HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-26-2003-8OORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 26, 2003
Action Agenda
Item No. ~ ` (~
SUBJECT: OWASA Conservation and Demand Management Ordinance
DEPARTMENT: County Manager
PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
3/6/03 Cover Letter INFORMATION CONTACT:
2/27/03 OWASA Resolution Ed Kerwin, 968-4421
Proposed Water Conservation Ordinance/ Geof Gledhill, 732-2196
Standards Paul Thames, ext. 2303
OWASA Response to Question From Joint
Meeting of 1/16/03 TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Table Of Guidelines For Water Hillsborough 732-8181
Conservation Triggers Chapel Hil'I 968-4501
Summary Of Existing And Proposed Durham 688-7331
Conservation Standards Mebane 336-227-2031
Revised Interim Ordinance
PURPOSE: To consider adopting Orange Water & Sewer Authority's (OWASA's )
recommended revised Water Conservation and Demand Management Ordinance standards
and provisions applicable to the OWASA customers within the unincorporated area of Orange
County.
BACKGROUND: At the request of OWASA in the Spring of 2002, Orange County as well as
the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro adopted a Water Conservation and Demand
Management Ordinance providing for year round conservation of water and for temporary water
use restrictions during water shortages and emergencies. The Orange County ordinance was
adopted as an interim revision to the County's existing drought ordinance (which applies to the
upper Eno River system as well as to OWASA) that was applicable only to OWASA customers
in the unincorporated Orange County portion of the OWASA service area.
In light of its experiences during the drought of 2002, OWASA has reevaluated the practices,
standards and provisions specified by the ordinance. OWASA officials and staff have drafted
proposed revisions to its own water conservation standards and practices and to the provisions
of the ordinance. OWASA has held public forums open to its customers and met with the
elected boards of Orange County, Chapel Hill and Carrboro to discuss water shortage issues,
water conservation strategies and potential conservation ordinance requirements.
The new/revised water conservation standards for OWASA customers include:
• Requiring some basic year-round conservation practices such as irrigating no more than
three times per week and with no more than one-inch of water per week.
2
• Allowing for greater flexibility in outdoor use by means of hand-watering and using drip
irrigation and soaker hose systems during non-emergency levels of a water shortage.
• Prohibiting the wasting of water with more detailed definition of water waste.
By resolution of the OWASA Board of Directors (2/27/2003), OWASA has submitted its
proposed Water Conservation Standards to the elected boards of Orange County, Chapel Hill
and Carrboro for consideration. Furthermore, OWASA's Board of Directors has requested that
each elected board adopt these standards into the appropriate codes and ordinances. The
Town of Carrboro Board of Aldermen considered and approved the proposed revisions to the
Town's water conservation ordinance on June 17th and the Chapel Hill Town Board will be
considering revision to its ordinance on June 23~d
Orange County's drought ordinance covers the water customers of three separate but
interconnected water systems (OWASA, Hillsborough and Orange-Alamance). Each of these
systems is also directly or indirectly (OWASA by virtue of its interconnection with Hillsborough)
connected to the County's water supply infrastructure (Lake Orange) which is controlled - in
terms of operational exigencies - by the provisions of the Eno River Capacity Use Agreement.
All of the water system interconnections and water transfer options and possibilities have made
the County's response to OWASA's proposals for revisions and modifications to the County's
drought ordinance somewhat complicated. Accordingly, the County adopted the original
ordinance revisions (2002) as an interim ordinance. While County staff have been working to
develop permanent ordinance revisions ultimately addressing the needs of OWASA and the
upper Eno water systems, those efforts are still underway. Therefore, what is proposed for
BOCC consideration at this time is a revision to the interim ordinance (applicable only to the
OWASA system and customers) that the Board adopted on June 4„ 2002.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager and the Attorney recommend that the Board adopt A
REVISED INTERIM ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE YEAR ROUND CONSERVATION OF
WATER AND FOR TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS DURING WATER SHORTAGES AND
EMERGENCIES RELATED TO ALL ORANGE WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
CUSTOMERS LOCATED IN THE UNINCORPORATED PART OF ORANGE COUNTY.
OWASA ORANGE WATER & SEWER ALITHORIT°Y°~%~`~~>~`.
;'r ~ ~~~
ualit Service ~ncer~-977 ~;~
,, ~~ -
w'ti %.,.4
t~
~~ i
March 6, 2003 • ~ , ...,. ~ ; ~~
,-
~_-~ ~/'
`-./
Ms. Margaret Brown Mr. Kevin Foy, Mayor Mr. Michael Nelson, Mayor
Chair, Orange County Boazd Town of Chapel Hill Town of Carrboro
of Commissioners 306 North Columbia Street 310 West Main Street
Post Office Box 8181 Chapel Hill, NC 27516 Carrboro, NC 27510
Hillsborough, NC 27278
SUBJECT: PROPOSED NEW WATER CONSERVATION STANDARDS
Deaz Margaret, Kevin, and Michael:
On Thursday, February 27, 2003, the OWASA Boazd of Directors approved the enclosed water
conservation standards for submittal to the Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Orange County governing
boards.
We request time on your respective agendas in the neaz future to present and discuss the new
standazds and to work with you to incorporate them into your local ordinances.
I would like to emphasize several points regazding the standards:
• The OWASA Boazd's action followed a public information/participation process
beginning with a public forum on November 20, 2002 and including numerous
OWASA Boazd meetings and the January 16, 2003 Joint Meeting with our local
governments.
• The proposed standards reflect our experience from last year's drought as well as
consideration of numerous comments from the public.
• The proposed standards include yeaz-round water use restrictions that are consistent
with good basic conservation practices. They also provide more flexibility for
irrigating by hand and with more efficient types of irrigation systems.
• In order for OWASA to enforce certain elements pertaining to excessive or wasteful
water use during periods of declared shortage, our Boazd will consider adopting these
as OWASA rules in the neaz future.
~,~ . NOGG ~
400 Jones Ferry Road
PO Box 366
Carrboro, NC 275 ] 0-0366
-SL~~V ~ QT' 3~~0/03
Equal Opportunity Employer
Printed on Recycled Paper
Voice (919) 968-4421
FAX (919) 968-4464
wH•w. owasa. org
Proposed New Water Conservation Ordinance/Standards
March 6, 2003
Page 2
We have enclosed two additional items of information that maybe useful to consider:
• OWASA's response to comments received during the January 16, 2003 Joint
Meeting.
• Table of guidelines for water conservation triggers (we look forward to providing a
more detailed explanation on how these guidelines would be applied}.
We appreciate the guidance we have received from you and your respective boards and would
further appreciate your consideration of the enclosed water conservation standards. I look
forwazd to talking with you on March 20~'.
Sincerely,
Cie ~
Bernadette Pelissier, Chair
Board of Directors
Enclosures: Resolution adopted by the OWASA Board on February 27, 2003
Proposed water conservation ordinance/standards
Responses to questions from the Joint Meeting of January 16, 2003
Information on "triggers" for guiding when water shortages may be declazed
c: Mr. Michael Brough, Interim Cazrboro Town Manager (w/enclosures)
Mr. Calvin Horton, Chapel Hill Town Manager (w/enclosures)
Mr. John Link, Orange County Manager (w/enclosures)
OWASA Boazd (w/enclosures)
Ed Kerwin (w/enclosures)
Robert Epting, Esquire (w/enclosures)
4
RESOLUTION TO TRANSMIT REVISED WATER CONSERVATION STANDARDS TO
THE CARRBORO BOARD OF ALDERMEN, CHAPEL HILL TOWN COUNCIL, AND
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COA~IlVIISSIONERS
WHEREAS, the citizens of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Orange County have demonstrated a
strong commitment to responsible stewardship of the community's water resources, including the
conservation of water during periods of drought and shortage; and
WHEREAS, the Towns and County adopted new ordinances in the spring of 2002 with water
conservation requirements to be used during periods of drought and other water shortages; and
WHEREAS, OWASA has examined water use patterns during the record-setting drought of
2002 and has reviewed the experience with the Towns' and County's recently adopted conservation
ordinances; and
WHEREAS, OWASA held a public forum about drought management and conservation on
November 20, 2002; has encouraged and received numerous comments from interested customers
regazding the 2002 conservation ordinance; and has drafted, discussed, revised and received
comments on proposed revisions to the 2002 water conservatYOn ordinance, including comments from
the elected boazds of Carrboro, Chapel, Hill and Orange County in a joint meeting held on January
16~', 2003.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of Orange Water
and ~ Sewer Authority hereby submits its Proposed Water Conservation Standards, February 19,
2003, a copy of which is attached to this Resolution, to the Carrboro Board of Aldermen, the Chapel
Hill Town Council, and the Orange County Board of Commissioners and recommends the adoption
of these Standards - either by reference, or by incorporation into appropriate Town and County codes
or ordinances - at the earliest appropriate date.
Adopted this the 27m day of February, 2003.
