Sec. 34-318. - Bases of water use reduction measures and aquifer stage conditions.
Sec. 34-319. - Implementation of water use reduction measures and stages, generally.
Sec. 34-321. - Water advisory council to be organized.
Sec. 34-322. - Declaration and termination of stages I through IV.
Sec. 34-323. - Designated landscape irrigation times and days.
Sec. 34-324. - Implementation of additional water use reduction measures.
Sec. 34-325. - Termination of water use reduction measures, stages.
Secs. 34-326—34-331. - Reserved.
Sec. 34-332. - Specific water use reduction measures.
Sec. 34-334. - This division to prevail if conflict.
Secs. 34-335—34-350. - Reserved.
The drought management plan, including the water use reduction measures and associated implementation conditions set out therein, is hereby adopted and applicable throughout the San Antonio Water System water and waste water service area, including within the corporate limits of the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction. All San Antonio Water System water and/or waste water service customers shall comply with the provisions of this division.
(Ord. No. 2009-02-05-0089, § 1(Exh. A), 2-5-09)
Advanced plan means, submitted to and approved by SAWS, an irrigation schedule based on precipitation rates for irrigation systems that allows athletic fields to be irrigated more than one day a week.
Aesthetic use means the use of water for artificially created fountains, waterfalls, lakes, streams, rivers, lagoons, and ponds, where such use is primarily ornamental and serves no other functional purpose.
Agricultural irrigation means irrigation for the purpose of growing crops commercially for human consumption or to use as feed for livestock or poultry.
Athletic field means a sports playing field, the essential feature of which is turf grass, used primarily for organized sports for schools, professional sports, or sanctioned league play.
Base usage means the average monthly total water usage for the three (3) lowest months of November and December and the following January and February during each of the three (3) consecutive 12-month periods preceding the commencement of the user's use of water.
Basic plan means, submitted to and approved by SAWS, an irrigation schedule for athletic fields that allows each athletic field at a particular location to be irrigated one day a week.
Bucket means a deep, cylindrical container holding five (5) gallons or less, used singly by one person.
Certified vehicle wash facility means a vehicle wash facility that meets the requirements of SAWS certified vehicle wash program.
Computer controlled irrigation system (CCIS) means a system comprised of a computer controller (digital operating system), software, interface modules, satellite field controllers, soil sensors, weather station, or similar devices that is capable of achieving maximum efficiency and conservation in the application of water for irrigation. A CCIS, at a minimum, should be designed to:
(1)
Prevent over watering, flooding, pooling, evaporation and run-off, and
(2)
Prohibit sprinkler system from applying water at an rate exceeding the soil holding capacity of the land under irrigation.
Conforming means a golf course that has a CCIS in place and is utilizing the system to achieve maximum conservation and the goals of this division. Conforming facilities shall have a conservation plan approved and on file with SAWS.
Drip irrigation means an irrigation system (drip, porous pipe, etc.) that applies water at low-flow levels directly to the roots of the plant.
Drought, for the purposes of this division, is not intended to be limited to any meteorological definition of the term. "Drought" is intended to have broad meaning and refers to any condition, whether man-made or natural, where the available water supply or resources are not meeting the water demand, or if the water supply or resources are being depleted at a faster rate than they are being replenished.
Evapotranspiration rate (ET rate) means the rate which the combination of evaporation from soil surface and transpiration from vegetation will occur for specific climatic conditions.
Existing landscaping plant means a landscaping plant existing after such period of time as to accomplish an establishment and maintenance of growth.
Fountain means an artificially created jet or stream of water, a structure, often decorative, from which a jet or stream of water issues.
Golf course means an irrigated and landscaped playing area made up of greens, tees, fairways, roughs and related areas used for the playing of golf.
Hand-held hose means a hose physically held by one person, fitted with a manual or automatic shutoff nozzle.
Health care facility means any hospital, clinic, nursing home or other health care or medical research facility.
Hose-end sprinkler means a sprinkler that applies water to landscape plants that is piped through a flexible, movable hose.
Household use means the use of water, other than uses in the outdoor category, for personal needs or for household purposes, such as drinking, bathing, heating, cooking, sanitation or cleaning, whether the use occurs in a residence or in a commercial or industrial facility.
Industrial use means the use of water for or in connection with commercial or industrial activities, including manufacturing, bottling, brewing, food processing, scientific research and technology, recycling, production of concrete, asphalt, and cement, commercial uses of water for tourism, entertainment, and hotel or motel lodging, generation of power other than hydroelectric, and other business activities.
Irrigation suspension program (ISP) means a program administered by the Edwards Aquifer Authority pursuant to which agricultural irrigators within the Edwards Aquifer Authority's boundaries voluntarily agree to suspend some irrigation use of the underground water from the Edwards Aquifer in consideration for payments voluntarily funded by ISP participants.
