1.10.5 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans
1.10.5.1 Aqua Water Supply Corporation[1]
This drought contingency plan was adopted by the Aqua WSC Board of Directors on September 13, 1999. Although the majority of the Aqua WSC service area lies within the Lower Colorado Water Planning Area, a small portion lies within the South Central Texas Region. The Corporation’s Drought Contingency Plan outlines the Corporation’s drought and emergency contingency procedures and identifies the triggering criteria for initiation and termination of drought response stages as well as the water use restrictions in effect during times of water shortages. It is the goal of this plan to achieve a voluntary reduction in daily water demand sufficient to stabilize water levels in key water storage tanks at safe operating levels during “mild water shortage conditions” and to achieve a reduction in daily water demand sufficient to meet basic water needs for public health and safety during “emergency water shortage conditions.” To achieve these goals, the plan contains restrictions on water use to be in effect during water shortages that include irrigation of landscaped areas, use of water to wash any motor vehicle, operation of any ornamental fountain or pond, and other restrictions on outdoor water use.
1.10.5.2 Atascosa Rural Water Suppy Corporation[2]
The Atascosa Rural WSC’s Drought Contingency Plan contains a voluntary water conservation plan and an emergency drought management plan. The voluntary water conservation plan is always in effect and urges residents to check for leaks and from May 1 to September 30 to only water lawns during the early morning or late evening. In emergency drought conditions, the emergency drought management plan will take the place of the voluntary plan. The triggering criteria for the emergency drought management plan is based on the Edwards Aquifer Authority rules and regulations and contains restrictions on lawn watering, filling swimming pools, and using water in an ornamental fountain.
1.10.5.3 Bexar
Metropolitan Water District[3]
BMWD’s Retail Supplier Drought Contingency Plan
outlines drought and emergency contingency procedures and identifies the
triggering criteria for initiation and termination of
drought response stages as well as the water use restrictions in effect during times of water shortages. It is the goal of this plan to reduce total water use by 5 percent during “mild water shortage conditions” and 15 percent during “severe water shortage conditions.” To achieve these goals, the plan contains restrictions on water use to be in effect during water shortages that include irrigation of landscaped areas, operation of any ornamental fountain or pond, and other restrictions on outdoor water use.
BMWD’s Wholesale Supplier Drought Contingency Plan contains regulations and restrictions on the delivery and consumption of water by the wholesale customers of BMWD during times of water shortages. It is the goal of this plan to reduce total water use by 5 percent during “mild water shortage conditions” and 20 percent during “critical water shortage conditions.”
1.10.5.4 Canyon
Regional Water Authority[4]
The purpose of Canyon Regional Water Authority’s (CRWA) water conservation plan is to increase water use efficiency and reduce water waste. In order to increase water use efficiency and reduce water waste, CRWA has set the following goals:
Encourage the development of water conservation plans and drought management plans for each member entity;
Achieve an overall average CRWA member entities per capita water use of 120 gpcd by planning year 2020 and 114 gpcd by planning year 2050;
Utilize the “averaging concept” in the commitment of treated water in order to stretch the supply of treated water;
Encourage member entities seeking additional water supplies to develop these water supplies based on a firm yield;
Encourage the development of criteria for use of treated wastewater for irrigation of golf courses and athletic fields;
Establish criteria for increased metering to track and manage water supplies; and
Develop and implement an Annual Water Use Report for all systems which purchase treated water from CRWA.
CRWA’s Drought Contingency Plan defines trigger conditions and drought contingency measures for each of the three water supply types utilized by CRWA’s member entities (surface water systems, Edwards and related aquifers, and the Carrizo and Leona Gravel Aquifers). For each type of water supply the plan defines three trigger stages and the associated contingency measures that will be taken during each of the drought stages.
