Item 4O Item 4O
Page 1 of 3
M E M O R A N D U M
(April 2, 2019)
To: Shana Yelverton, City Manager
From: Rob Cohen, Director of Public Works
Subject: Ordinance No. 662-F, 1st Reading, Adopt the 2019 Drought
Contingency Plan.
Action
Requested: Ordinance No. 662-F, 1st Reading, Adopt the 2019 Drought
Contingency Plan.
Background
Information: Beginning in 2009, requirements under Title 30, Chapter 288 of the
Texas Administrative Code, cities must develop and adopt a
Drought Contingency Plan for municipal water suppliers and submit
to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) by May
1st. This plan must be updated and resubmitted on a five-year
cycle, with the previous plan updated in April 2014. The next
update of this plan is due on May 1, 2019.
The law further requires wholesale providers, like the City of Fort
Worth, to share the restrictions imposed by their plan with their
wholesale customers. As customers of Fort Worth, the City of
Southlake’s plan must meet or exceed the restrictions of Fort
Worth. This requirement is also listed in the City’s wholesale water
contract under Section 2.5 with the City of Fort Worth.
As a continuation of the 2014 plan, triggers for each of the three
stages remain the same and are defined by Tarrant Regional Water
District, City of Fort Worth, and Southlake. As part of the 2019 plan,
the City will continue implementing a twice per week lawn irrigation
schedule year-round as proposed in the Water Conservation Plan.
The irrigation schedule for the three stages will be the same as the
2014 Drought Plan.
Item 4O
Page 2 of 3
The following is a brief overview of the triggers and impact of each
stage. For a complete list of the plan elements including
restrictions, exceptions and variances, see the Drought
Contingency Plan (Attachment A).
Trigger Actions
Stage 1 SOUTHLAKE
Water level in the 3 low plane elevated tanks falls
below 18 ft. for 3 consecutive days, OR
FORT WORTH
Water demand reaches 90% of system capacity for 3
consecutive days, OR
TRWD
Total reservoir capacity falls below 75%
• Step up enforcement of twice per week
landscape irrigation schedule.
• Prohibit outdoor watering between 10
a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Discourage washing of imperious
surfaces except to alleviate health
concerns.
• Discourage hosing of buildings.
• Prohibit water use that allows runoff or
water waste.
Stage 2 SOUTHLAKE (with Stage 1 in effect for two weeks)
Water level in the 3 low plane elevated tanks falls
below 18 ft. for 3 consecutive days, OR
Water level in the single high plane elevated tank falls
below 18 ft. for 3 consecutive days, OR
FORT WORTH
Water demand reaches 95% of system capacity for 3
consecutive days, OR
TRWD
Total reservoir capacity falls below 60%
• Continue stage 1 actions.
• Landscape irrigation reduced to once
per week.
• Schedule to be determined by the
Director of Public Works or designee.
• Discourage operation of ornamental
fountains.
• Discourage draining and refilling pools.
• Encourage use of pool covers.
• Restrict use of water from fire hydrants
to fire protection only except as allowed
by variances issued by Director of
Public Works or designee.
Stage 3 SOUTHLAKE (with Stage 2 in effect for two weeks)
Water level in the 3 low plane elevated tanks falls
below 18 ft. for 3 consecutive days, OR
Water level in the single high plane elevated tank falls
below 18 ft. for 3 consecutive days, OR
FORT WORTH
Water demand reaches 98% of system capacity for 3
consecutive days, OR
TRWD
Total reservoir capacity falls below 45%
• Continue Stage 1 & 2 actions.
• Prohibit operation of sprinklers and
landscape irrigation systems.
• Prohibit establishment of new
landscaping.
• Vehicle washing restricted to
commercial facilities.
• Prohibit operation of ornamental
fountains.
• Prohibit draining and refilling of pools.
• Prohibit washing of impervious surfaces
and buildings except for paint
preparation with high pressure
equipment.
Financial
Considerations: There will be no costs involved in adopting this plan. All efforts to
conserve the region’s water resources delay and potentially reduce
the need for new supplies, delivery pipelines, and local capacity
improvements. This saves the City and customers unnecessary
additional costs.
Item 4O
Page 3 of 3
Strategic Link: This item relates to the City’s strategy map relative to the strategic
focus areas of Performance Management & Service Delivery. It
specifically relates to the City’s Corporate Objective of (B4) provide
high quality services through sustainable business practices.
Citizen Input/
Board Review: Citizen input will be received during the public hearing on April 16,
2019.
Legal Review: The City attorney has reviewed the ordinance.
Alternatives: The City Council may approve or deny the ordinance.
Supporting
Documents: Attachment A: Drought Contingency and Emergency Water Plan
Ordinance 662-F (included in plan as Appendix A)
Staff
Recommendation: Ordinance No. 662-F, 1st Reading, Adopt the 2019 Drought
Contingency Plan.