Irrigation system, also referred to as an in-ground or permanent irrigation system, means a system with fixed pipes and emitters or heads the apply water to landscape plants.
Lake, lagoon or pond, for the purposes of this division, is an artificially created body of fresh or salt water.
Landscape watering means the application of water to grow or maintain landscaping plants, such as flowers, ground covers, turf or grasses (other than golf courses or athletic fields), shrubs, and trees, but for purposes of this division does not include essential use without waste of water by a commercial nursery to the extent the water is used for production rather than decorative landscaping.
Landscaping plant means any member of the kingdom plantae, including any tree, shrub, vine, herb, flower, succulent, groundcover or grass species, that grows or has been planted out-of-doors.
Livestock means cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, poultry, horses, and game, domestic, exotic and other animals and birds, including zoo animals, used for commercial or personal purposes.
Livestock use means the use of water for drinking by or washing of livestock.
Maintenance level means the level of water in a swimming pool required for proper operation of circulation and filter equipment for the swimming pool.
msl means elevation above mean sea level.
Mulch means any material such as bark, leaves, straw or other materials left loose and applied to the soil surface to reduce evaporation.
New landscape means any contiguous area where new landscape plant(s) are installed where no other planted plants currently exists. A new plant(s) added to an existing landscape is not considered a new landscape for the purposes of an establishment variance.
New landscaping plant means any plant or seed planted in or transplanted to an area within such period of time as to accomplish a reasonable establishment and maintenance of growth. Application of gross seed to an existing stand of grass or turf is not considered new landscaping for the purposes of this chapter.
Non-conforming means a golf course that is not conforming. Non-conforming golf courses must follow the reduction measures and guidelines set forth in section 34-332.
Organic material means organic substances in differing stages of decay.
Other outdoor use means the use of water outdoors for the maintenance, cleaning and washing of structure and mobile equipment, including automobiles and boats, or the washing of streets, driveways, sidewalks, patios and other similar areas.
Park means a tract of land, other than a golf course, maintained by a city, private organization, or individual, as a place of beauty or public recreation.
Pervious surface means any ground surface which can absorb water or other liquids.
Power production use means the use of water for steam generation and the use of water for cooling and for replenishment of cooling reservoirs.
Precipitation rate means the speed at which a sprinkler or irrigation system applies water. Precipitation rates are measured in inches per hour or inches per minute.
Private residential swimming pool. See "Swimming pool."
Property address means the street address of a property, unless multiple street addresses are served by a single meter, in which case the mailing address will be used.
Public means municipally-owned or operated facilities.
Public swimming pool. See "Swimming pool."
River, stream or brook, for the purposes of this division 4, means an artificially created flow of water in a channel or bed, as a brook, rivulet or small river.
SAWS means the San Antonio Water System.
Soaker hose means a flexible hose that is designed to slowly emit water across the entire length based on water pressure, and connect directly to a flexible hose or spigot. Does not include hose that by design or use send a fine spray in the air.
Soil holding capacity means the amount of moisture in the soil that can occur without becoming saturated.
Sprinkler means an emitter that applies water to the landscape plants in a stream or spray that travels through the air. Sprinkler irrigation can be applied by an irrigation system or hose-end sprayer or a hose that sprays water in the air.
Swimming pool means any structure, basin, chamber, or tank including hot tubs, containing an artificial body of water for swimming, diving, or recreational bathing, and having a depth of two (2) feet or more at any point.
Private residential swimming pool means any swimming pool located on private property under the control of the homeowner, the use of which is limited to swimming or bathing by the homeowner's family or invited guests.
Public swimming pool means any swimming pool, other than a private residential swimming pool, intended to be used collectively by persons for swimming or bathing, operated by any person as defined herein, whether owner, lessee, operator, licensee, or concessionaire, regardless of whether a fee is charged for such use. The term includes, but is not limited to, apartment community pools, condominium association pools and community association pools.
TDS means total dissolved solids.
Trigger level means the mean sea level of the Edwards Aquifer as indicated by the J-17 index well.
Turf means a surface layer of earth containing mowed grass with roots.
Vehicle wash facility means a place or business intended for the sole purpose of washing cars and/or other motor vehicles. Such establishments shall utilize self service, rollover in-bay or conveyor washing technology with catchments' systems and oil-water separators that are intended to treat wastewater prior to entering the sanitary sewer. Such systems shall be designed and maintained to prevent runoff into streets, storm drains and/or local creeks and tributaries.
Vegetable garden means any non-commercial vegetable garden planted primarily for household use; "non-commercial" includes incidental direct selling of produce from such a vegetable garden to the public.
Water conservation plan means the water conservation plan must include proof of irrigation efficiency of sixty (60) percent or greater and demonstrate specific measures to be taken to reduce consumption to meet the reduction goal established for each stage I, II, III, and IV. A plan should also include precipitation rates and irrigation schedules with run times. SAWS may, on a case by case basis, waive the requirements for irrigation efficiency and/or submission of a water conservation plan.
