Title
Consider public testimony regarding, and an ordinance amending Chapter 44, Article VIII, Code of Ordinances (2018 Edition), regarding drought contingency and water use management. (First Reading)*
Body
The City has determined that an aggressive Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Program will protect the integrity of water supply facilities, prolong the life of existing water sources, and minimize the impacts of water supply shortages for the City of Round Rock water utility. This is an amendment to the Code of Ordinances which includes the following changes to the Drought Contingency Plan.
- Additional Language encouraging voluntary observance of Stage 1 twice a week watering schedule at all times when restriction are not in place.
- Removed language encouraging water conservation during Peak Water Use periods from May 1 to October 31 of each year and added language encouraging water conservation "at all times".
-Changing the scheduled watering times from midnight to 10:00am and 7:00pm to midnight on the designated watering days.
- Lowering the supply-based triggers for stage I and II for Lake Georgetown Reservoir elevation which will trigger restriction sooner based on the level of Lake Georgetown.
- Adding the combined storage volume in acre-feet for Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis in the Drought Contingency Plan for which the Lower Colorado River Authority will issue reductions in take by their water right holders.