§ 6-11.109. Level 4 water supply shortage.

(a)

A Level 4 water supply shortage condition is also referred to as an "emergency" condition. A Level 4 water supply shortage will be declared when a water shortage emergency exists mandatory reduction in consumer demand of fifty (50%) or more is necessary to maintain sufficient water supplies for public health and safety. Upon the declaration of a Level 4 water supply shortage condition by VCWWD, VCWWD will implement the mandatory Level 4 conservation measures identified in this section.

(b)

Additional water conservation measures. In addition to the prohibited uses of water identified in Sections 6-11.104 through 6-11.108, the following water conservation requirements apply during a declared Level 4 water supply shortage emergency:

(1)

No watering or irrigating. Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape, or other vegetated area with potable water is prohibited. This restriction does not apply to the following categories of use:

(i)

Maintenance of vegetation, including trees and shrubs, that are watered using a hand-held bucket or similar container, hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or device;

(ii)

Maintenance of existing landscape necessary for fire protection;

(iii)

Maintenance of existing landscape for soil erosion control;

(iv)

Maintenance of plant materials identified to be rare or essential to the well-being of protected species;

(v)

Maintenance of landscape within active public parks and playing fields, day care centers, golf course greens, and school grounds, provided that such irrigation does not exceed two (2) days per week according to the schedule established in Section 6-11.108(b)(1) and time restrictions in Section 6-11.104(a) and (b);

(vi)

Actively irrigated environmental mitigation projects.

(2)

Obligation to fix leaks, breaks, or malfunctions. All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the water user's plumbing or distribution system must be repaired within twenty-four (24) hours of notification by VCWWD unless other arrangements are made with VCWWD.

(3)

New potable water service. Except for the resetting or turn-on of meters to provide continuation of water service or the restoration of service that has been interrupted for a period of one year or less, no new potable water service will be provided, no new temporary meters or permanent meters will be provided, and no statements of immediate ability to serve or provide potable water service (such as will-serve letters, certificates, or letters of availability) will be issued, except under the following circumstances:

(i)

A valid, unexpired building permit has been issued for the project;

(ii)

The project is necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare; or

(iii)

The applicant provides substantial evidence of an enforceable commitment that water demands for the project will be offset prior to the provision of a new water meter(s) to the satisfaction of VCWWD.

(4)

Discontinue service. VCWWD, in its sole discretion, may discontinue service to customers who willfully violate provisions of this section.

(5)

No new annexations. Upon the declaration of a Level 4 water supply shortage condition, VCWWD will suspend consideration of annexations to its service area. This subsection does not apply to boundary corrections and annexations that will not result in any increased use of water.

(6)

Limits on filling residential swimming pools and spas. Re-filling of more than one foot per month and initial filling of residential swimming pools or outdoor spas with potable water is prohibited.

(§ 1, Ord. No. WWD-15, eff. April 24, 2017)

Editor's note

See editor's note at § 6-11.105