Waterfall, for the purposes of this division, means an artificially created steep descent of water from a height, cascade.
Water utility use means water used for withdrawal, treatment, remediation, transmission and distribution by potable water system.
Watering day means a day designated for landscape watering limited to the standard 24-hour period of 12:00 a.m. to midnight. Thus, if it is stage I and Wednesday is a designated watering day, the period of time referenced is Wednesday morning between midnight to 10:00 a.m., and Wednesday evening between 8:00 p.m. and midnight.
Zonal irrigation system means an irrigation system which segregates by station areas of shrubs, ground cover, bedding plants, and turf to accommodate a diversity of watering requirements.
(Ord. No. 2009-02-05-0089, § 1(Exh. A), 2-5-09)
Sec. 34-318. - Bases of water use reduction measures and aquifer stage conditions.
The water use reduction measures shall be based on the aquifer stage conditions or other condition considerations specified in section 34-319. The aquifer stage conditions shall be based on the Edwards Aquifer water levels in well AY-68-37-203 in the city (also known as "Dodd Field Test Well" or "J-17") as set out in section 34-322, or on aquifer water quality or other aquifer, seasonal or weather conditions not based on water levels in J-17 (set out in section 34-324).
(Ord. No. 2009-02-05-0089, § 1(Exh. A), 2-5-09)
Sec. 34-319. - Implementation of water use reduction measures and stages, generally.
When the aquifer falls to six hundred sixty-five (665) feet above msl, city and SAWS staff shall begin preparations for public awareness, education and enforcement of the respective stage provisions. Stage I water use reduction measures shall be declared to be in effect when the aquifer level in the index well J-17 falls to six hundred sixty (660) feet above msl. Stage II water use reduction measures shall be declared to be in effect when the aquifer level in the index well J-17 falls to six hundred fifty (650) feet above msl. Subsequent stages of the water use reduction measures shall be automatically implemented when the conditions set out in sections 34-322 and 34-324 are met, including a condition that if the total supply of water from the Edwards Aquifer and other available sources is insufficient to meet customer demand, while complying with applicable regulations governing water supply withdrawals. The determination whether SAWS is able to comply with the applicable regulations governing water supply withdrawals shall be based upon consideration of pumping trends, seasonal adjustments and current and forecast precipitation. After a monitoring period of thirty (30) days and due consideration of all of the above described conditions, the city manager, or designee, in consultation with SAWS president/CEO or designee, may declare later stages of drought or delay a later stage of drought. Specific water use reduction measures are set out in section 34-332 and shall cover the categories of regulated uses, applicable stages and corresponding required water use reduction measures.
(Ord. No. 2009-02-05-0089, § 1(Exh. A), 2-5-09)
(a)
The city manager, in consultation with SAWS, is hereby authorized to declare that each "trigger level" or other condition has been reached as described in section 34-322 (table I) and that the water use reduction measures and each respective stage are in effect.
(b)
Notices of the implementation and termination of the water use reduction measures and each of the various stages, as appropriate, shall be publicly announced and published in a daily newspaper for a minimum of one day. The implementation or termination of the measures and each of the stages shall become effective immediately upon publication of the respective notice.
(Ord. No. 2009-02-05-0089, § 1(Exh. A), 2-5-09)
Sec. 34-321. - Water advisory council to be organized.
When the water use reduction measures are declared to be in effect, a water advisory council, composed of water purveyors and other interested jurisdictions, shall meet. This group shall provide a forum for information exchange and cooperation to ensure that the aquifer management plan is understood and equitably implemented.
(Ord. No. 2009-02-05-0089, § 1(Exh. A), 2-5-09)
Sec. 34-322. - Declaration and termination of stages I through IV.
Declaration and termination of stages I through IV shall occur according to the following schedule:
Table I
| Stage | Conditions for Declaration | Conditions for Termination |
| I | When the Edwards Aquifer level in the index well J-17 falls to six hundred sixty (660) feet above msl. | When the Edwards Aquifer levels remain above six hundred sixty (660) ms1. for thirty (30) consecutive days and it is determine conditions warrant termination of the measures (Sec. 34-325). |
| II | When the Edwards Aquifer level in the index well J-17 falls to six hundred fifty (650) feet above msl. | When the Edwards Aquifer levels remain above six hundred fifty (650) msl. for thirty (30) consecutive days and it is determine
conditions warrant termination of the measures (Sec. 34-325). Conditions will determine if all restrictions are terminated or if a previous less restrictive stage will apply. |
| III | A. When the Edwards Aquifer level in the index well J-17 falls to six hundred forty (640) feet above msl. | When the Edwards Aquifer levels remain above six hundred forty (640) msl. for thirty (30) consecutive days and it is determine conditions warrant termination of the measures. Conditions will determine if all restrictions are terminated or if a previous less restrictive stage will apply (Sec. 34-325). |
| B. The total supply of water from the Edwards Aquifer and other available sources is insufficient to meet customer demand while complying with applicable regulations governing water supply withdrawals. | ||
| IV | After a 30-day monitoring period once stage III is declared, the total supply of water from the Edwards Aquifer and other available sources is insufficient to meet customer demand while complying with applicable regulations governing water supply withdrawals. | When the Edwards Aquifer levels remain above six hundred forty (640) msl. for thirty (30) consecutive days and it is determine conditions warrant termination of the measures. Conditions will determine if all restrictions are terminated or if a previous less restrictive stage will apply (Sec. 34-325). |
(Ord. No. 2009-02-05-0089, § 1(Exh. A), 2-5-09)
Sec. 34-323. - Designated landscape irrigation times and days.