Staff Contact: Rob Cohen, Director of Public Works
1400 Main St.
Southlake, Texas 76092
PWS #2200075
Drought Contingency and
Emergency Water
Management Plan
for Retail Water Customers
April 2019
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................... 3
2.0 TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REGULATIONS .................................................... 3
3.0 WATER SYSTEM PROFILE ......................................................................................................................... 3
4.0 DROUGHT CONTINGENCY/EMERGENCY WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................. 4
4.1 Public Involvement.............................................................................................................................. 4
4.2 Public Education .................................................................................................................................. 5
4.3 Initiation and Termination of Drought Stages .................................................................................... 5
Initiation of a Drought/ Emergency Water Management Stage .......................................................... 5
Termination of a Drought Stage............................................................................................................ 6
4.4 Drought and Emergency Response Stages ......................................................................................... 6
Stage 1 – Water Watch ......................................................................................................................... 6
Stage 2 – Water Warning .................................................................................................................... 10
Stage 3 – Emergency Water Use ......................................................................................................... 13
4.5 Procedures for Granting Variances to the Plan ................................................................................ 16
4.6 Procedures for Enforcing Mandatory Water Use Measures............................................................. 17
4.7 Coordination with Other Entities ...................................................................................................... 17
4.8 Review and Update of Drought Contingency/Water Emergency Management Plan ...................... 17
Appendix A : Ordinance 662-F Adopting Drought Contingency/Emergency Water Plan ...................... 18
Appendix B: Matrix of Critical Actions by Stage ..................................................................................... 25
Appendix C: Letter to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ..................................................... 27
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this Drought Contingency and Emergency Water Management Plan (subsequently
referred to as the Plan) is as follows:
To conserve the available water supply in times of drought and emergency
To maintain supplies for domestic water use, sanitation, and fire protection
To protect and preserve public health, welfare, and safety
To minimize the adverse impacts of water supply shortages
To minimize the adverse impact of emergency water supply conditions
2.0 TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REGULATIONS
Texas Administrative Code Title 30, Chapter 288, Part I, Subchapter A of the defines a Drought
Contingency Plan as a “strategy or combination of strategies for temporary supply and demand
management responses to temporary and potentially recurring water supply shortages and other water
supply emergencies.”
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) rules governing the development of and minimum
requirements for Drought Contingency Plans for municipal water suppliers and wholesale water
suppliers are contained in Texas Administrative Code Title 30, Part I, Chapter 288, Subchapter B, Rule
288.20 and 288.22, respectively.
3.0 WATER SYSTEM PROFILE
The City of Southlake purchases drinking water from the City of Fort Worth, which is purchased from
Tarrant Regional Water District. The supply sources are the following:
West Fork of the Trinity River: Lake Worth, Eagle Mountain Lake, and Lake Bridgeport.
East Texas: Cedar Creek Reservoir and Richland Chambers Reservoir, both located
approximately 75 miles southeast of Fort Worth; and
Clear Fork of the Trinity River: Lake Benbrook
System capacity with regards to the defined triggers in Section 4.4 of this Plan is the total reliable
pumping capacity found in the following tables:
Water Storage
Ground Elevated
High Pressure Plane
15 MG 4.5 MG
Low Pressure Plane 1.5 MG
Rated
Capacity
*Operating
Capacity
**Pump Station Total
Operating Firm Capacity
GPM GPM MGD
Pearson Pump Station – High Pressure Plane
Pump 1 2250 2360
6.8 Pump 2 2250 2360
Pump 3 2250 2360
Pearson Pump Station – Low Pressure Plane
Pump 1 3474 4600
19.9 Pump 2 3474 4600
Pump 3 3474 4600
Pump 4 3474 4600
T.W. King Pump Station – Low Pressure Plane
Pump 1 3474 4600
13.2 Pump 2 3474 4600
Pump 3 3474 4600
Total Pumping Capacity 39.2
*Operating Capacity: Pumping Capacity operating against system pressure
**T otal Operating Firm Cap acity: Pumping capacity with largest pump out of service while
operating against system pressure
In accordance with Section 2.5 of the wholesale water contract with the City of Fort Worth, wholesale
customers are required to institute and apply the same rationing conservation measures or restrictions
to the use of water to their customers for so long as any part of their total water supply is being
furnished by the City of Fort Worth. As a wholesale customer, per contract signed November 2010, the
City of Southlake will comply with any obligations imposed by the City of Fort Worth.
The water supply triggers defined in Section 4.4 of this Plan were provided to the City of Southlake via
Fort Worth, by its raw water supplier Tarrant Regional Water District. TRWD selected its triggers after
hiring an outside consultant to evaluate where the trigger levels should be for the Drought Contingency
Plan to achieve meaningful water savings.
4.0 DROUGHT CONTINGENCY/EMERGENCY WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
4.1 Public Involvement
City of Southlake staff has worked with the City of Fort Worth and Tarrant Regional Water District via
monthly coordination calls and other forms of digital communication regarding the development of this
Plan. The City of Fort Worth and Tarrant Regional Water District will provide public involvement
opportunities on the dates their respective plans are proposed to the governing legislative bodies.
The City of Southlake will provide public involvement opportunities on April 2nd during the first reading
of the ordinance and April 16th, 2019 for the second reading of the ordinance and the public hearing.
4.2 Public Education
The City of Southlake will inform and educate the public about the Plan by the following means:
Post a copy of the Plan on the City of Southlake website.
Post shortened fact sheets in the form of flyers, magnets, or signs describing the major parts of
the plan during the different stages of drought.
Present information on the plan to local organizations, schools, and civic groups as requested.
During any time the Plan is activated or drought stages change, the City will notify local media of the
issue, the current response, and the specific actions required of the public. The information will also be
published on the City website, Reverse 911 system, and social media outlets. Other forms of traditional
communication will also be utilized.
4.3 Initiation and Termination of Drought Stages
The provisions of this Plan shall apply to all persons, customers, and property utilizing potable water
provided by the City of Southlake. The terms “person” and “customer” as used in the Plan include
individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, and all other legal entities. The Plan does not apply
to locations using treated wastewater effluent, private wells, or those possessing their own water rights
in the Trinity River watershed. However, any pond, impoundment, body of water, or other water source
that is supplemented or has the ability to supplement supply with potable water shall adhere to the
provisions of this Plan.
The Plan may be applied to the entire City or geographic portions of the City as deemed necessary. If the
Plan is applied only to a limited sector, the boundaries will be defined in terms of roadways, creeks, and
other easily distinguishable features, such as city limits.