P~
Bernadette Pelissier, Chairman
Boazd of Directors
ATTEST:
Joni or '
Ass' tSecretary-Treasurer
1.1 WL"1Jt1 - Llclll VV GIIGl VV115G1 YL1.UV11 AU1GD LULU ~710.11UCL1 UJ
fir. aa~~e Water and Se~:~rer ~.~th~rit~
1'rc>E~ased Water ~onselr-~a~~oir~ Standards
Februarg~ ~7, Q3
E4~ticle I - I'ut-~ose att~ efii~i;i~ic~ns
1. A.I'E~rpose
'These ~~,%ater Conse~•~ation Standards are enacted by- tl~e Ch-~Enge ~~%ater and Se~~~er :~~tihority~
(C)1~~ASA) for the purposes of:
Reducing the rate of increase in o~°erall water rise through year-round ~~~ater
conservation lractices that will help maximise the ec>mtnunity's existing and planned
tivater supply soturces and help reduce seasonal peal. day derryands that res~.~lt in the need
fcn• costly expansion of water treatment, storage, and tr~ulsm.ission facilities. ;such year-
e•c~und practices shall. include:
a. Reducing indoor ~~rater waste by encouraging the. installation and maintenance of
ultra-la«• flow toilets, faucet aerators, loch-flo~~~ slloweRrheads and similar devices,
a.s l~~ell as other creative and commonsense indoor cor~sei~~ation practices.
b. Reducing irrigation and irrigation-related water ~~aste without sacrificing
landscape quality through. the cultivatie~n of lo~vcr ~~-ater use plants; i~npro~-ed
landscape design and planting practices: ~x~ore efficient «~atering practices; and
unproved i:t-~•igation system. design and i~nainte2~a«ce.
Increasing tl~e use of reclaimed ~vastet~~ter and storm~~vater for irri:~sation and
other uses that do not require grater of pi~table quality.
2. Providing an orderly .process far reducing co~~-~r~~unity-~~-ide ~~~~ater demands clc~ring
periods of drought or other n~itt~rally occun•ing causes of waiver shortages; and
3. Providing atl orderly process for reducing community-«ride water demands during
periods of «Tater shortages due to natural disaster (other than drou~glrt), maj«r f~}~'AS:'~
.facilities fai.hire, or other unexl3ected and sudden. loss of ~~~ater supply, t~•eatmcnt, or
distribution capacitor that constitutes a water supply emergency.
1. I3. Definitions
l~'c~r the purpose of these Standards, the follo~~-ing defg.nitions shall apply unless i:ho
co~~text cleari~ indicates or requires a different meaning.
1EJTfJMATIC CC3NTRQLLER. A mechanical or electronic deli-ice capat~le of
operating an irrigation system. and its component valve stations according to a pre-
determined schedule of irrigation frequency a~~d duratioF~.
;[STERN. A tankk ar container, typically located underground, i:or the storage anal
http://www.owasa.org/pages/2003consord.asp 5/29/2003
OWASA -Draft Water Conservation Rules and Standards rago ~ ~l 11(
. ofrainwater collected from r-oc~ftops csr other iln}~ert-'ions surfaces that !~
subsequent reuse
l~oulcl 17a~-e othe~•~~%ise evaporated. or drained oi'i~ the E~ren~lises.
l~I2IP IRI2IGAT10N. The application of irri~~<~tion ~~ niter through drip emitter devices
at }ow pressure, vc.~lulne, and velocity near or at ground }eve} in order to Ininixnize
rclnoff and. evaporative losses. Drip irrigation c~~~itters typic~:~l]y re]ease ~~~<Itcr in t:ho
range of 0.{.)4 to {).4t.) canons pe.r. ~~~il~ute.
I<:~'El~-NLTIi-I~ERED PROI'EItTIES. Properties ~~~ith street addresses that encl. in
e~'c.n-nunthered digits, or other pl-ope.rties so clcsignatud :(:or tl~e purposes of these
~stand.ard.s through special al•r~~t~gaments with ~~~'AS~~.
~~IZAy~4%t~TER. Domestic tn~aste~~~ater collected frol~l ]~ousellold fixtures and
appliances; such as washing machines, d.ish~~-ashers, shoi~rers, sinks, and bathtubs, but
e~nt fi•v~at toilets ar urinals. GrayF~~ater may ol~ly be reused in accordance ~~ith practices
~:~pproved by public health ant}~orities.
l-[AI~I3 WATF.:E2:[l~C~. The application. of «-ater for irri~~atiol~ purposes tl~rou~Th a hand-
lleEd hose or watering container.
I-IAI2VESTED WATER. Precipitation. or irrigation I•unoff collected, stored and
ai~-ailable for reuse far u•I•igation purposes.
IRI3IGATI(~N SYSTEIt~I. Any permanently installed systelrl of pipes, loses, or other
conveyance devices alld appurtel~:al~ecs that provides water to living plant material
tl~rougl-I spray heads or other emission. devices located at, above, or Belo«~ the ground
surface. por tl~e purposes of these St~uldards, a sprink]e;r, soaker base, or athe;r device
col~necteci to its ~~-ater source via a Inoveah}e above-g~•ound garden hose is not
considered to be an i.rl•igation system.
~,ANDSCAPE AREA. That portion of a paE•cel tliat contai:~is turf or non-turf
vegetation.
LOVV-I'RECIPITATIO' BUBBLER. An irrgatic}« head ~vliic}~ typically operates
4~'Ithlll slx IllcheS Of ~,~round level and delivers 4~-ater at a rate o:fless than 0.45 gall.on.s
per minute within a radius of less than two feat of the head.,. Low-precipitation buhh]ers
are typically used for irrigating non-tlu-f vegetatiol.~.
~'II:CRO SPRAY. The application of irrigation water through slna}1, low v°olun~e
sprayer heads in artier to minimi-re runoff losses. Micro sprays are typically used for
irrigating non-t11rf vegetation. Individual micro spray heads t~~pically operate Tess than
12 inches above ground. level and typically deliver tivater in the range of 0.10 to 0.50
gallons per minute tivithi.n a radius of.' five feet ~}r less of the head..
~'[LLCH . A protective covering of~organir. material, such as sawdust. «~ood chips,
compost, or other vegetative matter, spread on the ground to reduce eval~oratic}n and
iX~crease water retention.
()I)D-NUIt~BERFD PROPERTIES. Properties with. street addresses th:3t e~~d in odd-
http://www.owasa.org/pages/2003consord.asp 5/29/2003
OWASA -Draft Water Conservation Mules and Standards rage ~ ui ~
- i. Tits. or tither _ro ~erties so de•sis~nated for the lnirposes of these St~u~dc~rds
t~zun~bcred d ~ p } ~ ~,~.
tl~rou.gh special arrangements Fi ith (}t>4•':151.
I~I)TABLE '4'4'ATEI2. Treated l~~ater proviclecl b~- (~~~'.-~Sr'~ 'that is suits~.ble for drinking;
cooking, and other domestic u.se. ~~'atcr that is cc>]lected indoc}rs in containers from
indoor faucets or spigots that ~-oz~ld others-isc be discharged into drainpipes ti~~hile a
user awaits the t~~arming of the ~~-titer f~~r dish~~-a5hin~. other «-ash.ing, shaving, bathing,
or sho~~~ering is not considered to lze pc}table «~<~ter f.`or the purposes c7i• these Standards.
~2EC"IYITATI®l~i E2ATIr. The aai~ount o1.'~~ater applied ]~E°r unit oftime, usuall}~
expressed in inches per hour.
I-LJI3LIC RIGHT-OF-~~VAY. 'I~he area of lard c~~~7~ecl or mai~~t:air~ed by municipal;
counttir, or state govenunent pri.tnarily for the ~tse of tl;e: public for the moven~r:nt of
people, gaocls, vehicles. or storm water. For tl~e purposes of these Standards, the public
right-of-w•ay shall. include curbs, streets, side«°all:s, and storm «-titer drainage inlets, but
shall not. include adjacent landscaped areas that nay also be located. within the legally
delineated public right-of=~vay.
RAIN BARREL r1 tanl: or container, typically located on tl:~e ground beneath a roof
drainage s}%stem, that captures and stores rain~~-titer fEZr subsequent .reuse.
121lV «%ATER. ~~'ater drawn from a reser~-•oir or other water source before treatment.
1"2ECLAIlV1ED V4'ATER. Highly treated efi7ucnt froi~~ a w~~stewater treatment plant
that can. be safely used for such. non-potable purposes as inflation, heating.cooling,
street cleaning, dust: control, firefighting; a~.rd other applications that do not require
t~•ater of potable qu~rlity.
I2LINOFF. Va'ater ~vhiclz is not. absort-~ed by the soil or landscape to ~n~hich it is applied.
runoff occurs ~h°l~en. F}pater is applied too quickly (application rato exceeds infiltration.
rate); particularly if there is a severe slope. These Sta~~da~•ds do not apply to stormivater
runoff which. is created by nahual precipitation rather than Inu~~an-caused. or applied
~,vater use.
SERVICE AREA. The geographic area in ~j laich O~?~"~'~Sl~. prov=ides or is authori~ecl to
prc.~vide ~~•ater al~dior sewer. se2ti-ice.
SHtiT-OFF NOZZLE. A deg°ice attached to the end. of a hose that completely shuts
off the flow, even if left tulattended.
SOAKER HOSE.: flexible h.osc designed to emit a t:rick:le of «~ater along its entire
lef~gth, either through numerous s~yiall-diameter (less than U3~ inch) perforations or
through the permeable material of its composition.
S>~IL~Y IRRIGATION. The application of t~~ater to landscaping by mea~~s of a device
that projects water through the air in the ft>rn~ of sma11 particles or droplets.
SPRINKLER HEAD. A device, that pre?jests ~~,-ater through the air in the fcn•m of sn-~al]
http://www.owasa.org/pages/2003consord.asp 5/29/2003
OWASA -Draft Water Conservation Rules and Standards rage 4 or 1 x
:,:x~~ticl.es or droplets.
{
tT;~:DERGKQUNI} SY5"TEM. fin ia•rigatioax s~~stenx «~ith emitters installed beaaeath th.e
ground surface.