During any period when stage restrictions have been declared to be in effect, irrigation with a sprinkler or irrigation system of existing landscape on any property (other than golf courses and athletic fields, the restrictions for which are set out in section 34-332) may occur only on certain designated days and at certain times, as follows:
(1)
For stage I, II, III, and IV the landscape irrigation days for residential and commercial properties will be according to the street address and according to the following schedule. If the last digit of the street address ends in:
0 or 1 the irrigation day is Monday,
2 or 3 the irrigation day is Tuesday,
4 or 5 the irrigation day is Wednesday,
6 or 7 the irrigation day is Thursday,
8 or 9 the irrigation day is Friday.
If there is no street address associated with the property such as a parkway or if there is more than one street address associated with a single contiguous property the irrigation day is Wednesday.
(2)
For stage I the following times and associated irrigation methods apply: Irrigation with a hose-end sprinkler or in-ground irrigation system is allowed on the day specified in subsection (1) between the hours of 12:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to midnight. Landscape irrigation with a soaker hose, handheld hose, drip irrigation system or five-gallon bucket is allowed at any time on any day.
(3)
For stage II the following times and associated irrigation methods apply: Irrigation with a soaker hose, hose-end sprinkler or in-ground irrigation system is allowed on the day specified in subsection (1) between the hours of 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Landscape irrigation with a drip irrigation system or five-gallon bucket is allowed during stage II hours on any day. Landscape irrigation with a handheld hose is allowed at any time on any day.
(4)
For stage III, the following times and associated irrigation methods apply: Irrigation with a soaker hose, hose-end sprinkler or in-ground irrigation system is allowed on the day specified in subsection (1) every other week beginning on the second Monday after the stage III has been declared, between the hours of 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Landscape irrigation with a drip irrigation system or five-gallon bucket is allowed on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during stage III hours. Landscape irrigation with a handheld hose is allowed at any time on any day.
(5)
For stage IV, stage III landscape irrigation restrictions remain in effect. In addition, a drought surcharge is assessed on all water accounts of SAWS, in accordance with section 34-128. Additional restrictions on water use may be established at the discretion of the city council.
(Ord. No. 2009-02-05-0089, § 1(Exh. A), 2-5-09)
Sec. 34-324. - Implementation of additional water use reduction measures.
(a)
Implementation of additional water use reduction measures may be based on consideration of aquifer water quality or on other aquifer, seasonal or weather conditions not based on water levels in J-17, or other conditions as determined by the city.
(b)
Whenever aquifer quality measures thirty (30) percent TDS above historical average and above the maximum TDS value for any public supply water well, the city manager or designee, in consultation with SAWS president/CEO or designee, shall establish appropriate additional measures to protect the aquifer.
(c)
Regardless of consideration of aquifer quality, whenever city council may determine that other aquifer, seasonal, or weather conditions not based on water levels in J-17 warrant, the city council may also declare the city impose additional restrictions for all water uses.
(d)
A prohibition of sprinkler irrigation may be declared by the city manager, in consultation with the city council, the San Antonio Water System's board of trustees and the Edwards Aquifer Authority's board of directors when the Edwards Aquifer Authority's board of directors have declared a prohibition of all sprinkler irrigation throughout the entire Edwards Aquifer region.
(Ord. No. 2009-02-05-0089, § 1(Exh. A), 2-5-09)
Sec. 34-325. - Termination of water use reduction measures, stages.
When the aquifer level at J-17 rises to six hundred sixty (660) feet msl during a period when the water use reduction measures have been declared in effect, the city manager, or his or her designee, in consultation with SAWS president/CEO, or designee, shall monitor consistency of aquifer levels for the next thirty (30) days to determine if conditions warrant termination of the measures, and such determination shall include consideration of pumpage trends, seasonal adjustments, and current and forecast precipitation unless conditions significantly change to warrant an earlier review for stage termination. After this monitoring period and due consideration of all of the above-described conditions, the city manager, or designee, in consultation with SAWS president/CEO, or designee, may declare the measures terminated.
