Agenda - Council - 02/14/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASE #~::~ CONSIDER WATER CONSERVATION POLICY By: Leonard Linton, Civil Engineer Background: The City Council approved enforcement measures for ignoring the odd-even watering ban in 2004. The measures have been enforced since inception of the measures. The City will be applying for permits for Water Supply Wells #7 & #8 in 2006. The communication received when Well #6 was approved indicated conservation measures must be investigated and implemented. The enforcement measures approved to date are one component of conservation. The City is required to file a Water Emergency and Conservation Plan every 10 years, the first plan was filed in 1996. The plan renewal requires that conservation measures be in place or a detailed outline for implementing conservation be included. The City will be filing a new plan, the due date may be later than 2006 because the DNR is staggering the due date for plans to allow their stafftime to review the plans. State law requires that conservation measures be implemented before seeking approvals for new well construction. Suggested measures include modifying the rate structure to encourage conservation, adopting regulations, requiring rainfall sensors on irrigation systems, promoting use of water conserving fixtures and educating customers. The development agreements for multi-family and commercial buildings have required rain sensors for several years. The requirement should be extended to single family irrigation systems; however a permit is not required so the single family system plans are not reviewed. Measures suggested for new development include requiring 6" of topsoil under landscaping areas and promoting use of low water demand plants. The ordinance can include a definition of acceptable topsoil materials. Examples of informational materials are attached for your review. These materials can be incorporated in the Public Works section of the City website or links to the sources can be added. Brochures can be developed and made available at City Hall and articles can be written for the Ramsey Resident. The hydrant sign boards developed by Public Works are another avenue for reminding residents of the odd- even sprinkling ban. They are reversible for notification of hydrant flushing. Employees of other cities have observed the signs when driving through Ramsey and have inquired about the source of them. The materials researched indicated some electric and gas utilities offer rebate or incentive programs to encourage replacement of shower heads and faucets. The Connexus and CenterPoint Energy websites did not list any programs at this time. Staffhas learned that the DNR will be increasing the rate for water pumped in excess of the winter average rate. This fee will be applied to the peak pumping months; this fee is part of the State efforts to encourage conservation. The potential impact of this fee should be reviewed in the Finance Committee; the rate structure may need to be amended to provide an avenue for passing along this increased fee. Staff Recommendation: -338-