Title
Approving an ordinance on second reading with the caption reading: An ordinance of the City of Pflugerville, Texas, amending and updating Chapter 53 of the City code of ordinances regarding the City’s Drought Contingency Plan by amending and updating the public notification policy, and authorizing drip irrigation provisions under stage 2 restrictions; providing that this ordinance shall be cumulative; repealing all ordinances to the extent they are in conflict; providing for severability; providing for a penalty for a violation of Chapter 53, as a class C misdemeanor and fine in an amount not exceed $2,000.00; and providing an effective date.
Summary
The Drought Contingency Plan must be updated at a minimum of every five years per Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and LCRA requirements and the Texas Administration Code. With the update of the Drought Contingency Plan, City staff recommends modifying the public notification policy and authorizing drip irrigation provisions under Stage 2 water restrictions.
The plan notification policy currently states that the City shall notify the public of the initiation or termination of drought response stages will be by means of notice mailed to the service address of each water customer no later than the billing date prior to the change taking effect. City staff recommends amending the notification policy to notify residents by means of social media and posting on the City’s website prior to the initiation or termination of a drought response stage. The notification change will allow residents to receive the information in a more cost effective and timely manner.
Additionally, staff recommends including “drip irrigation systems” to the list of items that Stage 2 restrictions do not apply to. This will allow residents to use or implement drip irrigation systems during Stage 2. The drip irrigation system must be maintained and use will not be allowed if ponding water or runoff due to over watering is reported.
Following Council approval, this revised plan will be submitted to the LCRA and TCEQ with all future updates.
Prior City Council Action
City Council approved the last update on June 25, 2013.
The first public hearing was held and the ordinance for the Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) was approved at the April 9, 2019 City Council meeting. At the meeting, the City Council had questions regarding the stages within the plan. The City of Pflugerville's plan follows the LCRA suggested 4-stage model, including “voluntary conservation” in Stage 1.
City of Pflugerville Drought Contingency Plan: Stages and Thresholds
Stage 1 - Mild Water Shortage: Voluntary water conservation in affect year-round unless increased restrictions are triggered;
Stage 2 - Moderate Water Shortage:
Outdoor watering allowed twice per week is triggered by calendar (March 1st to October 31st) or when average daily consumption reaches 80% of City’s production/distribution capacity for 3 consecutive days or when combined storage of the Highland Lakes system falls to 900,000 acre-feet.
Stage 3 - Sever Water Shortage:
Outdoor watering allowed once per week is triggered when average daily consumption reaches 90% of production/ distribution capacity for 3 consecutive days or when the combined storage of the Highland Lakes system falls to 700,000 acre-feet.
Stage 4 - Emergency Water Shortage:
No outdoor watering is allowed when the Highland Lakes system capacity falls to 600,000 acre-feet or when Lake Pflugerville level falls below 625ft elevation.
Staff recommends continuing to follow the LCRA's suggested 4-stage model.
Deadline for City Council Action
Action is requested on second reading on April 23, 2019.
Funding Expected: Revenue __ Expenditure __ N/A _X_
Budgeted Item: Yes __ No __ N/A _X_
Amount: _N/A_______
1295 Form Required? Yes __ No _X_
Legal Review Required: N/A __ Required _X_ Date Completed: _03/25/2019_____
Supporting documents attached:
Drought Contingency Plan Ordinance
Drought Contingency Plan
Recommended Action
Approve the proposed ordinance updating the Drought Contingency Plan per Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)/LCRA requirements.