1.10.5.5 Canyon
Springs Water Company[5]
The Drought Contingency Plan for Canyon Springs Water Company, located near Canyon Reservoir in Comal County, provides the framework to identify those periods in which water shortages exist, and to take actions to curtail water usage during periods of drought and other water shortages. The plan contains five stages of water use curtailment ranging from a mild water shortage condition to an emergency water shortage condition. The stages are triggered by fluctuations of the Bexar County monitoring well (J-17) maintained by the EAA. Under this plan, increasingly stringent water use restrictions will accompany each declared stage during a water shortage.
1.10.5.6 Cattleman’s Crossing Water System[6]
The Cattleman’s Crossing Water System’s Drought Contingency Plan defines trigger conditions for the plan to take effect and sets goals to reduce water use during times of drought or other water shortages. Three different conditions have been defined based upon the level of the Medina Well #TD-69-47-306. The water reduction goals in the plan range from five percent during a stage I shortage to 25 percent for a stage III water shortage. This plan also initiates an increase in the System’s water rates in periods of drought when stage II or stage III are declared.
1.10.5.7 City of Converse[7]
The City of Converse Water Conservation Plan formalizes the concept for reducing the City’s dependence on Edwards Aquifer groundwater to meet current and projected water demands. The plan is based on two precepts. The first is to reduce demand by initiating conservation practices within current production capacity. The second is to substitute untreated surface water from a local source for Edwards Aquifer water used in industrial processing, general irrigation, and outdoor discretionary uses. The savings in Edwards Aquifer water can be reserved to support projected growth and reduce the demands on future groundwater production.
After a test program was completed in the summer of 1998, the City reported that the program demonstrated that significant conservation of Edwards Aquifer groundwater could be achieved by substituting non-potable surface waters. The City plans to accomplish this task through a four-phase program that will involve installation of pumps to divert water from Saltrillo Creek into a distribution network to supply the City with non-potable surface water. By using surface water to replace industrial and discretionary use of Edwards Aquifer water, the City expects to conserve 797 acft/yr of Edwards Aquifer water when all four phases are complete.
1.10.5.8 City of Fair Oaks Ranch[8]
The City of Fair Oaks Ranch’s Drought Contingency Plan provides specific criteria for the initiation and termination of drought response stages. Static water levels in the Fair Oaks Ranch Utilities Well #20 as well as average daily production values are the trigger mechanisms for the various stages of the drought plan. During the various stages of the drought plan, the City may impose surcharges on water use above a specified amount as well as implementing other measures designed to lower water use.
1.10.5.9 City of Garden Ridge[9]
The City of Garden Ridge’s Drought Contingency Plan provides specific criteria for the initiation and termination of demand reduction measures and a full description of the measures required in each stage in order to comply. The plan has procedures for granting variances and procedures for the enforcement of any mandatory use restrictions. Specific levels of the Edwards Aquifer, measured by the J-17 well, are the trigger mechanisms for the various stages of the drought plan. During the various stages of the drought plan, the City may restrict or prohibit the use of water for landscape watering, ornamental outdoor fountains, vehicle washing, and the filling of swimming pools.
1.10.5.10 City of Goliad[10]
The City of Goliad Drought Contingency Plan defines
trigger conditions for the plan to take effect. Six different conditions have been defined based upon storage in
the City’s off
channel reservoirs. These conditions are a mild water shortage condition, moderate water shortage condition, severe water shortage condition, critical water shortage condition, emergency water shortage condition, and water allocation condition. Under mild water shortage conditions, water conservation measures will be voluntary. Under moderate water shortage conditions, water conservation measures will be mandatory and will include the reduction of certain outdoor water uses. Under severe water shortage conditions, water conservation will be mandatory and the City will require curtailment of outdoor water uses. Lawn watering will be reduced through a mandatory odd/even house address schedule. During a critical water shortage water use for car washing and for filling or refilling pools is prohibited. During an emergency water shortage condition, the goal of the plan is to achieve a 40 percent reduction in daily water use. In the event that water shortage conditions threaten public health, safety, or welfare, the Mayor may allocate water supplies based upon guidelines contained in the plan.