Initiation of a Drought/ Emergency Water Management Stage
The City Manager or their official designee may order the implementation of a drought response of
water emergency stage when one or more of the trigger conditions for that stage is met. The following
actions will occur when a stage is initiated:
The public will be notified through local media and the City of Southlake website, as described
in Section 4.2 of this Plan.
The City of Fort Worth will be notified by telephone and with a follow-up letter, email, or fax
that provides details of the reasons for initiation of the drought or water emergency stage.
The Public Works Department will notify the Executive Director of the TCEQ within 5 business
days when mandatory provisions of this Plan are activated.
Stages imposed by TRWD action must be initiated by the City of Fort Worth and subsequently by the
City of Southlake in accordance with Section 2.5 of the wholesale customer contract.
For other trigger conditions, the City Manager or their official designee may decide not to order the
implementation of a drought response or water emergency stage even though one or more of the
trigger criteria for the stage are met. Factors which could influence such a decision include, but are not
limited to, the time of year, weather conditions, anticipation of replenished water supplies, or the
anticipation that additional facilities will become available to meet needs. The reason for this decision
shall be document if this action is exercised.
Termination of a Drought Stage
The City Manager or their official designee may order the termination of a drought response of water
emergency stage when the conditions for termination are met or at their discretion. The following
actions will occur when a stage is terminated:
The public will be notified through local media and the City of Southlake website, as described
in Section 4.2 of this Plan.
The City of Fort Worth will be notified by telephone and with a follow-up letter, email, or fax.
If any mandatory provisions of the Plan that were activated are thus terminated, the Public
Works Department will notify the Executive Director of the TCEQ within 5 business days when
mandatory provisions of this Plan are activated.
Stages imposed by TRWD or by the City of Fort Worth may only be terminated by the imposing
authority. The City Manager or their official designee will then make a decision based on the existing
conditions in Southlake.
The City Manager or their official designee may decide not to order the termination of a drought
response or water emergency stage even though the conditions for termination have been met. Instead,
the City Manager may choose to implement a phased-out approach when exiting various stages to
protect the integrity of the water supply system. Factors which could influence such a decision include,
but are not limited to, the time of year, weather conditions, or the anticipation of potential changed
conditions that warrant the continuation of the drought stage. The reason for this decision shall be
document if this action is exercised.
4.4 Drought and Emergency Response Stages
Stage 1 – Water Watch
Triggering Conditions for Stage 1
This stage is activated by the Director of Public Works if there is a water system failure, including
pumping equipment, supply lines, distribution lines, power failure, or storage facilities, or:
The tank level in the three (3) elevated tanks of the low pressure plan falls below eighteen (18)
feet, measured from the bottom of the tank bowl to the water level in the tank, and continue to
fall below this level with the Pearson Pump Station at 100% capacity for three consecutive days.
The tank level in the single elevated tank in the high pressure plan falls below eighteen (18) feet,
measured from the bottom of the tank bowl to the water level in the tank, and continues to fall
below this level with the Pearson Pump Station at 100% capacity for three consecutive days.
Fort Worth-initiated Stage 1 for one or more of the following reasons:
o Water demand reaches or exceeds 90% of reliable delivery capacity for three
consecutive days. The delivery capacity could by city-wide or in a specified portion of
the system.
o Fort Worth’s water treatment or distribution system becomes contaminated.
o Fort Worth’s water demand for all or part of the delivery system approaches delivery
capacity because delivery capacity is inadequate.
o Fort Worth’s water supply system is unable to deliver water due to the failure or
damage of major water system components.
TRWD-initiated Stage 1 for one or more of the following reasons:
o Total raw water supply in TRWD western and eastern division reservoirs drops below
75% (25% depleted) of conservation storage.
o Water demand for all or part of TRWD’s delivery system exceeds delivery capacity
because delivery capacity is inadequate.
o Water demand is projected to approach the limit of TRWD’s permitted supply.
o TRWD’s supply source becomes contaminated.
o TRWD’s water supply system is unable to deliver water due to the failure or damage of
major water system components.
o The TRWD General Manager, with the concurrence of the TRWD Board of Directors,
finds that conditions warrant the declaration of a Stage 1 drought.
Terminating Conditions for Stage 1
When initiated by the City of Southlake, all initiated actions will remain in effect until the conditions that
triggered the stage have been eliminated and the Director of Public Works or their designee has
reviewed the conditions in Section 4.3 of this Plan.
Stage 1 will terminate when total combined raw water supply in TRWD western and eastern division
reservoirs exceeds 95% of conservation storage capacity or remains at or above 85% for 90 consecutive
days, whichever occurs first.
Goal for Use Reduction in Stage 1
The goal for water use reduction in Stage 1 is 5%. If circumstances warrant or if required by TRWD or
the City of Fort Worth, the City Manager or their official designee can set a goal for greater water use
reduction.
Actions Available for Stage 1
The City Manager or their official designee may order the implementation of any of the actions listed
below, as deemed necessary. Any actions required by TRWD or the City of Fort Worth must also be
implemented.
All Water Users
Initiate mandatory restrictions to prohibit non-essential water use as follows:
Discourage hosing of paved areas, such as sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts,
patios, or other impervious surfaces, except to alleviate an immediate health or safety hazard.
This may include premises with raw or processed food, pharmaceutical or vaccine processing,
storage or vending establishments including restaurants and grocery stores that may be washed
to the extent necessary for sanitation purposes. These areas may also include:
o Trash and dumpster areas
o Areas around fuel pumps
o Store-front cleaning of areas with accumulated bird droppings, feather, and debris
o Localized spot cleaning or parking areas to remove oil and grease buildup that may pose
a health and safety issue.
Discourage hosing of buildings or other structures for purposes other than fire protection or
surface preparation prior to painting.