Notice of the termination of the water use reduction measures and each of its various stages, as appropriate, shall be publicly announced and published in a daily newspaper for a minimum of one day. Termination of the measures and each of its stages shall become effective immediately upon publication of the respective notice.
(Ord. No. 2009-02-05-0089, § 1(Exh. A), 2-5-09)
Secs. 34-326—34-331. - Reserved.
_____
Sec. 34-332. - Specific water use reduction measures.
Specific water use reduction measures, their corresponding stages and scope are set out in table A stage I, table B stage II, table C stage III and table D stage IV, below.
Table A—Stage I Restrictions
| Stage | Measures For | Scope of Restrictions |
| I | Essential Services | Fire-fighting and medical uses—no restrictions. Reductions in fire hydrant and sewer line flushing encouraged. |
| I | Water Utility Use | Water utilities are encouraged to implement voluntary measures, such as improving leak detection surveys and repair programs and stabilizing and equalizing system pressure. |
| I | Power Production | Water used for power production shall be voluntarily reduced. |
| I | Military | Compliance with mandatory reduction measures for those uses in the outdoor, essential and utility categories. |
| I | Agriculture | Reduction of water use by any means available is encouraged. |
| I | Live Stock Use | Reduction of water use by any means available is encouraged. |
| I | Industrial, Commercial, and Other | A. Reduction of water use by any means available is encouraged. Compliance with the mandatory demand reduction measures is required for those uses in the outdoor category, including landscape watering, swimming pools, hot tubs and similar facilities, golf courses, aesthetic uses such as fountains; such restrictions specifically include industrial users, as well as all others. |
| B. Use of gray water, treated wastewater or reuse water, cooling tower blow down, condensate water is a defense to prosecution. Alternate on-site reclaimed sources may be approved through variance on a case by case basis. | ||
| C. If one hundred (100) percent use of gray water, treated wastewater or reuse water, condensate water, cooling tower blow will be used signs identifying this property as using recycled or reclaimed water source must be posted on site at a location where the general public can view it. | ||
| I | Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts | Hotels, motels, and B&B's encouraged to voluntarily offer the option of a no linen/towel change" program. |
| I | Households | Reduction of water use by any means available is encouraged. Compliance with the mandatory demand reduction measures shall be achieved for those uses in the outdoor category, such as landscape watering, swimming pools, hot tubs, pressure washing and similar facilities. |
| I | Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs | All swimming pools other than public swimming pools must be covered with an effective evaporation cover or screen or evaporation shields covering at least twenty-five (25) percent of the surface of the pool when the pool is not in active use. Active use includes necessary maintenance that requires removal of the cover, screen, or shields. Active use of public, commercial and apartment pools is whenever the pool is not officially closed. |
| I | Aesthetic Water Features | A. Outside and indoor prohibited. The one hundred (100) percent use of treated wastewater, condensate, or cooling tower blow down is defense to prosecution under this paragraph. Alternate on-site reclaimed sources may be approved through variance on a case-by-case basis. |
| B. If one hundred (100) percent use of gray water, treated wastewater or reuse water, condensate water, cooling tower blow will be used signs identifying this property as using recycled or reclaimed water source must be posted on site at a location where the general public can view it. | ||
| I | Pressure or Power Washing |
Use of water to wash any impervious outdoor ground covering, such as a parking lot, driveway, street or sidewalk, is prohibited. The washing of any impervious surfaces for immediate health and safety shall be a defense to prosecution under this paragraph. A variance from SAWS should be obtained for any washing of impervious surfaces. No run-off leading to a storm drain is allowed. Commercial pressure or power washers must be registered to work in the city (section 34-272.1). |
| I | Vehicle and Equipment Washing | A. Citizens are encouraged to wash their vehicles no more than twice a month. |
| B. Non-commercial washing of vehicles and mobile equipment (e.g., washing vehicle at a residence) is permitted only on assigned residential landscape sprinkling watering days before 10:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. (subsections 34-323(1)—(7)) with a pressure washer, hand-held hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle, or bucket of five (5) gallons or less, but is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. | ||
| C. Fleet managers are encouraged to only wash those vehicles as is necessary for health and safety. | ||
| D. Use of gray water, condensate water, cooling tower blow down treated wastewater or recycled water is a defense to prosecution and may be use to irrigate any day before 10:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. Alternate on-site reclaimed sources may be approved through variance for the SAWS Conservation Department on a case by case basis. | ||
| I | Landscape Irrigation for Existing Plants | A. Landscape watering using sprinkler or irrigation systems is permitted only on designated landscape watering days (subsection 34-323(1)). For stage I the following times and associated irrigation methods apply: Irrigation with a hose-end sprinkler or in-ground irrigation system is allowed on the day specified in subsection 34-323(1) between the hours of 12:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to midnight. Landscape irrigation with a soaker hose, handheld hose, drip irrigation system or five-gallon bucket is allowed at any time on any day. |
