December 12
,
2024
Water
Conservation
Program
Updates
Proposed Updates
Highlights
• Set threshold of 400 gallons per hour in all water shortage stages • Two-week monitoring period
• Varying fine levels based on water shortage stage
• Pool drain and fill permits to be issued once every five years • Adds short-term exemptions
• Moratorium on exemptions in water shortage stages 3-5, with exceptions for public health and safety
• Reinstitute the use of water meter data for enforcement of water use restrictions (automated enforcement)
• Consolidation of the enforcement and appeal process within the FMC
Proposed Fine Schedule
Incident Number WSCP
Stage 1
WSCP
Stage 2
WSCP
Stage 3
WSCP
Stage 4
WSCP
Stage 5
First Incident Notice Notice Notice Notice Notice
Second Incident $25 $50 $75 $100 $125
Third Incident $50 $100 $150 $200 $250
Fourth Incident $100 $200 $300 $400 $500
Fifth or More Incident $100 $200 $300 $400 $500
Implementation
Customer Focus
• “FIX NOT FINE” Approach: Not to make money, but to change customer behavior to allow the City to comply with its mandates and goals
• Customer engagement and education
• Emphasis on available services, rebates, and customer tools Timeline
• January 2025 – Council adoption of ordinance
• February 1, 2025 – Begin sending Courtesy Notices for incidents • April 1, 2025 – 3-Day Outdoor Water Use Schedule
• April 1, 2025 – Notices and fines issued for incidents
Changes to Water Conservation Ordinance
General education about the adopted changes and upcoming customer implications
Progressive Implementation & Customer Education
Education about progressive implementation of automated enforcement, institution of fines, and appeal procedures Services and Rebates Available
Education and outreach to inform customers of water
conservation services and rebates available, including the grant- funded Smart Irrigation Controller Giveaway and Expanded Lawn to Garden Rebate Program
Eye On Water Application
Promotion of Eye On Water app as a tool to assist and educate customers on their water usage
Messaging Strategy