'~'~'A"TEIt WASTE. -I'he non-beneficial use of C)VJ:'~5:~ potable water. ~lc.~n-beneficial
uses include but are not restricted to:
a. Landscape «~ater applied. in such a nxamxer, rate andlor qu~uxtity that it overilaws
the landscaped area being ~~-atered aJ~d rGans onta adjacent property or public
right-of-~~~ay; or landscape ~v~ater applied. dxu•in<~ l~eriocls of rainfall or when soil
anoisture is already adequate.
h. The use of water for «~ashing vehicles; equipa,lea~t; or hard surfaces, such as
parking lots, aprons, pacts, d.rivei~~ays. c?r othe~• surfaced areas, in such quantities
to flow onto adjacent property or tlxe public right-cif-~~<ay.
c. Water applied in sufi:icient: quantity to cause pondi.xlg on impervious surfaces.
d. ~?v'ater lost through plaux~bing leaks tlxat Cara be readily ide~ztified and con•ected.
~ETZISCAPING. Aal approach to landscape design and maintenance that. uses small
amounts of 1~•ater but sustains a traditional lac>l: through the: proper ccanditioning of soil,
the selection of appropriate drought-tolerant plants; geaxerc~txs use of mulch, efficient use
of 1~•ater, axed other proven techniques.
Article II -Water Waste Prohibited, ~'enaltles f'or Violating Staodard
II.
i~. ~'~'ater Waste Prohibited
Nc~ person, party, dr entity shall use, cause, waste, or permit to L-se wasted atly t_~~T~':~SA
supplied potable ~;°ater, in violation of the Staxxdards set c>u1: l~aerei~l.
I3. Tema[ties
(:}~~'ASA may discontinue water sea-~~ice to and- customer where, after notice of <i
prflhibited use is delivered to the service address, OW;~.SA supplied potable water
continues to be used or «~asted in violation of ille Water Conservation Standards set out
herein.
Article III - Vear-D"toottcl )l2egttire~a~ents
III.
a. llxtericar L1se
I . 'I he following outdoor or exterior use rcquiremeaxts steal I apply to all customers
using O~'ASA supplied. potable «~ater:
a. Spray irrigation shall not occur more tha.~~ three Clays per week. E~-en-
http://www.owasa.org/pages/2003consord.asp 5/29/2003
OWASA -Draft Water Conservation Kules and Standards
~~
Ilumber.~d properties }i1a}• be irri~itt:d tir~itl~ spray systenls oI11y on fur}dad-s,
Wednesdays, and.'or I;ridays. Ocld-numbs}•ed. I)rc)perties Inay be in"igated
wvith. spray systems only an 'Tuesdays; Thursdays, alzdJa:r Saturdays. ~!!
spray irrigation shall €)ceur only betE~~een the hen.Irs t)f'B:Ot} pn1 alld ~):()0
am. T11ese restrictions shall n.ot al~~ply to properties using.: un.derbroullcl, dI•il~
irrigation, micro spray, lore precipitation l•}ubblers, h<~T1d r~~ateeing, c)r rvllere
watering of containerized plants atld Ca}11111erC}a.l plant StaCIC I:11 trade }s
nlat}Italiled tOr 1`esale.
b. I~egardlL'sS f1t' IrI'}gatlOn I11ethOds l}S;'d., I1C3 }110 re (hall One Itlch of r~'ate}' n1ItV
be applied to p1allt material. in a}1~ even rieek..
All irrigation systen'}s shall be e~:fuipped rvith automatic controllers t1.1at
activate the system aca)rding to a desired frequency and duration. and. shall
also be equipped ri-ith rain or soil l~~oisture sensors that ~~~i13. pre4•ent
irrigation during periods of rainfixll i)r w11e.n t}lere is sufficient maistlire ill
the grolwd for plant health anal. Burr ival.
d. All hoses used for hand ~~-atering. car rvaslling, ar other allowable aut:daor
uses shall be equipped with sllutt?ff~ }1c?zrles.
e. No exterior Ilse of OWAS:~-supplied potable water s11a11 result in the f1c)t~r
of «~ater onto adjacent property or public right-of-rn~ay, and al.l irrigatiall
systems s11a1[ be desit,~ned and. mail,tainecl ti) prevent water front f7c}~vtng
onto paved or atller ill~pervious s€}}-tiaces.
l: E?utdaor «~ater leaks oI1 property c-lr :facilities of Ot~'A;'A customers I11ust
be repaired «ithi}1 ten (10) days of discovi:t~r and. notiftcatian by C)WASA.
"?. The use of reclaimed or ha}rested. crater .t-or outdoor I~.ses is stI•angly encouraged.
C?WASA shall periodically publicize rn~tl~ods c)f collt,cti.ng aald storill€t harvested
water in apprc)priate devices, such. as mill barrel a}1d cisterns; appropl•iate
practices, such as xeriscaping, drought tolerant landscaping and Irlulclling; anal
shall othel•cvise educate its customers c)n water canservation strategies alld
techniques.
~. Ln.less sllperceded by the declaration e?f~ a ~?v'ater Supply Shortage or Imes=~ency,
the year-round requirements of III.~~.1.a Ind III.A.1.b above shall nat apply to the
fol.larc~ing:
a. Uutdaor u-rigation necessary far tl~le establislunent of newly sodded lawns
and- landscaping ~c~itllin the first. }c} days c:}f'p1ar.Eting, or watering; of ner~•ly
seeded tuI•f within the first six Inca 1t11s of planting.
b. I:rricati.on necessary fc~r one day on;y ~~°heI-e treatlx}ent «~itl1 aal application
of chemicals requires i}nmediate. rc~atering tc) preserve all existing landscape
or to establish. a ne~~~ landscape.
c. Water used to control dust or to compact sail er~llen alten~ate methods are
not available..
http://www.owasa.org/pages/2003consord.asp 5/29/2003
pWASA -Draft Water Conservation Rules and Stanaaru~
aeration of «ateri3~g systems for short periods cif time
d. Visually supe~~~ised ol.
to check system condition and effectiveness.
ter a lied to prevent or abate l~ealtl~, safety, or accident hazards «.hen
e. ~~ a pP
alternate methods are not. availabte.
• used far construction or m~~iniena~ice actiu~~ln~ ~t~her era ~i~ ~i~atio~~
k. W atc2
of water is the appropriate methciclology and ~~ ~~
alternative eXiSts.
~~V ater used for Eircf~r<~rllting, ~ireti<,g~hter training, file hose testing., dare
g• ~,
pumper testing, and other emer~c;ncy situation mitigation purposes.
ii
pi. tnteriar Use p Iv to all customers
1. The folloti~•ing indoor or interior use requirelnent:s shall a p ,
using pVv:'SSA supplied potable water:
v ~staurants and dil~ing facilities shall. serie ~y`atcr only inn request eat the
a. Rc
customer.
Hotels, motels, and other facilities provyd~~ ~t ~}zee~i5t~~mer,~or up~azkons
b.
shall change bed linens only upon reque:~t c.
customer changeover, or eve~:y~ live days fc>r long-term customers.
eration of dishwashers a~~d clothes t~ a.shexs shall only be operated
~. The op
~7en loaded to maximum capacity or at ~~~at 7r 1 en c urtage~ al?[?ropriate tor.
~~ 1
the size of load being washed. sl-~all tie stront,ly
he use of ultra-flow' toilets, tank dams, t~lo~~, redstr't~all be Strongly and lo«'-
d. T
fla«' showerheads, where nc~t «then~•ise require ,
encouraged; and additional indoor con.servanon. practices - as z~'ell as
devices -shall also be. encouraged.
e. Plumbing systems shall be pr~?l?erly maintained and repaired- to prey-ent
~~rater leaks.
~~or water leaks on property or facilities of C)~VASA customers must: be
f. Ind
re aired within ten (10} days of discovery ~.uld notification by ~>~~=~~~'.
p
~ i111ess superceded by the deelaratian of a E~v~ater Supply Shortaga or I~m.ergency~
~. L lv to tl~e folloti~°ing:
the year-round requirements of I1.1.B.1. above slxatl not app ~ f:or short
a. Visually supet-~-ised operation. and flushing of plumbing systems
periods of tinge to check system condition. anal effectiveness.
. Water ap}~lied to prevent or abate hetrlth, safety, or accident haz~u'ds ~~~l~en
b
alternate methods are not a~ zilable.
5/29/2003
http://www.owasa.org/pages/2003 consord.asp
OWASA -Draft Water Conservation Rules and Standards Page 7 of 11
c. ~~'ater used for construction ar Illaintenance activities r~~here the al~plica.tion
af~va.ter is the apllrc)p1•iate methedolagy ~Slld ~~'llere Il0 other 131'~lCtlCal
alternative exists.
3. O~ti'ASA shall periodically publicize aI>d ath.er~.ise educate its custolllers on
additional methods to cc)nserve the interior use of wafer.
~rtic)le ITT - Determinat>cat~ of a ~atet• Supp~T Shortage or l~e~erge~cy
1V.
:'~. I3raught Cc-rtditian Shortage
C)~~~ASA shall base its determination of existing or potential water short~I.ge. cc)Ilditions
oll its analysis of reservoi~• levels, strealnflow, existing arld ;anticipated dem~Illd,
availability of supplemental supplies, as well. as other elements of reasonable
professicnlal _judgnle.nt and management. The d~:tenllillatic)n of drought shortage
canclitians shall be guided by periodic estilllates aftlle risk (i.e.; probability} that tivater
stc)red i.ll (?~~'ASA's resel•~~oir system ~~-iil deeli_ne to «naccei7tably lo«~ levels witlllll the
foreseeable future. lintel Unproved or alternative cl7tel-ia are developed, such guidance
shall be based on a five percent or greater risk. that tc.)tal reservoir storage v4~i11 daclille to
~'() percent or less of total storage capacity ~vitllin ali 18 month period. This gllidrlnce
shall apply to the initial declaratiall of a 1~'ater Supply Shortage or Emergency and shall
inform subsequent declarations af~nlare or less severe t~'ater Supply Sl1ol-tages or
1.~;IIlergencies.