Prohibit using water in such a manner as to allow runoff or other waste, including:
o Failure to repair a controllable leak, including a broken sprinkler head, a leaking valve,
leaking or broken pipes, or a leaking faucet;
o Operating a permanently installed irrigation system with a broken head, a head that is
out of adjustment and the arc of the spray head is over a street or parking lot, or a head
that is misting because of high water pressure
o During irrigation, allowing water to run off a property and form a stream of water in a
street for a distance of 50 feet or greater, or to pond in a street or parking lot to a depth
greater than one-quarter of an inch
o Allowing or causing an irrigation system or other lawn watering device to operate
during any form of precipitation or when temperatures are at or below 32 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Prohibit outdoor watering with sprinklers or irrigation systems between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Limit landscape watering with sprinklers or irrigation systems at each service address to a twice
per week schedule as outlined below. This includes landscape watering of parks, golf course,
and sports fields.
o Residential addresses ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) may water on
Wednesdays and Saturdays.
o Residential addresses ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) may water on Thursdays
and Sundays.
o All non-residential properties (apartment complexes, businesses, HOAs, industries,
parks, medians, etc.) may water on Tuesdays and Fridays.
o Exceptions include:
Lawns and landscaping may be watered on any day by handheld hose, drip
irrigation, a soaker hose, or tree bubbler.
Water use necessary for the repair of an irrigation system, plumbing line,
fountain, etc. in the presence of the person making the repair.
Outdoor watering at service addresses with large multi-station irrigation
systems may take place in accordance with a variance granted by the Director
of Public Works. The Director must be able to determine that a property cannot
be completely irrigated with an average of three-quarters of an inch of water in
a single day, and that the property should not be divided into sections to be
irrigated on different days. If approved, no station will be watered more than
twice per week.
Establishing new turf is discouraged. If hydromulch, grass sod, or grass seed is
installed for the purpose of establishing a new lawn, there are no watering
restrictions for the first 30 days while it is being established. After that, the
watering restrictions set forth in this stage apply. This exemption does not
include overseeding with rye or seasonal grasses, since turf already exists.
Golf courses may water greens and tee boxes as necessary. However, watering
must be done before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Golf courses are encouraged to
reduce water use by 5%.
Skinned areas of sports fields may be watered as needed for dust control.
Watering of athletic fields (fields only, does not include surrounding landscape
areas) used for organized sports practice, competition, or exhibition events may
occur as necessary to protect the health and safety of the players, staff, or
officials present for athletic events. Owners of athletic fields are encouraged to
reduce water use by 5%.
Public areas that are open to the public at-large and have a high impact from
frequent use may be allowed additional watering, with a variance granted by
the Director of Public Works, if it is deemed to be beneficial to serve and
protect the community amenity. Examples may include but are not limited to:
outdoor amphitheaters, demonstration gardens, public art exhibitions, outdoor
learning areas, arboretums, etc.
o All users are encouraged to use native and adaptive drought-tolerant plants in
landscaping.
o Washing of any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, airplane, or other vehicle shall
be limited to the use of a hand-held bucket or a hand-held hose equipped with a
positive-pressure shutoff nozzle for quick rinses. Vehicle washing may be done at any
time on the premises of a commercial car wash or commercial service station.
Companies with an automated onsite vehicle washing facility may wash vehicles any
time. Further, such washing may be exempt from these requirements if the health,
safety, and welfare of the public are contingent upon frequent vehicle cleansing, such as
garbage trucks, and vehicles used to transport food and perishable items.
o Discourage filling, draining, or refilling swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs, and
Jacuzzi-type pools except to maintain adequate water levels for structural integrity,
proper operation and maintenance, and/or to alleviate an issue that poses a public
safety risk.
Additional City Response Efforts
In addition to the actions listed above, the City will take the following actions:
Review conditions and problems that caused Stage 1. Take corrective action.
Increase public education efforts on ways to reduce water use.
Increase enforcement efforts.
Intensity leak detection and repair efforts.
Audit all city and local government irrigation systems to ensure proper condition, settings, and
operation.
Identify and encourage voluntary reduction measures by high-volume water users through
water use audits.
Reduce non-essential water use. As used herein, non-essential water uses are those that do not
have any health or safety impact and are not needed to meet the core function of the agency.
Commercial and Industrial Sectors Response Efforts
All actions listed under “All Water Users” above apply to commercial and industrial users
Stock at commercial plant nurseries is exempt from Stage 1 watering restrictions.
Hotels, restaurants, and bars are encouraged to serve drinking water to patrons on an “on
demand” basis.
Hotels are encouraged to implement laundry conservation measures by encouraging patrons to
reuse linens and towels.
Car wash facilities must keep equipment in good working order, which should include regular
inspections to be sure there are no leaks, broken or misdirected nozzles, and that all equipment
is operating efficiently.
All commercial and industrial customers are encouraged to audit their irrigation systems.
Stage 2 – Water Warning
Triggering Conditions for Stage 2
This stage is activated by the Director of Public Works if there is a water system failure, including
pumping equipment, supply lines, distribution lines, power failure, or storage facilities, or if Stage 1 has
been initiated and in effect for two weeks, and:
The tank level in the three (3) elevated tanks of the low pressure plan falls below eighteen (18)
feet, measured from the bottom of the tank bowl to the water level in the tank, and continue to
fall below this level with the Pearson Pump Station at 100% capacity for three consecutive days.
The tank level in the single elevated tank in the high pressure plan falls below eighteen (18) feet,
measured from the bottom of the tank bowl to the water level in the tank, and continues to fall
below this level with the Pearson Pump Station at 100% capacity for three consecutive days.