| B. A user may file with SAWS a request for an exception to the designated days and times. The request must include: (1) a statement indicating compelling reasons why the user is unable to meet the specific designated watering times and days; (2) a water conservation plan demonstrating a significant overall reduction of water use, and (3) evidence of having filed with SAWS the annual irrigation check up required for properties that are five (5) acres or more and have in-ground irrigation (section 34-273.2). The water conservation plan must also include proof of irrigation efficiency of sixty (60) percent or greater and demonstrate specific measures to be taken to reduce consumption to meet the reduction goal established for stage I, II, III, and IV. SAWS may, on a case by case basis, waive the requirements for irrigation efficiency and/or submission of a water conservation plan. Upon the approval of the water conservation plan as set forth herein, the user may be granted an exception. | ||
| C. The one hundred (100) percent use of gray water, treated wastewater or reuse water, condensate water, cooling tower blow down is a defense to prosecution and may be use to irrigate any day without waste. Alternate on-site reclaimed sources may be approved through variance from the SAWS Conservation Department on a case by case basis. | ||
| D. If one hundred (100) percent use of gray water, treated wastewater or reuse water, condensate water, cooling tower blow will be used during additional days or hours allowed in subsections 34-323(1)—(7) signs identifying this property as using recycled or reclaimed water source must be posted on site at a location where the general public can view it. | ||
| I | Landscape Irrigation for New Landscapes | A. Landscape watering permitted to maintain adequate growth until established on newly installed landscapes, generally three (3) weeks. Property owners should submit electronically on-line at www.saws.org to the SAWS Conservation Department their name, address where the new landscape is to be installed and the date of installation in order to receive a confirmation electronic email from SAWS. A copy of the confirmation must be posted at a place visible from the street at the property the variance was received at. Thereafter, landscape watering using sprinkler or irrigation systems for landscaping plants is permitted only on the day and times associated with the current stage in effect at the termination of the variance. |
| B. The one hundred (100) percent use of gray water, treated wastewater or reuse water, condensate water, cooling tower blow down is a defense to prosecution and may be use to irrigate any day without waste. Alternate on-site reclaimed sources may be approved through variance from the SAWS Conservation Department on a case by case basis. | ||
| C. If one hundred (100) percent use of gray water, treated wastewater or reuse water, condensate water, cooling tower blow will be used during additional days or hours allowed in subsections 34-323(1)—(7) signs identifying this property as using recycled or reclaimed water source must be posted on site at a location where the general public can view it. | ||
| I | Golf Courses | Golf Courses shall be required to submit a water conservation plan and shall have on file with SAWS the annual irrigation check up as described in section 34-273.2 and shall be defined as "conforming" or "non-conforming" and shall reduce water usage under the following terms: |
| A. All landscape out-of-play areas such as may be found around a club house or entryway shall follow general landscape irrigation restrictions (subsections 34-323(1)—(3)). | ||
| B. All in-play areas may be irrigated with a sprinkler or irrigation system between the hours of 12:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to midnight. | ||
| C. Conforming golf courses shall implement a ten (10) percent reduction in the replacement of daily evapotranspiration rate ("ET rate") or daily soil-holding capacity, achieved by use of an existing and properly operating CCIS (as defined) capable of achieving such water conservation goals. | ||
| D. A non-conforming golf course shall not use more than 1.8 times the base usage. If not separately metered an irrigation audit showing precipitation rates and run times along with a conservation plan shall be submitted and approved by SAWS for the purpose of establishing acceptable irrigation run times and days as approved by SAWS. | ||
| E. The one hundred (100) percent use of gray water, treated wastewater or reuse water, condensate water, cooling tower blow down is a defense to prosecution and may be use to irrigate any day without waste. Alternate on-site reclaimed sources may be approved through variance from the SAWS Conservation Department on a case by case basis. | ||
| F. If one hundred (100) percent use of gray water, treated wastewater or reuse water, condensate water, cooling tower blow will be used during additional days or hours allowed in subsections 34-323(1)—(5) signs identifying this property as using recycled or reclaimed water source must be posted on site at a location where the general public can view it. | ||
| I | Public Parks | A. Public park owner/operators shall be required to submit a water conservation plan and have on file with the SAWS Conservation Department an irrigation check up as required by section 34-273.2. |
| B. Public parks shall limit irrigation with an irrigation system to those days and times required by subsections 34-323(1)—(3). | ||
| C. The one hundred (100) percent use of gray water, treated wastewater or reuse water, condensate water, cooling tower blow down is a defense to prosecution and may be use to irrigate any day without waste. Alternate on-site reclaimed sources may be approved through variance from the SAWS Conservation Department on a case by case basis. | ||