I3. ~'Vater Treatment, Storage, t?r Distribution ~'allacity Sh~lrtarie
lIl additi.art to conditions caused. by drought, C)`t~%AS~~. Inay declare a Water Supply
Shal•tage or Elnergellcy «~henever customer demands - as averaged aver tllrce
cc)nsecutive days - exceed. 8a percent of OttJ,~SA's capability of treating and delivering
r~%ater. 'The stage and duration of such a t~'atc;r Supply Shortage ar Emergency shall be
guided by the degree to whicl2 customer demands approach or exceed Oy~i%ASA's
capacity to nleei those demands, ~tlld by the dec}ree to «-hich. cc)nsel•vation effc)rts
successfully reduce short-term. demands.
C. :Natural and Klan-Ib'Lac1e Disasters anti C;atastrvphic lEquipment a>ad l:'lant failure
Shortage
.-any other circumstaalces, including ser~-ice lcssses caus~.d by aquipnlent car facility
failure, hulnall el~•or, deliberate act, Eveathcr, ar other natural disaster, which constrain
C)~k'ASA's water supply, treatment, or di.stl-ibrztion capacity to less than that reasonably
lleecled by its customers, shall constitute a. Vv`ater Supply Shortage up to alld including a
~~%ater Supply Emergency, requiring ilnnlediate action by Ot~'t1SA.
Article V -Required Actions >Llettl~:lr V6'ater S~~P~Y Shortage or
E~~ergency ~`c~nditi~ns
V. III the event ofa water supply shortage, O~~'ASA shall, using its best proessiarlal.juclgnlent,
httn://www.owasa.or~/nas?es/2003consord.asn 5/29/2003
OWASA -Draft Water Conservation Rules and Standards Yage u or t t
detenni_ne ~~=hich of the folle~wing stages is the most appropriate response to the estimated I
level. of risk.
A. ~~'ater Supply Advisory
:'1 tA'ater Supply Advisory shall represent ajl alert to the public of a potential shorta~~e
and. notifiication that ~~•ater u.se restrictions lnay be imposed if the watet• supply andior
dernat~d conditions do not improve in the near firture. In tl~e evet~.t of a declared Water
Sit.pply Advisory:
1. 1~1o mandatory «=ater use restrictions otlle.r tliatl y=ear-round regl.rirerne-rts already=
in place will be implemented.
?. O~~~ASA shall make extensive use of nleclia releases, advertising, arld other
reasonable means ofpublicizing lire ti~-ater suppl}- advison~ and t1~e need fc~t•
i.mrnediate voluntary conservation.
3. OWASA shall inform the 'vlayors of C'arrboro a.nd Chapel l-li.ll anal the Chair of
the Orange County= Board of Commissioners of its declaration of a 1~'ater Supply
Advisory.
B. Sta;;e One (1 } ~'Vater Shortage
In the event that OWASA declares a Stage One Vti'ater Shortage, O~rv'ASA shall advise
the :Mayors of Carrboro ar~d Chapel 1-lill and the Chair ctf the Ot•artge County= Board of
Commissioners of its declaration and. shall request that they issue Proclamations of~
t~'ater Supply Shorta~,~e. Upon Utfi.'ASA`s declaration of a Stage One Vv'ater Shortage,
the follav~~v~rg acticros shall be t~i:en «~th the gt~al of reducing overall «•ater d.emartd by
tern (10} percent:
t~'ater use by individually metered residential custorn.er accounts arld by
individually metered irrigation-only accounts shall be limited to no mare than all
average of one thousand (1,000) gallons ]rer day during ally months}= bii[ing cycle
beginning after the declaration oi~a ~rv'ater Supply= Shortage or Water Sul-±ply
Erxrergency anal ending while such restrictions are still in effect.
?. Spray irrigation using Oti~'ASA potable ;~-ater shall 1TOt: occur. more than one day
per ~~°eeL. with a ni~.~:imuni of one-half inch of ~.~rater applied to plant material in
anv given week. Evers-numbered properties shall be allowed to spray irrigate only
on Tuesdays; odd-numbered properties shall be allo«=ed. to spray irrigate only on
Thursdays. Spray irrigation shall occur only betweer~~ the• hours of ~:Ot? pan. and
9:00 a.m. These restrictions shall not apply to the ~vaterin~ of containerized
plaa~ts and commercial plant stock in trade.
3. Iit•igation by underground, drip irrigation, micro spray, low precipitation
bubblers, soaker hose sy=stems vF-ith automatic shutoffi's, or by hand Reid hoses c}r
~vatertng cans may occur at ally trine or frequency, but shall be limited to a
maxirnutn of one-half inch of water applied to plant. material. in any given ~~reek.
http://www.owasa.org/pages/2003 consord.asp 5/29/2003.
OWASA -Draft Water Conservation Rules and Standards Page 9 of 11
~~~
4. l~io potable OWAS:~ water nia~r be used t.o re-1-E11 orn.an).ental foczntains. ponds,
anti. like d.e~~ices.
~i. No O~~':15:~-supplied potable e=ater nay l)e used far the routine cleaniE~g or
~~•ashin`T of paved areas, such as side~~=alks, decks, drive~~•ays, road~~%ays, or
parking lots. This restrictio~i shall not ap}~1~- to the pressure cleaning ai exterior
building surfaces.
C. Stage Ts~ro (2} ~'~'ater Shortage
In tl~e event that OW:1SA declares a Stage'['«c) ~~v'ater Shortage. O~~'AS.A shall advise
the 1~layor~ of Caxrboro and Chapel Flil1 az~d the Chair of the Orange County Board. of
CoEnEnissioners of its declaration and shall regzzest that they issue l'roclan~atiEms c)f
~~%ater Supply Shortage, if not alz•e.ady issued. ~_?pon. C)~~'ASA's decfaratiazz of a Stage
"l`~~=n Water Shoz~age, the following actic)ns st~ali be taken «-ith the goal of ro~:{ucing
t~ve;rall Dater demand by fzfteen { 15} percent:
Vl%ater use by individually metered residential czzstan~er accounts anal t~•,=
individually metered irrigation-only accounts shall be limited to no more tlzaz~ an
average of eight hundred (80()) gallons p~ r day during, ~~z1y zl~anthly billitzg cycle
beginning after the declaration of a Water Supply Shortage or Water Supply
Emergency arzd ending while such restrictions are still. in effect.
2. Spray iz-r-igation with OWAS~'1-supplied p=otable ih•ater shall. not be perz.~nitted,
except by persons regul.az•I}= engaged in the sale of plants, «°ho shall be a:Ita~h~ed to
irrigate their commercial stock. in txade.
3. Irrigation by underground, drip irrigation, micro spray, lo~v precipitation.
bubblers, soaker hose systems ~~,=ith autc?z3iatie shutoff's, ar by band held. l~c>ses or
watering cans shall be l.in~ited to a maxirz)uEn of one-Half inch of ~~.at:er applied. to
plant material in any given ~~=eek.
~. No OWASA-supplied potable «•ater n~av be used to re-fill. ornamental fauntttins,
ponds, and tike devices.
~. l~ia Ot?~'ASA-supplied potable water sl~atl be used far waslzin.g vehicles, except at
commercial ar institutional c.ar j~'ashes En which at least 50 l3ercent of tl~e water
has been recy-clod.
6. Itio U~~'ASA-supplied potable ~~~ater zr~ay be used for filling or re-f l1in~; empty
s~~zmzning pools. OWASA-supplied potable c~-titer may be used may be used to
tap off operating s«-imrning pools.
7. ItiTo Ot~'ASA-supplied patat~le water mar- be used for tl~e routine cleaning ar
«=ashing of exterior building szufaees; decks, or pave+~ areas, such as sidewalks,
drive~~=ays, roadways, and parking lots. "l~l~is restriction shall not apply to the
pressure cleaning of exterior building surfaces c)r decks prior to paintizzg or re-
painting that is necessary to protect or maintain the phyiscal integrity af't}~e
stz-ucture.
httn://www.owasa.ors/napes/2003consord.asp 5/29/2003
OWASA -Draft Water Conservation Rules and Standards rage i~ ui i i
~. Ira O~~-AS<~-supplied petal}le «~ater n~~Ey be used for fire dep~ulnzont training. or
equipment testing unless required by State or federal regulations.
D. Surge Three (3} Water Shartag€~
ll~ the event that C)WAS:1 decl~u-as a Stage: 'I,l~r~e i~~ater Sl~ortago, C}WASA sl~a(I advise
ihi; >~lavors of Canboro and Chapel hill ~u~d tl~e Chair of the Orange t;ouni.y .[3oard of
Conunissioners of its declaration and shall request that then issue Proclamations of
~~'ater Supply Shortage, if not already= issued. Lfpon Cl~?~'r~S.A's declaration c}f a Stage
'1'luee ~~r'ater Shortage, the foilo~~=ing actions shall be taken ~~~ith the Baal of reducing
oti=erall e=ater demand by twenty (20} percent:
1. Water use by individually metered residential customer accounts and by
individually metered irrigation-only accounts shall be limited to no more than an
average of si.x hundred (600} gallons per clay during any n~rntthly bi_Iling cycle
beginning after the declaration of a Water Supply Sliortage or Water Supply
I~.mergency and ending thhile such restrictions are still in effect.
