conservation program annual report. This report is included in appendix D to Ordinance 1499. TCEQ rules also include optional, but not required, conservation strategies, which may be adopted by suppliers. The city has adopted the following optional strategies:
(1) 
§ 288.2(a)(3)(A) - Conservation oriented water rates - Section 13.1337.
(2) 
§ 288.2(a)(3)(B) - Ordinances, plumbing codes or rules on water-conserving fixtures - Section 13.1338(a).
(3) 
§ 288.2(a)(3)(G) - Monitoring method - Section 13.1335(6).
(Ordinance 1499 adopted 7/1/2024)
Appendix C to Ordinance 1499, of this water conservation plan is a water utility profile based on the format recommended by the TWDB.
(Ordinance 1499 adopted 7/1/2024)
TCEQ rules require the adoption of specific water conservation targets and goals for a water conservation plan. The targets and goals for this water conservation plan include the following:
Table 1.
Water Conservation Plan 5- and 10-yr Goals for Water Savings
Facility Name: City of Pottsboro
Water Conservation Plan Year: 2024
Historic 5 yr Average
Baseline
5-yr Goal for year 2029
10-yr Goal for year 2034
Total GPCD1
123
123
122
119
Residential GPCD2
68
68
65
60
Water loss (GPCD)3
21
21
20
18
Water loss (percentage)4
17%
17%
16%
15%
1.
Total GPCD = (Total Gallons in System + Permanent Population) + 365
2.
Residential GPCD = (Gallons Used for Residential Use + Residential Population) + 365
3.
Water Loss GPCD = (Total Water Loss + Permanent Population) + 365
4.
Water Loss Percentage = (Total Water Loss + Total Gallons in System) x 100, or (Water Loss GPCD + Total GPCD) x 100
Note: Water loss data skewed due to inaccurate water loss records. City has implemented operational procedures to address accurate water loss records.
(1) 
Implement and maintain a program of universal metering and meter replacement and repair, as discussed in Section 13.1335(2).
(2) 
Increase efficient water usage as discussed in Section 13.1338.
(3) 
Raise public awareness of water conservation and encourage responsible public behavior by a public education and information program, as discussed in Section 13.1336.
(4) 
Develop a system specific strategy to conserve water during peak demands, thereby reducing the peak use.
(5) 
Maintain meter replacement program. See Section 13.1335(2).
(Ordinance 1499 adopted 7/1/2024)
One of the key elements of water conservation is tracking water use and controlling losses through illegal diversions and leaks. The city carefully meters water use, to detect and repair leaks in the distribution system and provide regular monitoring of water loss.
(1) 
Accurate metering.
The city meters all treated water deliveries to the distribution system from the water treatment plant master meter. Each meter has an accuracy of plus or minus ten percent. The meters are replaced when reaching 1 million gallons usage or discrepancies when reading meters on a monthly basis.
(2) 
Metering of customer and public uses and meter testing, repair and replacement.
Water usage for all customers of the city, including public and government users, is metered. All meters less than 2" have radios. Meters greater than 2" are manually read. Currently the city replaces approximately 50 meters per year.
(3) 
Record management system.
A record management system which allows for classification of water sales and uses into the most detailed level of water use data currently available shall be utilized, as required by TAC, title 30, part 1, chapter 288, subchapter A, rule 288.2(a)(1)(B). This information will be included in an annual report, as described in Section 13.1335(6).
(4) 
Determination and control of water loss.
(A) 
Water loss is the difference between water delivered to customers from they city and metered water sales to customers plus authorized but unmetered uses. (Authorized but unmetered uses include use for firefighting, releases for flushing of lines, uses associated with new construction, etc.) Water loss can include several categories:
(i) 
Inaccuracies in customer meters (customer meters tend to run more slowly as they age and under-report actual use).
(ii) 
Accounts that are being used but have not yet been added to the billing system.
(iii) 
Losses due to illegal connections and theft (included in appendix E to Ordinance 1499).
(iv) 
Other.
(B) 
Measures to control water loss are part of the routine operations of the city and its customers. Maintenance crews and personnel look for and report evidence of leaks in the water distribution system with periodic visual inspections along distribution lines. A leak detection and repair program is described in Section 13.1335(5) below. City staff watches for and report signs of illegal connections, so they can be quickly addressed. The annual conservation report described below is the primary tool that shall be used to monitor water loss.
(5) 
Leak detection and repair.
(A) 
As described above, city/utility crews and personnel look for and report evidence of leaks in the water distribution system. Areas of the water distribution system in which numerous leaks and line breaks occur are targeted for replacement as funds are available.
(B) 
City utility staff adheres to the following steps for leak detection in the city's distribution system:
(i) 
City staff is cognizant of the need for visual inspections of water lines and detecting leaks in the city's distribution system on an on-going basis. Areas with a history of excessive leak and break rates are noted and leaks and breaks repaired as the city's annual budget will allow.
(ii) 
Leak repair report forms are prepared and kept for reference.
(iii) 
Hydrants and valves in the distribution system are inspected on a yearly basis.
(iv) 
City staff inspects pipes, cleaning, lining and adheres to other maintenance efforts to improve the distribution system and prevent leaks and ruptures from occurring.
(v) 
City conducts meter testing and repair/replacement as necessary.
(vi) 
Meters are inspected on a monthly basis for leak detection.
(6) 
Monitoring of effectiveness and efficiency - annual water conservation report.