| D. If one hundred (1000 percent use of gray water, treated wastewater or reuse water, condensate water, cooling tower blow will be used during additional days or hours allowed in subsections 34-323(1)—(3) signs identifying this property as using recycled or reclaimed water source must be posted on site at a location where the general public can view it. | ||
| I | Athletic Fields | A. An athletic field shall either irrigate according to a basic plan or an advance plan. Plans shall be on file and approved by SAWS in advance of use. The advanced plan showing precipitation rates and run times along with a conservation plan shall be submitted and approved by SAWS for the purpose of establishing acceptable irrigation run times and days as approved by SAWS. A basic plan outlines which day of the week (Monday—Friday) which athletic field would be irrigated. |
| B. All landscape out-of—play areas such as may be found around a club house or entryway shall follow general landscape irrigation restrictions (subsections 34-323(1)—(5)). |
Table B—Stage II Restrictions
| Stage | Measures For | Scope of Restrictions |
| II | In General | Stage I restrictions remain the same except as added to or replaced below. |
| II | Agriculture | The escape of irrigation tailwater, as that term is commonly used in the agricultural community, is prohibited. Water loss through percolation in transmission canals is prohibited. |
| II | Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts | Hotels, motels and B&B's must offer and clearly notify guests of a "no linen/towel change" program. |
| II | Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs | Filling of all new and existing swimming pools prohibited, unless at least thirty (30) percent of water obtained from a source other than Edwards Aquifer. Replenishing to maintenance level permitted. Draining permitted only onto pervious surface, or onto pool deck where the water is transmitted directly to a previous surface, only if: |
| 1. Draining excess water from pool due to rain in order to lower water to maintenance level; | ||
| 2. Repairing, maintaining or replacing pool component that has become hazardous; or | ||
| 3. Repairing pool leak | ||
| Refilling of public swimming pool permitted only if pool has been drained for the repairs, maintenance or replacement set out in items 2 or 3 above. | ||
| II | Landscape Irrigation for Existing Landscapes | Landscape watering using sprinkler or irrigation systems is permitted only on designated landscape watering days (subsection 34-323(1)). For stage II the following times and associated irrigation methods apply: Irrigation with a soaker hose, hose-end sprinkler or in-ground irrigation system is allowed on the day specified in subsection 34-323(1) between the hours of 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Landscape irrigation with a drip irrigation system or five-gallon bucket is allowed during stage II hours on any day. Landscape irrigation with a handheld hose is allowed at any time on any day. |
| II | Landscape Irrigation for New Landscapes | A. Landscape watering permitted to maintain adequate growth until established on newly installed landscapes, generally three (3) weeks. Property owners should submit electronically on-line at www.saws.org to the SAWS Conservation Department their name, address where the new landscape is to be installed and the date of installation in order to receive a confirmation electronic email from SAWS. A copy of the confirmation must be posted at a place visible from the street at the property the variance was received at. Thereafter, landscape watering using sprinkler or irrigation systems for landscaping plants is permitted only on the day and times associated with the current stage in effect at the termination of the variance. |
| B. The one hundred (100) percent use of gray water, treated wastewater or reuse water, condensate water, cooling tower blow down is a defense to prosecution and may be use to irrigate any day without waste. Alternate on-site reclaimed sources may be approved through variance from the SAWS Conservation Department on a case by case basis. | ||
| C. If one hundred (100) percent use of gray water, treated wastewater or reuse water, condensate water, cooling tower blow will be used during additional days or hours allowed in subsections 34-323(1)—(7) signs identifying this property as using recycled or reclaimed water source must be posted on site at a location where the general public can view it. | ||
| II | Golf Courses | Golf Courses shall be required to submit a water conservation plan and shall have on file with SAWS the annual irrigation check up as described in section 34-273.2 and shall be defined as "conforming" or "non-conforming" and shall reduce water usage under the following terms: |
| A. All landscape out-of—play areas such as may be found around a club house or entryway shall follow general landscape irrigation restrictions (subsections 34-323(1)—(3). | ||
| B. All in-play areas may be irrigated with a sprinkler or irrigation system between the hours of 12:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to midnight. | ||
| C. Conforming golf courses shall implement a twenty (20) percent reduction in the replacement of daily evapotranspiration rate ("ET rate") or daily soil-holding capacity, achieved by use of an existing and properly operating CCIS (as defined) capable of achieving such water conservation goals. | ||
| D. A non-conforming golf course shall not use more than 1.6 times the base usage. If not separately metered an irrigation audit showing precipitation rates and run times along with a conservation plan shall be submitted and approved by SAWS for the purpose of establishing acceptable irrigation run times and days as approved by SAWS. | ||