2. The use of Oti~i'ASA-supp.li.ed potable ~~•ater for l~eati:ng andor cooling pui-l~oses
shall be reduced in all but the most esse2rtial facilities to the extent allowable in
consideration of indoor air quality standards, ~~•eather conditions, and l:~ealth aJ~d
safety requirements.
3. T?o irrigation ~~v7th potable OWASA ~~rater shall be pc:r~nitted, except ~-ia hand
held hoses or «=atering cans. Such irrigation steal l not occur more than. three days
each week, according to the schedule peescribed in III.A.I .a of these Rules ~u7d
Standards; shall. be applied to non-turf plant n~.aterial only; and shall be limited to
a maximum of one-half inch of water per ~v-eel:.
~. OVi'ASA supplied potable. e=ater may not. be used for a~~v other. outdoor purposes,
except for emez-gency fire suppression car other activities necessary to maintain.
public health, safety, or welfare.
:~. 1`o bulk sale of potable O1~v'~15.:'~ ti~-ater ~~-i11 be allo~i-cd eYCept for p~u-poses
necess~rry to maintain public health, safety, or «=elfare.
fi. loo OWASA-supplied potable water may be used for washing any vehicles.
'7. Igo OtW~'~SA-supplied potable «~ater may be used for pressure washing buildin<~
exteriors.
8. ~'o O~~'ASA-supplied potable water 7~~ay be used for the flushing or pressure
testing of ne«= distribution lines unless that water is returned to the O~~%ASe1
v~=ater supply system through. methods approved by (:>~~%~~SA. This restriction
shall not apply to the testing of in-building f ~•e control sprinkler systems.
9. No OttiASA-supplied potable water shall be used for filling or re-filling emptti•
http://www.owasa.org/pages/2003consord.asp 5/29/2003
OWASA -Draft Water Conservation Rules and Standards Page 11 of 11
swimming Dols or for to in~~ coif operating s~~•in~n~.ii~g pools. ~~
p pp
l f). No O~~'ASA-supplied potable water mat tie tESed :for i-ire depar°t~nent training or
equipment test~t~g.
1. ~,~'ater Su~Sply Err~ergency
lc~ the event that Ol~'ASA declares a ~~'ater S~rl~~ply E~~~~ergency, ()VJ:~S:~ shall so
advise the IVlayors tof Carrboro and Chapel Hill and the Chair of tl~e Orange C.`tiunty
Board of Commissioners anal shall request tl~e issuance of a Proclamation of a Water
`~upp.ly Emergency°. In addition to those applicable mea.sure~, listed above fc}r a 4ta~~e
't'hree Water Shortage, the foilo~~ing actions shell be i.al~.en. upon C?l?t-':a.SA's dcclaratic~n
of a ~A~'ater Supply Fmergency:
1. 1~'o O~~'ASA-supplied potable water may be used for ,:tny oE~tdoor p~~il}oses other
than emergency fire suppression. or other aeti~-hies ne~.essary to maintain public
health, safety, or welfare.
?. The use of OWASA-supplied potable ~-~ ~~ter for heatiE,~~ a~3d,~or coolie{~ l:~urf+oses
shall be reduced in all but the most esse~~tial facilities to tl~e extent allo~~--able in
consideration of indoor air qualit}• sta«d~u~ds; «-eatf•~er conditions, ~a~d health Fund
safety requirements.
3. Vi%ater service may be discc7nti~~ued or .reduced i.o desi;gnated users or in.
designated portions of the C3WASi~ service al•ea in order to preserve the
availability of ~h•ater for essential. public health and safety= requirements, such as
fire protection, hospitals, clinics, and otter critical community needs.
http://www.owasa.org/pages/2003consord.asp 5/29/2003
~~
Orange Water and Sewer Authority
Response to Comments Received During Ja les and St ndards t
Meeting About Proposed Conservation Ru
Irrication Issues
Comment: Several suggestions were made for greater restrictions (and an exception for
public playing fields) on the use of OWASA water for spray irrigation.
Response: OWASA supports the irrigation restrictions as drafted, but recommends that
total residential water use under a Stage 2 and Stage 3 shortage be limited to an average
of 800 and 600 gallons per day, respectively, which is expected to help moderate the use
of potable water for outdoor irrigation. Additionally, OWASA's proposed standards
(February 19, 2003 version} include additional encouragement of water efficient
landscaping, irrigation, and rainwater harvesting.
Bich Water Use By Individual Customers
Comment: How would OWASA enforce usage limits?
Response: In general, usage limits would be monitored through OWASA's billing
system. If, after due process (actual procedures have not yet been established), excessive
usage were to continue, the customer's water service would be turned off. OWASA
plans to implement a special Water Shortage Fee Surcharge that would substantially
increase the cost of water during a declaredthSe wager Conservation Standards, OoWASA
any such occurrences. For infractions of
would contact the customers and ask for their cooperation, and would seek assistance
from local law enforcement only if needed.
Comment: OWASA should set very high rates or fines for customers who exceed
established limits.
Response: As noted above, OWASA will implement a special "excess use" or rate
surcharge to be applied during decl efi~i water use b getheOTov ns and County may do so
legal authority to levy fines for wart
if they choose.
Comment: How were the proposed consumption blocks for the residential inverted block
rates determined?
Response: These were based on the observed average consumption of 6,000 gallons per
month by OWASA's residential 2002 more Bhan 600 res ~ntial acusoomers u~.sed more
declared Water Shortage of July >
than 30, 000 gallons of water.
Orange Water and Sewer Authority f
Response to Comments from the January 16, 2003 Joint Meeting
Page 3 of 3
Comment: Customers need to understand OWASA's trigger points for water shortages.
Cane these triggers be further defined?
Response: Yes. OWASA has developed a clearer defuution and example of the shortage
triggers and will provide these to the Towns and County when it transmits the new
conservation standards for local consideration.
Comment: How would OWASA handle water rationing during an emergency?
Response: Water service could be temporarily valved offto certain portions of
OWASA's distribution system in order to maintain pressure and flow to the most critical
areas, such as the LJNC Hospitals. But, as reported during the January 16, 2003 joint
meeting, these details haven't been developed.
Comment: Greater conservation may result in higher water rates -this needs to be
"squared" with the public.
Response: Certain OWASA-sponsored conservation options that are still being
evaluated, such as a toilet rebate program, water audits, etc., may indeed require
additional funding, which could affect OWASA's annual operating budget; but,
successful conservation efforts may also reduce long-term capital expenditures by
slowing the rate of growth in water demand and associated facilities. These effects will
be explored in further detail as OWASA budgets are developed in the coming yeazs.
Comment: How does "purchased water" fit into OWASA's plans?
Response: OWASA has agreements in place to buy from or sell water during
emergencies to Durham, Hillsborough, and Chatham County when such water is
available, but these agreements do not guarantee the provision of water during periods of
prolonged drought or water shortage. OWASA's future water supply plans may include a
partnership with Durham and/or Chatham County in which such guazantees might be
provided under. appropriate conditions and compensation.
1
Reservoir Drawdown Frequency and Sample Trigger Levels
Number of times (or percent of years) during the 77-year streamflow record in which reservoir
storage would have declined to 20% or less during the following 18 months.
Water Remaining in University Lake and Cane Creek Reservoirs
X 100% 95% 90% 85% 80% 75°lro 70% 65% 60% 55% 50°l0 45% 40% 35°h 30% 25%
IAG 3358 3190 3022 2854 2686 2519 2351 2183 2015 1847 1679 1511 1343 1175 1007 839
.~._
2002 Reservoir Levels = Highlighted Gells
Each cell of the table contains an integer and a percentage, which represent the probability that reservoir levels
will decline to 20 percent or Less of full capacity during the following 18 months. These were calculated from
spreadsheet model runs of 77+ years of daily streamflow data, updated through January 2003, and driven by
initial reservoir storage volume at the beginning of any given month and water demand. These calculations
assumed an average annual raw water demand of 9.15 mgd (adjusted by observed monthly ratios}, which
was OWASA's average day demand during CY 2001 (i.e., before the drought), and after adjustment for the 10
percent process water recycle.
Each row of the table corresponds to a month, and each column corresponds to a reservoir storage level at the
beginning of that month. Storage is subdivided into increments of 5% and is also expressed as million gallons
(MG).
Colors indicate the corresponding conservation and risk levels proposed for each condition. One cell in each row
is highlighted in black, representing actual reservoir storage conditions at the beginning of that month during
2002.