Fort Worth-initiated Stage 2 for one or more of the following reasons:
o Water demand reaches or exceeds 95% of reliable delivery capacity for three
consecutive days. The delivery capacity could by city-wide or in a specified portion of
the system.
o Fort Worth’s water treatment or distribution system becomes contaminated.
o Fort Worth’s water demand for all or part of the delivery system approaches delivery
capacity because delivery capacity is inadequate.
o Fort Worth’s water supply system is unable to deliver water due to the failure or
damage of major water system components.
TRWD-initiated Stage 2 for one or more of the following reasons:
o Total raw water supply in TRWD western and eastern division reservoirs drops below
60% (40% depleted) of conservation storage.
o Water demand for all or part of TRWD’s delivery system exceeds delivery capacity
because delivery capacity is inadequate.
o Water demand is projected to approach the limit of TRWD’s permitted supply.
o TRWD’s supply source becomes contaminated.
o TRWD’s water supply system is unable to deliver water due to the failure or damage of
major water system components.
o The TRWD General Manager, with the concurrence of the TRWD Board of Directors,
finds that conditions warrant the declaration of a Stage 2 drought.
Terminating Conditions for Stage 2
When initiated by the City of Southlake, all initiated actions will remain in effect until the conditions that
triggered the stage have been eliminated and the Director of Public Works or their designee has
reviewed the conditions in Section 4.3 of this Plan.
Stage 2 will terminate when total combined raw water supply in TRWD western and eastern division
reservoirs exceeds 75% of conservation storage capacity or remains at or above 70% for 30 consecutive
days, whichever occurs first.
Goal for Use Reduction in Stage 2
The goal for water use reduction in Stage 2 is 10%. If circumstances warrant or if required by TRWD or
the City of Fort Worth, the City Manager or their official designee can set a goal for greater water use
reduction.
Actions Available for Stage 2
The City Manager or their official designee may order the implementation of any of the actions listed
below, as deemed necessary. Any actions required by TRWD or the City of Fort Worth must also be
implemented.
Continue actions under Stage 1
Initiate engineering studies to evaluate water supply alternatives should conditions worsen.
All Water Users
Initiate mandatory restrictions to prohibit non-essential water use as follows:
Limit landscape watering with sprinklers or irrigation systems to once per week schedule at each
service address as determined by the Director of Public Works. This includes landscape watering
at parks, golf courses, and sports fields. As a wholesale customer, Southlake may use a different
watering schedule than the one used for Fort Worth retail customers as long as it limits each
service address to a one per week schedule. However, use of the same schedule would simply
the messages passed to customers through the news media.
o Exceptions to this include:
Lawns and landscaping may be watered on any day by handheld hose, drip
irrigation, a soaker hose, or tree bubbler.
Outdoor watering at service addresses with large multi-station irrigation
systems may take place in accordance with a variance granted by the Director
of Public Works. The Director must be able to determine that a property cannot
be completely irrigated with an average of three-quarters of an inch of water in
a single day, and that the property should not be divided into sections to be
irrigated on different days. If approved, no station will be watered more than
twice per week.
Golf courses may water greens and tee boxes as necessary. However, watering
must be done before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Golf courses are encouraged to
reduce water use by 10%.
Watering of athletic fields (fields only, does not include surrounding landscape
areas) used for organized sports practice, competition, or exhibition events may
occur as necessary to protect the health and safety of the players, staff, or
officials present for athletic events. Owners of athletic fields are encouraged to
reduce water use by 10%.
Establishing new turf is discouraged. If hydromulch, grass sod, or grass seed is
installed for the purpose of establishing a new lawn, there are no watering
restrictions for the first 30 days while it is being established. After that, the
watering restrictions set forth in this stage apply. This exemption does not
include overseeding with rye or seasonal grasses, since turf already exists.
Discourage the operation of ornamental fountains or ponds that use potable water except
where necessary to support aquatic life or where such fountains or ponds are equipped with a
recirculation system.
Discourage filling, draining, or refilling swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs, and Jacuzzi-type
pools except to maintain adequate water levels for structural integrity, proper operation and
maintenance, and/or to alleviate an issue that poses a public safety risk.
Encourage the use of covers for all types of pools when not in use to reduce evaporation rates.
Additional City Response Efforts
In addition to the actions listed above, the City will take the following actions:
Review conditions and problems that caused Stage 2. Take corrective action.
Increase frequency of media releases of water supply conditions
Increase public education efforts on ways to reduce water use.
Increase enforcement efforts.
Prohibit wet street sweeping
Reduce non-essential water use. As used herein, non-essential water uses are those that do not
have any health or safety impact and are not needed to meet the core function of the agency.
Commercial and Industrial Sectors Response Efforts
All actions listed under “All Water Users” above apply to commercial and industrial users
Use of water from fire hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting activities or other
activities deemed necessary to maintain public health, safety, and welfare requires a variance
issued by the Director of Public Works. Fire hydrant use may be limited to designated hydrants.
Upon declaration of this drought stage, all holders or applicants of a Southlake Water Utilities
Fire Hydrant Meter Agreement are required to apply for a variance as set forth in this plan. If
conditions allow, as determined by the Director of Public Works, the use of water from hydrants
may continue until the Director or their designee issues a determination on the petition for
variance. If conditions do not allow, the Director or their designee may require all fire hydrants
be immediately returned from the field, pending determination of each petition for variance.
Hotels, restaurants, and bars are encouraged to serve drinking water to patrons on an “on
demand” basis.
Hotels are encouraged to implement laundry conservation measures by encouraging patrons to
reuse linens and towels.