Appendix D to Ordinance 1499 includes the TWDB-required water conservation program annual report, which shall be filed annually with the TWDB. The Texas Water Code requires that each entity that is required to submit a water conservation plan to the TWDB or the TCEQ shall file an annual report to the TWDB on the entity's progress in implementing each of the minimum requirements in their water conservation plan. This requirement applies to those entities receiving financial assistance of $500,000.00 or more from the TWDB; entities with 3,300 connections or more; and those entities that have a water right through TCEQ. Entities receiving financial assistance from the TWDB are to maintain an approved water conservation plan in effect until all financial obligations to the state have been discharged and file a report with the TWDB on the progress in implementing each of the minimum requirements in its water conservation plan and the status of any of its customers' water conservation plans required by contract, within one year after closing on the financial assistance and annually thereafter until all financial obligations to the state have been discharged.
(Ordinance 1499 adopted 7/1/2024)
The continuing public education and information campaign on water conservation includes the following elements:
(1) 
Encourage local media coverage of water conservation issues and the importance of water conservation.
(2) 
Promote the Texas Smartscape website (www.txsmartscape.com) and provide water conservation brochures and other water conservation materials available to the public at city hall and other public places.
(3) 
Make information on water conservation available online on the city website, including links to the Texas Smartscape website and to information on water conservation on the TWDB and TCEQ websites and other resources.
(4) 
Provide Major Rivers Program for 4th grade school curriculum in Pottsboro ISD.
(5) 
City will consider offering conservation presentations to local schools, when requested, if staff is available.
(Ordinance 1499 adopted 7/1/2024)
With the intent of encouraging water conservation and discouraging waste and excessive use of water, the city has adopted a nonpromotional water rate structure designed so the price of water increases with increasing water use.
Table 2
Volume Unit Charges
Water User
Type/Volume
(gallons)
Volume Unit Charge
(1,000 gallons)
Base rate
0—1000
$44.81
1,001—2,000
$2.53
2,001—5,000
$5.82
5,001—10,000
$6.56
10,001—20,000
$6.94
20,001—50,000
$7.31
50,001—100,000
$7.68
100,001—and above
$8.03
*An ordinance is adopted for new rates. This is the prior rate structure which will remain in effect until such time as the new ordinance goes into effect or is repealed.
(Ordinance 1499 adopted 7/1/2024)
(a) 
Ordinances, plumbing codes, or rules on water-conserving fixtures.
The state has required water-conserving fixtures in new construction and renovations since 1992. The state standards call for flows of no more than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) for faucets, 2.5 gpm for showerheads, and 1.6 gallons per flush for toilets. Similar standards are now required nationally under federal law. These state and federal standards assure that all new construction and renovations in the city will use water-conserving fixtures.
(b) 
Additional water conservation measures.
The following water conservation measure is also included in the plan:
(1) 
Water audits.
(2) 
The city currently conducts water audits as required by the TWDB.
(c) 
Requirement for water conservation plans by wholesale customers.
The city provides water to wholesale water customers. Every contract for the wholesale of water by customers that is entered into, renewed, or extended after the adoption of this water conservation plan will include a requirement that the wholesale customer and any wholesale customers of that wholesale customer develop and implement a water conservation plan meeting the requirements of title 30, part 1, chapter 288, subchapter A, rule 288.2 of the Texas Administrative Code. The requirement will also extend to each successive wholesale customer in the resale of water.
(d) 
Coordination with regional water planning group.
Appendix G to Ordinance 1499 includes a letter to the chair of the Region C Water Planning Group transmitting this water conservation plan. The adopted ordinance and the adopted water utility profile will be sent to the chair of the Region C Water Planning Group, with a copy of the water conservation plan.
(e) 
Conservation coordinator.
The designation of a conservation coordinator is required by House Bill 1648, effective September 1, 2017, for all retail public water utilities with 3,300 service connections or more. The NTMWD requires that all member cities and customers, regardless of number of connections, appoint a conservation coordinator who will serve as the primary point of contact between the entity and the district on conservation matters.
(Ordinance 1499 adopted 7/1/2024)
Appendix F to Ordinance 1499 contains a copy of the ordinance adopted by the city council regarding the water conservation plan.
(1) 
Schedule for implementing the plan to achieve targets and goals.
Following is a schedule, to achieve the targets and goals for water conservation:
(A) 
Meters.
Meter replacement program:
(i) 
Meters will continue to be monitored for accuracy annually and replaced on a fifteen-year cycle, or when accuracy cannot be maintained within ±10%. Also see Section 13.1335(2).
(B) 
Water Audits.
(i) 
Real water losses are identified and corrected.
(ii) 
Real water losses are minimized by replacement of deteriorating water mains and appurtenances, conducted on an on-going basis.
(C) 
Water Conserving Pricing.
Rates shall continue to be reviewed annually to ensure water revenues exceed expenses and replacement costs and to discourage excessive and wasteful use.
(D) 
Leak Detection Program to Reduce Real Water Losses.
(i) 
Pressure controlled to just above the standard-of-service level by use of pressure zones.
(ii) 
Pressure zones operated based on the topography.
(iii) 
Surges in pressure limited by coordination with fire department.
(iv) 
Nighttime pressure reduced by pressure regulation when feasible.
(2) 
Tracking of targets and goals.
City staff shall track targets and goals by utilizing the following procedures:
(A) 
Records shall be maintained for meter calibration, meter testing, and meter replacement programs.
(B) 
Water audits shall be documented and kept in the files.
(C) 
City staff shall keep a record of the number of mail-outs distributed semi-annually.
(D) 
Records shall be maintained for the leak detection program, including but not limited to the following:
(i) 
Annual inspections of all water main fittings and connections.
(ii) 
Annual intermittent night-flow measurements.
(Ordinance 1499 adopted 7/1/2024)