NORM ADV #1 #2 #3 EMRG
Conservation Stages and _
_ o-,x a-sx s-r~%
Risk Levels
~~
ExISTING WATER G'ONSERV'ATIQN ORDINANCE SUMMARY
Sear Round
Conservation ti~'ater Supply
Advisory Stage'One
Shortage 'Stage T~~o
Shortage ' Stage Three
Shortage ' Water'Supply
'Emergency
Moisture [No Advisory Triggered at 125 Triggered at 75 days [No Stage Three in Triggered by
sensors required Stage in days of available of available supply existing ordinance] OWASA's
on all newly existing supply, or by or by OWASA's determination
installed ordinance] OWASA's judgment due to
irrigation judgment ~ conditions (no
systems ~ All irrigation limited numerical
All irrigation to 1 day/week trigger)
limited to 3 between dusk and
days/week dawn No OWASA
between dusk and ~ supplied potable
dawn All irrigation limited water for any
to '/Z inch per week outdoor
All irrigation ~ purposes other
limited to 1 inch No OWASA water than emergency
per week for cleaning or fire suppression
washing exterior
No OWASA water building surfaces or Institutional
for cleaning or paved areas customers to
washing exterior (impervious reduce heating/
building surfaces surfaces) cooling load
or paved areas ~ demand in all
(impervious Restaurants to serve but the most
surfaces) water only upon essential
-- request facilities to the
Restaurants to ~ maximum extent
serve water only No OWASA water allowable
upon request to refill ornamental
-- fountains, ponds, and Water service
Institutional like devices may be
customers to ~ discontinued or
reduce heating/ No filling, refilling, reduced to
cooling load or topping off designated users
demand from swimming pools or in designated
lower priority except to the portions of the
facilities minimum essential OWASA service
for operation area. in order to
preserve the
availability of
water for
essential public
health and safety
requirements,
such as fire
protection,
hospitals,
clinics, and other
critical
community
needs
#11
1
~ ~~
PROPOSED WATER CONSERVATION ORDINANCE SUMMARY -APRIL, 2003
Spray Irrigation
limited to 3
days/week,
between 8 PM
and 9 AM
All irrigation
limited to 1 inch
per week
Automatic
controllers and
moisture sensors
required on all
irrigation
systems
Shut-off nozzles
required on all
hoses
Wasteful water
use prohibited
Leaks must be
repaired within
10 days
Use of reclaimed
or harvested
water strongly
encouraged
Restaurants to
serve water only
on request
Hotels to change
bed linens only
on request
Dishwashers and
clothes washers
to be operated
with full loads
only
Use of water
saving fixtures
strongly
encouraged
Public alert
about potential
shortage;
notice that
water use
restrictions
may be
imposed in the
near future
No mandatory
water use
restrictions
Qther than
year- round
requirements
already in
place
Targeted
conservation
education and
awazeness
campaign
Spray Irrigation
limited to 1
day/week,
between 8 PM and
9AM
All irrigation
limited to'/z inch
~ per week
Imgation by
underground, drip
irrigation, soaker
hose§, or hand -
heldhoses or
watering cans may
occur at any time
or frequency, but
limited to %z inch
per week
No OWASA water
to refill
omamental
fountains, ponds
and like devices
No OWASA water
for routine
cleaning of paved
surfaces such as
sidewalks and
roadways.
Restrictions do not
apply to pressure
cleaning of
exterior building
surfaces
Water use by
residential
customers limited
to 1,000 gallons
Paz ~Y
No Spray Irrigation,
except by persons
regularly engaged in
the sale of plants
Irrigation by
underground, drip
emitters, soaker
hoses, or hand- held
hoses or watering
cans may occur at
any time or
frequency, but
limited to %z inch per
week
No OWASA water
to refill ornamental
fountains, ponds, etc.
No vehicle washing,
except at commercial
or institutional car
washes in which
50% of water has
been recycled
No OWASA water
for filling or refilling
empty swimming
pools. Operating
swimming pools
may be topped off:
No OWASA water
for cleaning or
washing exterior
building surfaces or
paved areas.
Pressure washing of
buildings prior to
painting is allowed
Residential use
limited to 800
gallons per day
No irrigation,
except with hand-
held hoses or
watering cans,
limited to 3 days
per week, no more
than %i inch per
week
No outdoor use,
except for
emergency fire
suppression or
other activities
necessaryto
maintain public
health, safety or
welfare
No OWASA water
to refill ornamental
fountains, ponds,
etc.
No washing of
vehicles
No pressure
cleaning of
building exteriors
No OWASA water
for flushing or
pressure testing
new lines unless
water is recycled
No filling, refilling,
or topping off
operating
swimnung pools
Water for heating
and cooling to be
reduced to the
maximum extent
allowable
Residential use
limited to 600
gallons per day
No OWASA-
supplied potable
water for any
outdoor
purposes other
than emergency
fire suppression
or other
activities
necessaryto
maintain public
health, safety, or
welfaze
Water for
heating and
cooling to be
reduced to the
maximum extent
allowable
Water service
may be
discontinued or
reduced to
designated users
or in designated
portions of the
OWASA service
area in order to
preserve the
availability of
water for
essential public
health and safety
requirements,
such as fire
protection,
hospitals,
clinics, and other
critical
community
needs
~a
A REVISED INTERIM ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE YEAR ROUND
CONSERVATION OF WATER AND FOR TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS DURING
WATER SHORTAGES AND EMERGENCIES RELATED TO ALL ORANGE WATER
AND SEWER AUTHORITY CUSTOMERS LOCATED IN TH)H; UNINCORPORATED
PART OF ORANGE COUNTY.
Article I -Purpose and Definitions
I. A. Purpose
The purpose of this Ordinance is to:
Reduce the rate of increase in overall water use through year-round water conservation
practices that will help maximize the community's existi ng and planned water supply
sources and help reduce seasonal peak day demands that result in the need for costly
expansion of water treatment, storage, and transmission facilities. Such year-round
practices shall include:
a. Reducing indoor water waste by encouraging the installation and maintenance of
ultra-low flow toilets, faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads and similar
devices, as well as other creative and commonsense indoor conservation
practices.
b. Reducing irrigation and irrigation-related water waste without sacrificing
landscape quality through the cultivation of lower water use plants; improved
landscape design and planting practices; more efficient watering practices; and
improved irrigation system design and maintenance.
c. Increasing the use of reclaimed wastewater and stormwater for irrigation and
other uses that do not require water of potable quality.
2. Provide an orderly process for reducing community-wide water demands during periods
of drought or other naturally occurring causes of water shortages; and
Provide an orderly process for reducing community-wide water demands during periods
of water shortages due to natural disaster (other than drought), major OWASA facilities
failure, or other unexpected and sudden loss of water supply, treatment, or distribution
capacity that constitutes a water supply emergency.
I. B. Definitions
The following definitions shall apply to this Ordinance unless the context clearly indicates or
requires a different meaning.
a~
AUTOMATIC CONTROLLER. A mechanical or electronic device capable of
operating an irrigation system and its component valve stations according to a pre-
determined schedule of irrigation frequency and duration.
CISTERN. A tank or container, typically located underground, for the storage and
subsequent reuse of rainwater collected from rooftops or other impervious surfaces that
would have otherwise evaporated or drained off the premises.
DRIP IRRIGATION. The application of irrigation water through drip emitter devices at
low pressure, volume, and velocity near or at ground level in order to minimize runoff
and evaporative losses. Drip irrigation emitters are typically used for irrigating non-
turf vegetation and release water in the range of 0.04 to 0.40 gallons per minute.
EVEN-NUMBERED PROPERTIES. Properties with street addresses that end in even-
numbered digits, or other properties so designated for the purposes of these Standards
through special arrangements with OWASA.
GRAYWATER. Domestic wastewater collected from household fixtures and
appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, showers, sinks, and bathtubs, but
not from toilets or urinals. Grawater may only be reused in accordance with practices
approved by public health authorities.
HAND WATERING. The application of water for irrigation purposes through a hand-
held hose or watering container.
HARVESTED WATER. Precipitation or irrigation runoff collected, stored and
available for reuse for irrigation purposes.
IRRIGATION SYSTEM. Any permanently installed system of pipes, hoses, or other
conveyance devices and appurtenances that provides water to living plant material
through spray heads or other emission devices located at, above, or below the ground
surface. For the purposes of these Standards, a sprinkler, soaker hose, or other device
connected to its water source via a moveable above-ground garden hose is not
considered to be an irrigation system.
LANDSCAPE AREA. That portion of a parcel that contains turf or non-turf
vegetation.
LOW-PRECIPITATION BUBBLER. An irrigation head which typically operates
within six inches of ground level and delivers water at a rate of less than 0.45 gallons
per minute within a radius of less than two feet of the head. Low-precipitation bubblers
are typically used for irrigating non-turf vegetation.
MICRO SPRAY. The application of irrigation water through small, low volume
sprayer heads in order to minimize runoff losses. Micro sprays are typically used for
2
irrigating non-turf vegetation. Individual micro spray heads typically operate less than
12 inches above ground level and typically deliver water in the range of 0.10 to 0.50
gallons per minute within a radius of five feet or less of the head.
MULCH. A protective covering of organic material, such as sawdust, wood chips,
compost, or other vegetative matter, spread on the ground to reduce evaporation and
increase water retention.
ODD-NUMBERED PROPERTIES. Properties with street addresses that end in odd-
numbered digits, or other properties so designated for the purposes of these
Standards through special arrangements with OWASA.
POTABLE WATER. Treated water provided by OWASA that is suitable for drinking,
cooking, and other domestic use. Water that is collected indoors in containers from
indoor faucets or spigots that would otherwise be discharged into drainpipes while a
user awaits the warming of the water for dishwashing, other washing, shaving, bathing,
or showering is not considered to be potable water for the purposes of these Standards.
PRECIPITATION RATE. The amount of water applied per unit of time, usually
expressed in inches per hour.
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY. The area of land owned or maintained by municipal,
county, or state government primarily for the use of the public for the movement of
people, goods, vehicles, or storm water. For the purposes of these Standards, the
public right-of--way shall include curbs, streets, sidewalks, and storm water drainage
inlets, but shall not include adjacent landscaped areas that may also be located within
the legally delineated public right-of--way.
RAIN BARREL: A tank or container, typically located on the ground beneath a roof
drainage system, that captures and stores rainwater for subsequent reuse.