| E. The one hundred (100) percent use of gray water, treated wastewater or reuse water, condensate water, cooling tower blow down is a defense to prosecution and may be use to irrigate any day without waste. Alternate on-site reclaimed sources may be approved through variance from the SAWS Conservation Department on a case by case basis. | ||
| F. If one hundred (100) percent use of gray water, treated wastewater or reuse water, condensate water, cooling tower blow will be used during additional days or hours allowed in subsections 34-323(1)—(3) signs identifying this property as using recycled or reclaimed water source must be posted on site at a location where the general public can view it. |
Table C—Stage III Restrictions
| Stage | Measures For | Scope of Restrictions |
| III | In General | Stage I, II restrictions remain the same except as added to or replaced below. |
| III | Industrial, Commercial, and Other | Additional reductions may be imposed by the city council if conditions warrant. |
| III | Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts | Hotels, motels, B&B's must limit linen/towel changes to once every three (3) nights or for the entire stay, which ever is shorter, except for health and safety. |
| III | Landscape Irrigation for Existing Landscapes | Landscape watering using sprinkler or irrigation systems is permitted only on designated landscape watering days (subsection 34-323(1)). For stage III the following times and associated irrigation methods apply: Irrigation with a soaker hose, hose-end sprinkler or in-ground irrigation system is allowed on the day specified in subsection 34-323(1) every other week beginning on the second Monday after the stage III has been declared, between the hours of 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Landscape irrigation with a drip irrigation system or five-gallon bucket is allowed on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during stage III hours. Landscape irrigation with a handheld hose is allowed at any time on any day. |
| III | Landscape Irrigation for New Landscapes | A. Installation of new landscapes is permitted only if not more than fifty (50) percent of the available landscape area is planted with turf, all applicable provisions of section 34-274.2 and section 34-275, including proper horticultural practices such as the use of mulch and zonal irrigation systems if a permanent irrigation system is installed and a minimum of four (4) inches of soil under turf. In addition, drip systems in mulched beds are required. |
| B. A user may file with SAWS a request to install more than fifty (50) percent turf The request must include: (1) a statement or plan describing the landscaping plan; and (2) a statement indicating how the landscaping plan will achieve the goals of this chapter. Upon the approval of the alternate landscaping plan as set forth herein, the user may be granted an exception. | ||
| III | Golf Courses | A. A Conforming golf courses shall implement a thirty (30) percent reduction (or twenty (20) percent reduction, if the conforming golf course is an ISP participant) in replacement of daily ET rate or daily soil holding capacity, achieved by use of an existing and properly operating CCIS (as defined) capable of achieving such water conservation goals. |
| B. A non-conforming golf course shall not use more than 1.4 times the base usage. If not separately metered an irrigation audit showing precipitation rates and run times along with a conservation plan shall be submitted and approved by SAWS for the purpose of establishing acceptable irrigation run times and days as approved by SAWS. |
Table D—Stage IV Restriction
| Stage | Measures For | Scope of Restrictions |
| IV | In General | The most restrictive requirements of either Stage I, II, III restrictions remain the same except as added to or replaced below. |
| IV | Commercial Surcharge | A surcharge is assessed on all irrigation accounts and assumed irrigation (section 34-124) of the San Antonio Water System as described in section 34-128. Surcharge is to remain in effect for a minimum of one complete billing month. The surcharge shall remain in effect if stage IV is still in effect at the beginning of the next billing month. |
| IV | Residential Surcharge | A surcharge is assessed on all water accounts of the San Antonio Water System as described in section 34-128. Surcharge is to remain in effect for a minimum of one complete billing month. The surcharge shall remain in effect if stage IV is still in effect at the beginning of the next billing month. |
| IV | Vehicle and Equipment Washing | During Stage IV any vehicle wash facility that is not certified as a SAWS certified vehicle wash facility will not be able to operate. Upon receiving certification vehicle wash facilities may resume operating hours. |
| IV | Additional Restrictions | Additional restrictions including but not limited to a ban on lawn watering with irrigation systems or hose end sprinklers may be established at the discretion of the city council. |
(Ord. No. 2009-02-05-0089, § 1(Exh. A), 2-5-09)
If, for any reason, any section, sentence, clause or part of this division is held legally invalid, such judgment shall not prejudice, affect, impair or invalidate the remaining sections of this division, but shall be confined to the specific section, sentence, clause, or part of this division held legally invalid.
(Ord. No. 2009-02-05-0089, § 1(Exh. A), 2-5-09)
Sec. 34-334. - This division to prevail if conflict.
In the event any section of this division conflicts in effect or application with any other section of a City Code or ordinance, the section(s) of this division shall prevail.
(Ord. No. 2009-02-05-0089, § 1(Exh. A), 2-5-09)
FOOTNOTE(S):
(145) Editor's note— Ord. No. 2009-02-05-0089, § 1(Exh. A), adopted February 5, 2009, amended division 4 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Formerly, division 4 pertained to similar subject matter, and derived from Ord. No. 2007-02-08-0149, § 1(Exh. A), adopted February 8, 2007, and Ord. No. 2008-10-02-0885, § 3(Exh. A), adopted October 2, 2008. (Back)