The purpose of this article is to prohibit an increase in the use of the City's water supply, to eliminate all nonessential water usage, and to provide for an allocation of existing water resources to ensure a sufficient water supply for human consumption, sanitation and fire protection, in the event of a water shortage. This article shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purpose. A five to 10 percent shortage will be advisory only. Definitions, penalties and drought reduction strategies will be adopted by resolution of the Council.
(Ord. 336 § 2, 1978; Ord. 464 §§ 2, 3, 1991)
When it appears that the City may be unable to supply the normal demands and requirements of water customers, the Council may, by resolution, declare a water emergency. The resolution shall specify the stage of emergency existing as defined in this Article VII and shall place into effect the appropriate provisions of this article.
(Ord. 336 § 2, 1978; Ord. 464 §§ 2, 3, 1991)
Whenever the Council, by resolution, declares that a Stage I water emergency exists, the Mayor shall issue a proclamation urging citizens to institute such water conservation measures on a voluntary basis as may be required to reduce water demand to coincide with available supply. The City Clerk shall publish such proclamation at least once a week for four weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the City for the purpose of giving notice to the City's water customers.
(Ord. 464 § 3, 1991)
If it is found that the Stage I program does not achieve the required water use reduction, the Council, by resolution, may declare that a Stage II water shortage exists. The Stage II program shall be on an economic basis. The percentage of the water reduction shall be applied to the quantity value of the City's water rate structure. The rate rationing schedule shall be adopted from time to time by Council resolution.
(Ord. 464 § 3, 1991)
If it is found that the Stage II program does not achieve the required water use reduction, the Council, by resolution, may declare that a Stage III water shortage exists. The Stage III program shall be on an economic basis. The percentage of the water reduction shall be applied to the quantity value of the City's water rate structure with the actual percentage to be determined by the Director of Public Works.
(Ord. 464 § 3, 1991)
Water may be shut off by the Department with appropriate notice whenever there has been a willful failure to comply with the provisions of this Article VII, any other provisions of this code to the contrary notwithstanding. Charges for reconnection or restoration of service which has been terminated pursuant to this section shall be at the rates and on the condition set by resolution of the Council for a new water service connection.
(Ord. 464 § 3, 1991)
A. 
The City will exercise reasonable diligence to provide continuous and adequate water service to consumers and to avoid any shortage or interruption of delivery of water, but cannot guarantee complete freedom from interruption.
B. 
The City shall have the right to suspend water service temporarily to make necessary repairs or improvements to the water system.
C. 
In each case of temporary suspension of service, the City will notify the consumers affected if circumstances permit and will prosecute the work required to be made by the water system with due diligence and with the least possible inconvenience to consumers.
During any period of threatened or actual water shortage, the City shall have the right to apportion its available water supply among consumers in such manner as appears most equitable under the circumstances then prevailing and with due regard to public health and safety.
The City shall not be liable for interruption, shortage or insufficiency of water supply or water pressure or any loss or damage occasioned thereby, including but not limited to use by any customer of any mechanical device or any plumbing or water fixtures beyond the meter.