RAW WATER. Water drawn from a reservoir or other water source before treatment.
RECLAIMED WATER. Highly treated effluent from a wastewater treatment plant that
can be safely used for such non-potable purposes as irrigation, heating/cooling, street
cleaning, dust control, firefighting, and other applications that. do not require water of
potable quality.
RUNOFF. Water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied.
Runoff occurs when water is applied too quickly (application rate exceeds infiltration
rate), particularly if there is a severe slope. These Standards do not apply to
stormwater runoff which is created by natural precipitation rather than human-caused or
applied water use.
3
SERVICE AREA. The geographic area in which OWASA provides or. is authorized to
provide water and/or sewer service.
SHUT-OFF NOZZLE. A device attached to the end of a hose that completely shuts off
the flow, even if left unattended.
SOAKER HOSE. A flexible hose designed to emit a trickle of water along its entire
length, either through numerous small-diameter (less than 1/3:2-inch) perforations or
through the permeable material of its composition.
SPRAY IRRIGATION. The application of water to landscaping by means of a device
that projects water through the air in the form of small particles or droplets.
SPRINKLER HEAD. A device that projects water through the air in the form of small
particles or droplets.
UNDERGROUND SYSTEM. An irrigation system with emitters installed beneath the
ground surface.
WATER WASTE. The non-beneficial use of OWASA potable water. Non-beneficial
uses include but are not restricted to:
a. Landscape water applied in such a manner, rate and/or quantity that it
overflows the landscaped area being watered and runs onto adjacent
property or public right-of--way; or landscape water applied during
periods of rainfall or when soil moisture is already adequate.
b. The use of water for washing vehicles, equipment, or hard surfaces,
such as parking lots, aprons, pads, driveways, or other surfaced areas, in
such quantities to flow onto adjacent property or the public right-of--way.
c. Water applied in sufficient quantity to cause ponding on impervious
surfaces.
d. Water lost through plumbing leaks that can be :readily identified and
corrected.
XERISCAPING. An approach to landscape design and maintenance that uses small
amounts of water but sustains a traditional look through the proper conditioning of soil,
the selection of appropriate drought-tolerant plants, generous use of mulch, efficient use
of water, and other proven techniques.
4
a~
Article II -Water Waste Prohibited
II. Water Waste Prohibited
No person, party, or entity shall use, cause, waste, or permit to be wasted any OWASA-
supplied potable water, in violation of the provisions of this Ordinance.
Article III -Year-Round Requirements
III. A. Exterior Use
1. The following outdoor or exterior use requirements shall apply to all customers using
OWASA-supplied potable water:
a. Spray irrigation shall not occur more than three days per week. Even-numbered
properties may be irrigated with spray systems only on Sundays, Wednesdays,
and/or Fridays. Odd-numbered properties may be irrigated with spray systems
only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and/or Saturdays. All spray irrigation shall occur
only between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. These restrictions shall not
apply to properties using underground, drip irrigation, micro spray, low
precipitation bubblers, hand watering, or where watering of containerized plants
and commercial plant stock in trade is maintained for resale.
b. Regardless of irrigation methods used, no more than one inch of water may be
applied to plant material in any given week.
c. All irrigation systems shall be equipped with automatic controllers that activate
the system according to a desired frequency and duration, and shall also be
equipped with rain or soil moisture sensors that will prevent irrigation during
periods of rainfall or when there is sufficient moisture in the ground for plant
health and survival.
d. All hoses used for hand watering, car washing, or other allowable outdoor uses
shall be equipped with shutoff nozzles.
e. No exterior use of OWASA-supplied potable water shall result in the flow of
water onto adjacent property or public right-of--way, and all irrigation systems
shall be designed and maintained to prevent to the extent practicable water from
flowing onto paved or other impervious surfaces.
f. Outdoor water leaks on property or facilities of OWASA customers must be
repaired within ten (10) days of discovery and notification by OWASA.
a~
2. The use of reclaimed or harvested water for outdoor uses is strongly encouraged.
OWASA shall periodically publicize methods of collecting and storing harvested water
in appropriate devices, such as rain barrels and cisterns; appropriate practices, such as
xeriscaping, drought tolerant landscaping and mulching; and shall otherwise educate its
customers on water conservation strategies and techniques.
3. Unless superceded by the declaration of a Water Supply Shortage or Emergency, the
year-round requirements of III. A.1. a and III . A .1. b above shall not apply to the
following:
a. Outdoor irrigation necessary for the establishment of newly sodded lawns and
landscaping within the first 30 days of planting, or watering of newly seeded
turf within the first six months of planting.
b. Irrigation necessary for one day only where treatment with an application of
chemicals requires immediate watering to preserve an existing landscape or to
establish a new landscape.
c. Water used to control dust or to compact soil when alternate methods are not
available.
d. Visually supervised operation of watering systems for short periods of time to
check system condition and effectiveness.
e. Water applied to prevent or abate health, safety, or accident hazards when
alternate methods are not available.
f. Water used for construction or maintenance activities where the application of
water is the appropriate methodology and where no other practical alternative
exists.
g. Water used for firefighting, firefighter training, fire hose testing, fire pumper
testing, and other emergency situation mitigation purposes.
III. B. Interior Use
The following indoor or interior use requirements shall apply to all customers using
OWASA-supplied potable water:
a. Restaurants and dining facilities shall serve water only on request of the
customer.
6
b. Hotels, motels, and other facilities providing sleeping accommodations shall
change bed linens only upon request of the customer, or upon customer
changeover, or every five days for long-term customers.
c. The operation of dishwashers and clothes washers only when loaded to their
maximum capacity, or at water level settings appropriate for the size of the load
being washed, shall be strongly encouraged.
d. The use of ultra-low flow toilets, tank dams, flow restrictors (aerators) and low-
flow showerheads, where not otherwise required, shall be strongly encouraged;
and additional indoor conservation practices - as well as devices -shall also be
encouraged.
e. Plumbing systems shall be properly maintained and repaired to prevent water
leaks.
f. Indoor water leaks on property or facilities of OWASA customers must be
repaired within ten (10) days of discovery and notification by OWASA.
2. Unless superceded by the declaration of a Water Supply Shortage or Emergency, the
year-round requirements of III.B.1. above shall not apply to the following:
a. Visually supervised operation and flushing of plumbing systems for short
periods of time to check system condition and effectiveness.
b. Water applied to prevent or abate health, safety, or accident hazards when
alternate methods are not available.
c. Water used for construction or maintenance activities where the application of
water is the appropriate methodology and where no other practical alternative
exists.
3. OWASA shall periodically publicize and otherwise educate its customers on additional
methods to conserve the interior use of water.
Article IV -Determination of a Water Supply Shortage or Emergency
IV.A. Drought Condition Shortage
OWASA shall base its determination of existing or potential water shortage conditions on its
analysis of reservoir levels, streamflow, existing and anticipated demand, availability of
supplemental supplies, as well as other elements of reasonable professional judgment and
management. The determination of drought shortage conditions shall be guided by periodic
7
estimates of the risk (i.e., probability) that water stored in OWASA's reservoir system will
decline to unacceptably low levels within the foreseeable future. Until improved or alternative
criteria are developed, such guidance shall be based on a five percent or greater risk that total
reservoir storage will decline to 20 percent or less of total storage capacity within an 18 month
period. This guidance shall apply to the initial declaration of a Water Supply Shortage or
Emergency and shall inform subsequent declarations of more or less severe Water Supply
Shortages or Emergencies.
IV. B. Water Treatment, Storage, or Distribution Capacity Shortage
In addition to conditions caused by drought, OWASA may declare a Water Supply Shortage or
Emergency whenever customer demand - as averaged over three consecutive days -exceed 85
percent of OWASA's capability of treating and delivering water. T'he stage and duration of
such a Water Supply Shortage or Emergency shall be guided by the degree to which customer
demands approach or exceed OWASA's capacity to meet those demands, and by the degree to
which conservation efforts successfully reduce short-term demands.
IV. C. Natural and Man-Made Disasters and Catastrophic Equipment and Plant Failure
Shortage
Any other circumstances, including service losses caused by equipment or facility failure,
human error, deliberate act, weather, or other natural disaster, which constrain OWASA's
water supply, treatment, or distribution capacity to less than that reasonably needed by its
customers, shall constitute a Water Supply Shortage up to and including a Water Supply
Emergency, requiring immediate action by OWASA.
Article V -Required Actions Under Water Supply Shortage or Emergency
Conditions
In the event of a water supply shortage, OWASA shall, using its best professional judgment,
determine which of the following stages is the most appropriate response to the estimated level
of risk.
V. A. Water Supply Advisory
A Water Supply Advisory shall represent an alert to the public of a potential shortage and
notification that water use restrictions may be imposed if the water supply and/or demand
conditions do not improve in the near future. In the event of a declared Water Supply
Advisory:
8
No mandatory water use restrictions other than year-round requirements already in
place will be implemented.
2. OWASA shall make extensive use of media releases, advertising, and other reasonable
means of publicizing the water supply advisory and the need for immediate voluntary
conservation.
3. OWASA shall inform the Mayors of Carrboro and Chapel Hill and the Chair of the
Orange County Board of Commissioners of its declaration of a Water Supply Advisory.