Stage 3 – Emergency Water Use
Triggering Conditions for Stage 3
This stage is activated by the Director of Public Works if there is a water system failure, including
pumping equipment, supply lines, distribution lines, power failure, or storage facilities, or if Stage 2 has
been initiated and in effect for two weeks, and:
The tank level in the three (3) elevated tanks of the low pressure plan falls below eighteen (18)
feet, measured from the bottom of the tank bowl to the water level in the tank, and continue to
fall below this level with the Pearson Pump Station at 100% capacity for three consecutive days.
The tank level in the single elevated tank in the high pressure plan falls below eighteen (18) feet,
measured from the bottom of the tank bowl to the water level in the tank, and continues to fall
below this level with the Pearson Pump Station at 100% capacity for three consecutive days.
Fort Worth-initiated Stage 3 for one or more of the following reasons:
o Water demand reaches or exceeds 98% of reliable delivery capacity for three
consecutive days. The delivery capacity could by city-wide or in a specified portion of
the system.
o Fort Worth’s water treatment or distribution system becomes contaminated.
o Fort Worth’s water demand for all or part of the delivery system approaches delivery
capacity because delivery capacity is inadequate.
o Fort Worth’s water supply system is unable to deliver water due to the failure or
damage of major water system components.
TRWD-initiated Stage 3 for one or more of the following reasons:
o Total raw water supply in TRWD western and eastern division reservoirs drops below
45% (55% depleted) of conservation storage.
o Water demand for all or part of TRWD’s delivery system exceeds delivery capacity
because delivery capacity is inadequate.
o Water demand is projected to approach the limit of TRWD’s permitted supply.
o TRWD’s supply source becomes contaminated.
o TRWD’s water supply system is unable to deliver water due to the failure or damage of
major water system components.
o The TRWD General Manager, with the concurrence of the TRWD Board of Directors,
finds that conditions warrant the declaration of a Stage 3 drought.
Terminating Conditions for Stage 3
When initiated by the City of Southlake, all initiated actions will remain in effect until the conditions that
triggered the stage have been eliminated and the Director of Public Works or their designee has
reviewed the conditions in Section 4.3 of this Plan.
Stage 3 will terminate when total combined raw water supply in TRWD western and eastern division
reservoirs exceeds 60% of conservation storage capacity or remains at or above 55% for 30 consecutive
days, whichever occurs first.
Goal for Use Reduction in Stage 3
The goal for water use reduction in Stage 3 is 20%. If circumstances warrant or if required by TRWD or
the City of Fort Worth, the City Manager or their official designee can set a goal for greater water use
reduction.
Actions Available for Stage 3
The City Manager or their official designee may order the implementation of any of the actions listed
below, as deemed necessary. Any actions required by TRWD or the City of Fort Worth must also be
implemented.
Continue actions under Stage 1 and 2
All Water Users
Initiate mandatory restrictions to prohibit water use as follows:
Prohibit landscape watering, including at parks, golf courses, and sports field.
o Exceptions to this include:
Lawns may be watered on any day by handheld hose, drip irrigation, a soaker
hose, or tree bubbler. The intent of this is to allow for the protection of
structural foundations, tree, and other high-value landscape materials.
Golf courses may only be watered by handheld hose as needed to keep them
alive.
Watering of athletic fields (fields only, does not include surrounding landscape
areas) used for organized sports practice, competition, or exhibition events may
occur as necessary to protect the health and safety of the players, staff, or
officials present for athletic events only by variance request. A water
management plan must be submitted to the Director of Public Works detailing
how each area will comply with Stage 3 drought measures.
Establishing new turf is discouraged. If hydromulch, grass sod, or grass seed is
installed for the purpose of establishing a new lawn, there are no watering
restrictions for the first 30 days while it is being established. After that, the
watering restrictions set forth in this stage apply. This exemption does not
include overseeding with rye or seasonal grasses, since turf already exists.
Prohibit the operation of ornamental fountains or ponds that use potable water except where
necessary to support aquatic life.
Prohibit filling, draining, or refilling swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs, and Jacuzzi-type
pools except to maintain adequate water levels for structural integrity, proper operation and
maintenance, and/or to alleviate an issue that poses a public safety risk.
Prohibit establishment of new landscaping. Variances may be granted for those landscape
project initiated prior to the start of Stage 3 with proper documentation.
Restrict vehicle washing to commercial car washes, service stations, or private onsite vehicle
washing facility only to be done as necessary for health, sanitation, or safety reasons, such as
garbage trucks and vehicles used to transport food and other perishables.
Prohibit hosing of buildings and other structures for purposes other than fire protection or
surface preparation prior to painting with high-pressure equipment, performed by a
professional power-washing service.
Additional City Response Efforts
In addition to the actions listed above, the City will take the following actions:
Review conditions and problems that caused Stage 3. Take corrective action.
Increase frequency of media releases of emergency conditions.
Implement viable alternative water supply strategies.
Reduce city use to maximum extent possible
Prohibit the permitting of new swimming pools, spas, ornamental ponds, and Jacuzzi-type pools.
Pools already permitted may be filled completely with water.
If TRWD has imposed a reduction in water available to customers, Fort Worth will impose the
same percent reduction on wholesale customers. Southlake will then impose that percent on
our customers.
Commercial and Industrial Sectors Response Efforts
All actions listed under “All Water Users” above apply to commercial and industrial users
Stock at commercial plant nurseries may be watered only with a handheld hose, watering can,
or drip irrigation system.
Hotels, restaurants, and bars are encouraged to serve drinking water to patrons on an “on
demand” basis.
Hotels are required to implement laundry conservation measures by encouraging patrons to
reuse linens and towels.
Commercial and industrial water users required to reduce water use by a set percentage
determined by the Director of Public Works.
Use of water from fire hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting activities or other
activities deemed necessary to maintain public health, safety, and welfare requires a variance
issued by the Director of Public Works. Fire hydrant use may be limited to designated hydrants.
