§ 27-256. Restrictive measures.

The severity of the water shortage shall be determined by the remaining capacity of the town's impoundments on the Rocky River known as the Rocky River Reservoir and the Turner Reservoir, taking into account water reserves from all sources. Water reserves held in other reservoirs will not normally be released for treatment until "Stage Three" is reached, described below in subsection (3) of this section. The determination to use these other reserves shall be left jointly to the town manager and the director of public works and utilities. The restrictive measures in effect at each stage are as follows:

(1)

Water shortage warning. In the event the water capacity of the Rocky River Reservoir and the Turner Reservoir declines to a level that is less than seventy (70) percent, a "Stage One" water shortage alert shall be deemed in effect and the following voluntary water restrictions shall be encouraged and recommended:

a.

Eliminate watering of lawns, gardens, shrubbery, flowers or other vegetation with the exception of handheld watering containers.

b.

Eliminate washing of automobiles and other similar outdoor equipment with the exception of commercial carwashes.

c.

Eliminate washing of all outside areas such as sidewalks, patios or driveways, or use of water for other similar purposes.

d.

Eliminate water use for any decorative fountain pool or pond.

e.

Restrict the hours of operation of water-cooled air conditioners or other equipment that does not recycle cooling water. If possible, this type of equipment should not be operated unless health or safety is adversely affected.

f.

Eliminate the introduction of water into swimming pools except to the extent necessary to maintain operation.

g.

Eliminate water usage for any unnecessary purpose or to intentionally waste water.

h.

Use shower for bathing rather than bathtub and limit showering to no more than four (4) minutes.

i.

Limit flushing of toilets by multiple usage.

j.

Do not leave faucets running while shaving or rinsing dishes.

k.

Limit use of clothes washers and dishwashers and when used, operate fully loaded.

l.

Install water flow restrictive devices in shower heads.

m.

Use disposable dishes.

n.

Install water-saving devices such as bricks, plastic bottles or commercial units in toilet tanks.

(2)

Water shortage danger. In the event the water capacity of the Rocky River Reservoir and the Turner Reservoir declines to a level that is less than forty (40) percent, a "Stage Two" water shortage danger shall be deemed to exist and the following mandatory restrictions shall be in effect. It shall be unlawful to:

a.

Water any lawn, shrubbery, flowers or other vegetation with the exception of handheld watering containers.

b.

Wash any automobile or other similar equipment, including commercial washing with the exception of commercial carwashes.

c.

Wash outside areas such as sidewalks, patios or driveways, or to use water for other similar purposes.

d.

Use water for any decorative fountain, pool or pond.

e.

To introduce water into any swimming pool.

f.

To make any nonessential use of water for commercial or public use.

(3)

Water shortage emergency. In the event the water capacity of the Rocky River Reservoir and the Turner Reservoir declines to a level that is less than twenty (20) percent, a "Stage Three" water shortage emergency shall be deemed to exist. In addition to the restrictions heretofore imposed, the following additional restrictions shall be in effect. It shall be unlawful to use water outside a structure for any use other than an emergency involving fire.

(4)

Water shortage crisis. In the event the capacity of the Rocky River Reservoir and the Turner Reservoir declines to a level that is less than ten (10) percent, a "Stage Four" water shortage crisis shall be deemed in effect. In addition to all previously imposed restrictions, a system of water rationing shall be put in effect which will supply the minimum amount of water necessary for the health, welfare and safety of the citizens in accordance with a program determined by the town manager in conjunction with the public works director.

a.

It shall be unlawful to fail to act in accordance therewith or use water in any manner or attempt to evade or avoid such water rationing restrictions.

b.

Fire protection will be maintained, but where possible, tank trucks shall use raw water.

(Ord. No. 1995-3, § 1, 6-5-95; Ord. No. 2010-6, 6-7-10)