Conservation Program Details
Town Of Erie Water Conservation Program
Including:
Enforcement Response Plan, Policies, and Procedures
Table of Contents
Introduction
Promulgation of Water Conservation Program
Implementation of Water Conservation Program
Trigger conditions used to determine mandatory water conservation
Dissemination of information to our customers
Waste of Water
Schools, Parks and HOAs
Enforcement
Penalties
Appeal process
Planning for the Future
Action Levels
Table 1
Table 2 & 3
Introduction
It is the Town of Erie’s goal to actively manage the water situation, to provide our customers with high quality water and excellent service, to advise the Board of Trustees when conditions warrant, and to be stewards for water-wise practices.
Cambridge Dictionary
drought (noun): a long period when there is little or no rain. This year (a) severe drought has ruined the crops.
Drought is a condition that affects every aspect of the Town’s water operations. Drought is a condition that affects some of our water rights in terms of development (Will nature produce water and how much?), delivery (Can it be delivered to us?), and demand (Dry conditions generate additional water demand). Drought is a condition that affects us all. As stewards of wise-water use and conservation practices, we ask all Erie water customers to be mindful of their civic role to conserve water during a drought.
Promulgation of Water Conservation Program
The Water Conservation Program is incorporated via the Water Ordinance (Ordinance No. 808).
The Water Conservation Program is accepted by the Board of Trustees via Ordinance No. 810.
Mandatory water conservation will be enacted by the Board of Trustees and conducted by the Town Administrator via Resolution; otherwise water conservation is voluntary. The Resolution will mandate water conservation for a specific term.
Through the Resolution, the Town Administrator declares the mandated action level.
The Water Ordinance and Resolution enacting mandatory water conservation shall over-ride homeowner association rules, covenants, regulations, and policies.
Well water and other water not delivered by the Town’s water system will not be regulated by this Water Conservation Program.
Implementation of Water Conservation Program
The Town has intentionally developed a diverse water portfolio in order to provide enough flexibility to meet customer demands under most conditions. We continually monitor and adjust water rights, leases, and deliveries to meet the anticipated demands. Moreover, we continually monitor and adjust our operations and procedures to manage the demands.
When certain “trigger” conditions are reached, we will react in kind to implement planned, water reduction actions (water conservation action levels).
Trigger Condition for Action Levels
1. Current Water Supply
Water carryover (unused in one water year and carried over to the next water year) is essential for proper water planning.
2. Area-wide Assessment
The Town wishes to be a responsible partner with the surrounding communities to be an active steward of wise water use and conservation. The Town is mindful of its civic role to conserve water to create the best possibility for all citizens to endure drought conditions in the best circumstances.
3. Raw Water Storage Status
Available raw water stored in Town of Erie reservoirs.
4. Potable Water Demand
Projected water demands and affect of weather conditions on those demands.
5. Potable Water Production
Monitor water treatment capability and output. Ensure high water quality.
6. Potable Water Storage Status
Available potable stored in Town of Erie storage tanks and distribution lines.
Trigger conditions will be determined by Town staff based on water carryover, water portfolio, raw water storage, water demand, water production, and weather conditions. The trigger conditions are also based on experience and system configuration. These conditions may change annually or even more frequently. Staff will evaluate these factors and advise the Town Administrator who may declare a mandatory water conservation action level (Table 1). Staff will report to the Board of Trustees the standards that were used for moving from one Action Level to another.
Dissemination of Information to our Customers
• News media and press releases.
• Erie Government Television (Channel 16).
• Informational inserts in water bills.
• Posting on the Town’s website.
• Neighborhood Watch.
• Established Water Conservation Hotline.
• Public address systems in police vehicles. (Level III and emergencies)
• Reverse 911 calls for water emergency. (Level III and emergencies)
Waste of Water
Waste of water is prohibited as defined and provided in the Water Ordinance.
Schools, Parks, and HOA's
Schools, Parks, HOAs, and other public units with large areas of property, are eligible for administrative review to qualify for schedule adjustments.
Enforcement
Enforcement of mandated water conservation action levels would be conducted through the Town of Erie Police Department Code Enforcement Division.
Penalties
The Board of Trustees may elect to make the voluntary Water Conservation Program and subsequent action level(s) mandatory if conditions warrant. If the program becomes mandatory, violations of the provisions of the Water Conservation Program shall be subject to the following penalties:
1. For a first violation a written notice will be issued.
2. For a second violation within a twelve (12) month period, the owner/occupant will be notified in writing of the violation and a $100 charge will be added to the water bill for the service address; due, payable, and collectable pursuant to the provisions of this Water Conservation Program.
3. For a third violation within a twelve (12) month period at the same service address, the owner/occupant will be notified in writing of the violation and a $200 charge will be added to the water bill for the service address; due, payable, and collectable pursuant to the provisions of this Water Conservation Program.
4. For a fourth or subsequent violation within a twelve (12) month period at the same service address, the owner/occupant will be notified in writing of the violation and a $400 charge will be added to the water bill for the service address; due, payable, and collectable pursuant to the provisions of this Water Conservation Program. In addition, a flow restrictor will be installed at the meter by the Town for the remainder of the mandatory water conservation period. Tampering with an installed flow restrictor will be subject to suspension of water service to the premises and prosecution in municipal court pursuant to the Water Ordinance.
| Infraction | Penalty |
| 1st Violation | Written Warning |
| 2nd Violation | $100 charge |
| 3rd Violation | $200 charge |
| 4th and Subsequent Violations | $400 charge/flow restrictor installed thru the end of mandatory water conservation period* |
* If you have an indoor meter, you have 5 days to set arrangements to install flow restrictor. Any surcharge or fine as provided herin shall be in addition to any other penalties or violations as permitted pursuant to the Water Ordinance.
Appeal Process
If the owner/occupant at the service address decides to contest the penalty(ies), then he/she may, within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of the water bill upon which the charge appears, request that a citation be issued and that the issue be decided in municipal court. Failure to make such a request shall constitute a waiver of any right to appeal the notice of violation or the penalty assessed therefore.
Planning for the Future
• Continued efforts to develop water conservation education.
• Continued raw water planning and operations (rights, leases, delivery, storage, etc.).
• Continued potable water planning and operations (treatment, distribution, storage, etc.).
• Appropriate review of water rates; restructure to encourage water conservation.
• Model landscape code to incorporate water conserving landscaping and plant materials.
• Monitor water billings to identify large water users and help them develop water conservation plans.
• Assist developments/subdivisions in acquiring raw water sources for use in construction/irrigation activities.
