Critical water usage ordinance approved

Published 8:37 am Monday, February 12, 2018

The Austin City Council informally approved an ordinance regulating nonessential water usage during a critical water shortage during its work session on Monday, Feb. 5.

The ordinance will be considered for formal adoption at the council’s next regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

Austin Utilities Director Mark Nibaur was present during the work session to answer any questions.

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The ordinance, which is based on a similar ordinance from the Minnesota League of Cities, applies to all customers who own or control water supplied by a public supplier on their premises. Should the governor declare a critical water deficiency emergency, Austin Utilities would notify the public as soon as possible.

Anyone who violates the ordinance will receive a warning notification that outlines the fines for future violations. Any subsequent violations will result in a city fine attached to the offender’s Austin Utilities bill. Upon receiving payment, Austin Utilities will submit all fine money to the city.

Customers may request a variance from Austin Utilities should the provisions of the ordinance result in serious hardship. Variances will only be granted for health or public safety reasons. Should a variance be turned down, the applicant will have five days to appeal. The Austin Utilities Board of Commissioners will hear the appeal and make the final decision.

Restricted or prohibited nonessential water use, as defined by the ordinance, would include:

• Outdoor watering of yards, gardens, golf courses, parklands, and other non-agricultural land, except those irrigated with reclaimed water;

• Washing or spraying sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, or other paved areas with water from any pressurized source, except to alleviate immediate health or safety hazards;

• Outdoor use of any water-based play apparatus connected to a pressurized source;

• Serving water at restaurants and other foodservice establishments, unless specifically requested by the customer;

• Operation of outdoor misting systems used to cool public areas;

• Filling of swimming pools, fountains, spas or other exterior water features; and

• Washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers and other types of mobile equipment, except at facilities equipped with wash water recirculation systems and for vehicles requiring frequent washing to protect public health, safety and welfare.
— Austin Utilities