V. B. Stage One (1) Water Shortage
In the event that OWASA declares a Stage One (1) Water Shortage, OWASA shall advise the
Mayors of Carrboro and Chapel Hill and the Chair of the Orange County Board of
Commissioners of its declaration and shall request that they issue Proclamations of Water
Supply Shortage. Under these circumstances, the Chair of the Orange County Board of
Commissioners is authorized to issue a proclamation invoking the provisions of this Ordinance
applicable to a Stage One (1) Water Shortage. Upon the issuance of such a proclamation by the
Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, the following actions shall be taken with
the goal of reducing overall water demand by ten (10) percent:
Water use by individually metered residential customer accounts and by individually
metered irrigation-only accounts shall be limited to no more than an average of one
thousand (1,000) gallons per day during any monthly billing cycle beginning after the
declaration of a Water Supply Shortage or Water Supply Emergency and ending while
such restrictions are still in effect.
2. Spray irrigation using OWASA-supplied potable water shall not occur more than one
day per week with a maximum of one-half inch of water applied to plant material in any
given week. Even-numbered properties shall be allowed to spray irrigate only on
Tuesdays; odd-numbered properties shall be allowed to spray irrigate only on
Thursdays. Spray irrigation shall occur only between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 9:00
a.m. These restrictions shall not apply to the watering of containerized plants and
commercial plant stock in trade.
3. Irrigation by underground, drip irrigation, micro spray, low precipitation bubblers,
soaker hose systems with automatic shutoffs, or by hand held hoses or watering cans
may occur at any time or frequency, but shall be limited to a maximum of one-half inch
of water applied to plant material in any given week.
4. No OWASA-supplied potable water may be used to re-fill ornamental fountains, ponds,
and like devices.
9
~/
5. No OWASA-supplied potable water may be used for the routine cleaning or washing of
paved areas, such as sidewalks, decks, driveways, roadways, or parking lots. This
restriction shall not apply to the pressure cleaning of exterior building surfaces.
V. C. Stage Two (2) Water Shortage
In the event that OWASA declares a Stage Two (2) Water Shortage, OWASA shall advise the
Mayors of Carrboro and Chapel Hill and the Chair of the Orange County Board of
Commissioners of its declaration and shall request that they issue Proclamations of Water
Supply Shortage, if not already issued. Under these circumstances, the Chair of the Orange
County Board of Commissioners is authorized to issue a proclamation invoking the provisions
of this Ordinance applicable to a Stage Two (2) Water Shortage. Upon the issuance of such a
proclamation by the Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, the following
actions shall be taken with the goal of reducing overall water demand by fifteen (15) percent:
1. Water use by individually metered residential customer accounts and by individually
metered irrigation-only accounts shall be limited to no more than an average of 800
gallons per day during any monthly billing cycle beginning after the declaration of a
Water Supply Shortage or Water Supply Emergency and ending while such restrictions
are still in effect.
2. Spray irrigation with OWASA-supplied potable water shall not be permitted, except by
persons regularly engaged in the sale of plants, who shall be allowed to irrigate their
commercial stock in trade.
3. Irrigation by underground, drip irrigation, micro spray, low precipitation bubblers,
soaker hose systems with automatic shutoffs, or by hand held hoses or watering cans
shall be limited to a maximum of one-half inch of water applied to plant material in any
given week.
4. No OWASA-supplied potable water shall be used to re-fill ornamental fountains,
ponds, and like devices.
5. No OWASA-supplied potable water shall be used for washing vehicles, except at
commercial or institutional car washes in which at least 50 percent of the water has
been recycled
6. No OWASA-supplied potable water shall be used for filling or re-filling empty
swimming pools. OWASA-supplied potable water may be used to top off operating
swimming pools.
7. No OWASA-supplied potable water shall be used for the routine cleaning or washing of
exterior building surfaces, decks, or paved areas, such as sidewalks, driveways,
roadways, and parking lots. This restriction shall not apply to the pressure cleaning of
10
3a
exterior building surfaces or decks prior to painting or re-painting that is necessary to
protect or maintain the physical integrity of the structure.
No OWASA-supplied potable water may be used for fire department training or
equipment testing unless required by State or Federal regulations.
V. D. Stage Three (3) Water Shortage
In the event that OWASA declares a Stage Three (3) Water Shortage, OWASA shall advise the
Mayors of Carrboro and Chapel Hill and the Chair of the Orange County Board of
Commissioners of its declaration and shall request that they issue Proclamations of Water
Supply Shortage, if not already issued. Under these circumstances, the Chair of the Orange
County Board of Commissioners is authorized to issue a proclamation invoking the provisions
of this Ordinance applicable to a Stage Three (3) Water Shortage. Upon the issuance of such a
proclamation by the Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, the following
actions shall be taken with the goal of reducing overall water demand by twenty (20) percent:
Water use by individually metered residential customer accounts and by individually
metered irrigation-only accounts shall be limited to no more than an average of 600
gallons per day during any monthly billing cycle beginning after the declaration of a
Water Supply Shortage or Water Supply Emergency and ending while such restrictions
are still in effect.
2. The use of OWASA-supplied potable water for heating and/or cooling purposes shall be
reduced in all but the most essential facilities to the extent allowable in consideration of
indoor air quality standards, weather conditions, and health and safety requirements.
3. No irrigation with OWASA-supplied potable water shall be permitted, except via hand
held hoses or watering cans. Such irrigation shall not occur more than three days each
week, according to the schedule prescribed in III.A.l.a of these Standards; shall be
applied to non-turf plant material only; and shall be limited to a maximum of one-half
inch of water per week.
4. OWASA-supplied potable water may not be used for any other outdoor purposes,
except for emergency fire suppression or other activities necessary to maintain public
health, safety, or welfare.
5. No bulk sale of potable OWASA water will be allowed except for purposes necessary
to maintain public health, safety, or welfare.
6. No OWASA-supplied potable water may be used for washing any vehicles.
7. No OWASA-supplied potable water may be used for pressure washing building
exteriors.
11
~~
8. No OWASA-supplied potable water may be used for the flushing or pressure testing of
new distribution lines unless that water is returned to the OWASA water supply system
through methods approved by OWASA. This restriction shall not apply to the testing
of in-building fire control sprinkler systems.
9. No OWASA-supplied potable water shall be used for filling or re-filling empty
swimming pools or for topping off operating swimming pools.
10. No OWASA-supplied potable water may be used for fire department training or
equipment testing.
V. E. Water Supply Emergency
In the event that OWASA declares a Water Supply Emergency, OWASA shall so advise the
Mayors of Carrboro and Chapel Hill and the Chair of the Orange County Board of
Commissioners and shall request that they issue a Proclamation of a Water Supply Emergency.
Under these circumstances, the Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners is
authorized to issue a proclamation invoking the provisions of this Ordinance applicable to a
Water Supply Emergency. Upon the issuance of such a proclamation by the Chair of the
Orange County Board of Commissioners, the following actions shall be taken in addition to
those applicable measures listed above for a Stage Three (3) Water Shortage:
1. No OWASA-supplied potable water may be used for any outdoor purposes other than
emergency fire suppression or other activities necessary to maintain public health,
safety, or welfare.
2. The use of OWASA-supplied potable water for heating and/or cooling purposes shall be
reduced in all but the most essential facilities to the extent allowable in consideration of
indoor air quality standards, weather conditions, and health and safety requirements.
3. Water service may be discontinued or reduced to designated users or in designated
portions of the OWASA service area in order to preserve the availability of water for
essential public health and safety requirements, such as fire protection, hospitals,
clinics, and other critical community needs.
Article VI -Penalties and Remedies
VI. Penalties and Remedies
A. A violation of any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall constitute a misdemeanor,
punishable as provided in G.S. 14-4.
B. A violation of any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall subject the offender to a civil
penalty oftwenty-five dollars for the first offense, fifty dollars for the second offense within a
thirty-day period, and one hundred dollars for the third or any additional offense that occurs
12
~~
within any thirty-day period. If a person fails to pay this penalty within ten days after being cited
for a violation, the County may seek to recover the penalty by filing a civil action in the nature of
debt.
C. The County may seek to enforce this Ordinance through any appropriate equitable action.
D. Each day that a violation continues after the offender has been notified of the violation
shall constitute a separate offense.
E. The County may seek to enforce this Ordinance by using any one or a combination of the
foregoing remedies.
Article VII - Severability
If any section, subdivision, clause, or provision of this Article shall be adjudged invalid, such
adjudication shall apply only to such section, subdivision, clause, or provision so adjudged, and
the remainder of this Article shall remain fully valid and effective.
Article VIII -Effect on Other Laws; Effective Date
VIII.A. Effect on Other Laws
1. AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CONSERVATION OF WATER DURING
A WATER SHORTAGE RESTRICTING THE USE OF WATER AND WATER
WITHDRAWALS, AND ALLOCATING AUGMENTED STREAMFLOW FROM
RESERVOIRS is, on the effective date of this Ordinance, suspended insofar as it relates to water
usage by OWASA customers, the water level of University Lake and any raw water supply
within Orange County used by OWASA other than the Upper Eno River.
2. AN INTERIM ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE YEAR-ROUND
CONSERVATION OF WATER AND FOR TEMPORARY RESTRI(:TIONS DURING
WATER SHORTAGES AND EMERGENCIES RELATED TO ALL ORANGE WATER AND
SEWER AUTHORITY CUSTOMERS LOCATED IN THE UNINCORPORATED PART OF
ORANGE COUNTY adopted and effective June 4, 2002 is repealed and the foregoing
provisions substituted in lieu thereof.
VIII.B. Effective Date
This Ordinance shall become effective upon adoption. Adopted this _ day of ,
2003.
Upon motion of Commissioner ,seconded by Commissioner ,
the foregoing Ordinance was adopted this the day of _, 2003.
Ayes:
13
Noes:
lsg:orangecounty\Conservation Ordinance Final.doc
35
14