All holders or applicants of a Southlake Water Utilities Fire Hydrant Meter Agreement are
required to apply for a variance as set forth in this plan.
4.5 Procedures for Granting Variances to the Plan
The Director of Public Works or their official designee may grant temporary variances for existing water
uses otherwise prohibited under this Plan is one or more of the following conditions are met:
Failure to grant such a variance would cause an emergency condition adversely affecting health,
sanitation, or fire safety for the public or the person requesting the variance.
Compliance with this plan cannot be accomplished due to technical or other limitations.
Alternative methods that achieve the same level of reduction in water use can be implemented.
Variances shall be granted or denied at the discretion of the Director of Public Works or their designee.
All petitions for variances should be in writing, using the forms provided, and must include the following
information:
Name and address of the petitioner(s)
Purpose of water use
Specific provisions from which relief is requested
Detailed statement of the adverse effect of the provision from which relief is requested
Description of the relief requested
Period of time for which the variance is sought
Detailed schedule of irrigation that shows a reduction in use of the 30-day period for new lawns
and landscapes. Schedule should be designed so that are the end of the 30-day period, lawn and
landscaped areas can adhere to the twice per week schedule defined in Stage 1.
Alternative measures that will be taken to reduce water use
Other pertinent information
4.6 Procedures for Enforcing Mandatory Water Use Measures
Mandatory water use restrictions may be imposed in Stages 1, 2, and 3. These restrictions will be
enforced by warnings and fines as follows:
On the first violation, a customer will be given a written warning that they have violated the
mandatory water use restriction.
On the second violation, a customer will be given a written warning that they have violated the
mandatory water use restriction.
On the third and subsequent violations, citations may be issued to the customer with maximum
fines established by ordinance.
After three violations have occurred, the City may cut off water service to the customer.
Appendix A of this Plan contains a copy of the City of Southlake ordinance adopting this Plan on April
16th, 2019.
4.7 Coordination with Other Entities
Appendix C of this Plan includes a copy of the letter sent to the City of Fort Worth and the Executive
Director of the TCEQ upon adoption of this plan.
4.8 Review and Update of Drought Contingency/Water Emergency
Management Plan
As required by TCEQ regulations, the City of Southlake will review this Drought Contingency Plan at least
every five years. This Plan will be updated as appropriate based on new or updated information.
Appendix A : Ordinance 662-F Adopting Drought Contingency/Emergency
Water Plan
ORDINANCE NO. 662-F
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS,
AMENDING THE DROUGHT CONTINGENCY I EMERGENCY
WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE,
TEXAS; ESTABLISHING CRITERIA FOR THE INITIATION AND
TERMINATION OF DROUGHT RESPONSE STAGES FOR
LOCAL WATER DELIVERY LIMITATIONS AND COMPLIANCE
WITH THE CITY OF FORT WORTH'S DROUGHT
CONTINGENCY/EMERGENCY WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN;
ESTABLISHING RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN WATER USES;
ESTABLISHING PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION OF AND
PROVISIONS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THESE RESTRICTIONS;
ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR GRANTING VARIANCES;
AND PROVIDING CUMULATIVE AND SEVERABILITY AND
SAVINGS CLAUSES; AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Southlake, Texas recognizes that the amount of
water available to the City and its water utility customers is limited and subject to
depletion during periods of extended drought; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that natural limitations due to drought
conditions and other acts of God cannot guarantee an uninterrupted water supply
for all purposes; and
WHEREAS, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
adopted revisions to Title 30, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 288 -
Water Conservation Plans, Drought Contingency Plans, Guidelines and
Requirements effective on January 10, 2008; and
WHEREAS, the City entered into a Contract for Water Service with the
City of Fort Worth on November 16, 2010 to purchase treated water of potable
quality and Section 2.5 of this Contract requires the City of Southlake, to institute
and apply the same rationing, conservation measures, or restrictions to the use
of water as Fort Worth in the event the City of Fort Worth implements such water
conservation measures; and
WHEREAS, the City of Southlake recognizes that there are local water
system limitations which may require the City of Southlake to implement
conservation or restriction measures based on these local limitations, and
WHEREAS, as authorized under law, and in the best interests of the
citizens of Southlake, the City Council deems it expedient and necessary to
amend the existing regulations and policies for the orderly and efficient
management of limited water supplies during drought and other water supply
emergencies;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE:
SECTION 1
Emergency Authority
(a) Purpose and scope. The purpose of this ordinance is to establish the
city's policy in the event of shortages or delivery limitations in the City's water
supply and to establish water restrictions to be enforced in case of drought or
emergency conditions. This Ordinance applies to all persons and premises within
the City using water from the City's water system.
(b) Drought Contingency I Emergency Water Management Plan. The City of
Southlake, Texas, hereby adopts amendments to the Drought Contingency I
Emergency Water Management Plan, (the "Plan"), to which this ordinance is
attached as Appendix "A".
SECTION 2
Violations and Penalties
(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly makes, causes or
permits a use of water contrary to the measures implemented by the City
Manager as prescribed in the Plan. For purposes of this subsection, it is
presumed that a person has knowingly made, caused or permitted a use of water
contrary to the measures implemented if the mandatory measures have been
formally ordered consistent with the terms of Section 1 and:
(1) the manner of use has been prohibited by the Plan; or
(2) the amount of water used exceeds that allowed by the Plan; or
(3) the manner or amount used violates the terms and conditions of a
compliance agreement made pursuant to a variance granted by the
City of Fort Worth pursuant to Section 3 hereof.
(b) Any person who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to comply
with a measure implemented in accordance with this ordinance and the Plan
shall be fined not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) for each offense.
In addition, the following penalties shall apply:
(1) If a person is convicted of violating, disobeying, omitting, neglecting
or refusing to comply with a measure implemented in accordance with this
section and the drought contingency/emergency water management plan two
times, the City may issue a citation or install a flow restrictor in the water line to
the premises where the violations occurred to limit the amount of water that may
pass through the meter in a twenty-four-hour period; and
(2) If a person is convicted of violating, disobeying, omitting, neglecting
or refusing to comply with a measure implemented in accordance with this
section and the drought contingency/emergency water management plan three
times, the City may discontinue water service to the premises where the violation
occurred.
SECTION 3
Authority Under Other Laws
Nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed to limit the authority of the
Mayor, the City Council or the City Manager to seek emergency relief under the
provisions of any state or federal disaster relief act.
SECTION 4
Cumulative Clause
This ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the
City of Southlake, Texas, except where the provisions of this ordinance are in
direct conflict with the provisions of such ordinances, in which event, the
conflicting provisions of such ordinances are hereby repealed. Ordinance No.
662-D is hereby repealed.
SECTION 5
Savings Clause
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the
phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this ordinance are
severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this
ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of
any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not affect any of
the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this
ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City Council without
the incorporation in this Ordinance of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause,
sentence, paragraph or section.
SECTION 6
Publication Clause
The City Secretary of the City of Southlake is hereby directed to publish
the proposed ordinance or its caption and penalty together with a notice setting
out the time and place for a public hearing thereon at least ten (10) days before
the second reading of this ordinance, and if this ordinance provides for the
imposition of any penalty, fine or forfeiture for any violation of any of its
provisions, then the City Secretary shall additionally publish this ordinance or its
caption and penalty in the official City newspaper one time within ten (10) days
after final passage of this ordinance, as required by Section 3.13 of the Charter
of the City of Southlake, Texas.
SECTION 7
Severability Clause
All rights and remedies of the City of Southlake, Texas, are expressly
saved as to any and all violations of the provisions of Ordinance No. 662-E or
any other ordinances affecting which have accrued at the time of the effective
date of this ordinance; and, as to such accrued violations and all pending
litigation, both civil and criminal, whether pending in court or not, under such
ordinances, same shall not be affected by this ordinance but may be prosecuted
until final disposition by the courts.
SECTION 8
Effective Date
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage
and publication as required by law, and it is so ordained.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON FIRST READING ON THIS 2nd DAY OF April,
2019.
Mayor/Laura Hill
ATTEST:
City Secretary/Amy Shelley
PASSED AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING ON THIS 16th DAY
OF April, 2019.
Mayor/Laura Hill
ATTEST:
City Secretary/Amy Shelley
AP PROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
City Attorney
Date:
Adopted:
Effective:
Appendix B: Matrix of Critical Actions by Stage
Trigger Actions
Stage 1 SOUTHLAKE
Water level in the 3 low plane
elevated tanks falls below 18 ft. for 3
consecutive days, OR
FT. WORTH
Water demand reaches 90% of
system capacity for 3 consecutive
days, OR
TRWD
Total reservoir capacity falls below
75%
Step up enforcement of twice
per week landscape irrigation
schedule.
Discourage washing of
impervious surfaces except to
alleviate health concerns.
Discourage hosing of buildings.
Prohibit water use that allows
runoff or water waste.
Stage 2 SOUTHLAKE (with Stage 1 in
effect for two weeks)
Water level in the 3 low plane
elevated tanks falls below 18 ft. for 3
consecutive days, OR
Water level in the single high plane
elevated tanks falls below 18 ft. for 3
consecutive days, OR
FT. WORTH
Water demand reaches 95% of
system capacity for 3 consecutive
days, OR
TRWD
Total reservoir capacity falls below
60%
Continue stage 1 actions.
Landscape irrigation reduced
to once per week. Schedule to
be determined by the Director
of Public Works or designee.
Discourage operation of
ornamental fountains.
Discourage draining and
refilling pools.
Encourage use of pool covers.
Restrict use of water from fire
hydrants to fire protection
except as allowed by variance
issued by director of Public
Works or designee.
Stage 3 SOUTHLAKE (with Stage 2 in
effect for two weeks)
Water level in the 3 low plane
elevated tanks falls below 18 ft. for 3
consecutive days, OR
Water level in the single high plane
elevated tanks falls below 18 ft. for 3
consecutive days, OR
FT. WORTH
Water demand reaches 98% of
system capacity for 3 consecutive
days, OR
TRWD
Total reservoir capacity falls below
45%
Continue stage 1 & 2 actions.
Prohibit operation of sprinklers
and landscape irrigations
systems.
Prohibit establishment of new
landscaping.
Vehicle washing restricted to
commercial facilities.
Prohibit operation of
ornamental fountains.
Prohibit draining and refilling
of pools.
Prohibit washing of impervious
surfaces and buildings except
for paint preparation with high
pressure equipment.
See the Drought Contingency Plan for a complete list of the plan elements, including restrictions,
exceptions, and variances.
Appendix C: Letter to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
28
Public Works Department | 1950 E Continental Blvd |Southlake, TX 76092
Update of Drought Contingency Plan
April 16, 2019
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Resource Protection Team, mC-160
P.O. Box 13087
Austin, TX 78711
Enclosed please find a copy of the recently updated Drought Contingency Plan for the
City of Southlake. This plan is being submitted in accordance with the Texas Water
Development Board and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulations. The
City of Southlake adopted the updates to this plan on April 16, 2019.
Sincerely,
Ashley Carlisle
Environmental Coordinator
City of Southlake
(817) 748-8638
acarlisle@ci.southlake.tx.us
CC: Chris Harder, City of Fort Worth Water Utility Director
James Oliver, Tarrant Regional Water District General Manager