1.10.5.11 City of Gonzales[11]
The City of Gonzales currently has strategies for reducing water consumption which include a rate structure discouraging the excess use of water, metering devices with an accuracy of plus or minus five percent, radio advertisements highlighting water conservation tips, and others. Gonzales intends to reduce water consumption in its service area by 9.5 percent, from 301 gpcd to 272 gpcd by the year 2040. In order to achieve this goal, the city will periodically distribute water conservation literature to the citizens of Gonzales, continue radio announcements giving water conservation tips, continue to replace old meters, test all meters periodically, continue regular inspection of water lines, continue unaccounted for losses of less than 15 percent, continue a water rate structure discouraging excess water consumption, research developing a water recycling and reuse program, and research adopting water saving amendments to the Plumbing Code.
1.10.5.12 City of
New Braunfels[12]
The City of New Braunfels’ Drought Contingency Plan provides specific criteria for the initiation and termination of drought response stages and a full description of the measures required in each stage in order to comply. The plan has procedures for granting variances, procedures for notification of the public of the initiation or termination of the drought response stages, and procedures for the enforcement of any mandatory use restrictions. Specific spring flows of the Comal River and specific levels of the Edwards Aquifer are the trigger mechanisms for the various stages of the drought plan. During the various stages of the drought plan, the City may restrict or prohibit the use of water for landscape watering, ornamental outdoor fountains, vehicle washing, and the filling of swimming pools.
The goal of the City’s water conservation plan is to educate the public on how and why they need to conserve water, create incentives to conserve through the water rate structure, and provide meaningful year-round conservation rules. In order to realize the City’s water conservation goal, the City is undertaking several programs to conserve water which include:
Installing metering devices which have an accuracy of plus or minus five percent to measure and account for the amount of water diverted from the source supply;
A program for universal metering of both customer and public uses of water;
A program for water meter testing, repair, and periodic replacement;
Measures to determine and control unaccounted-for uses of water including visual inspection along distribution lines, determining illegal connections, and abandoned services;
Continuing public education and information regarding water conservation; and
Water rate structures that are cost-based and which do not encourage the excessive use of water.
1.10.5.13 City of Schertz[13]
The City of Schertz’s Drought Contingency Plan provides specific criteria for the initiation and termination of demand reduction measures and a full description of the measures required in each stage in order to comply. The plan has procedures for granting variances and procedures for the enforcement of any mandatory use restrictions. Specific levels of the Edwards Aquifer, measured by Bexar County Observation J-17 Well, are the trigger mechanisms for the various stages of the drought plan. During the various stages of the drought plan, the City may restrict or prohibit the use of water for landscape watering, ornamental outdoor fountains, vehicle washing, and the filling of swimming pools.
1.10.5.14 City of Seguin[14]
It is the goal of the City of Seguin’s Water Conservation Plan to reduce water consumption by all customers. To reduce consumption of water by all customers, the City of Seguin promotes water conservation through Education and Information, Water Conserving Landscaping, Leak Detection and Repair, Universal Metering, Rate Structure, Recycling and Reuse, Retrofit Programs, Plumbing Codes, and Implementation and Enforcement.
The objective of the City’s emergency water demand management
plan provides procedures for voluntary and mandatory actions to be placed into
effect to temporarily reduce the demand placed upon the City of Seguin’s water
supply system during a water shortage
emergency. Emergency demand procedures include conservation, but also includes prohibition of certain uses. The City of Seguin has established a set of trigger or threshold conditions that indicated when contingency measures need to be put into effect.
1.10.5.15 City of Stockdale[15]
The City of Stockdale Drought Contingency Plan defines trigger conditions for the plan to take effect based upon the level of wells and surface water supplies and the capability of the system to deliver the required quantities of water. The plan describes what combination of trigger conditions are necessary to initiate each of the three water shortage conditions outlined in the plan. Under mild water shortage conditions, the goal of the plan is to achieve a 10 percent reduction in daily water demand through voluntary measures. Under moderate water shortage conditions, water conservation measures will be mandatory and will include the reduction of certain outdoor water uses. Under severe water shortage conditions, water conservation will be mandatory and the City will require that the irrigation of landscaped areas be terminated.
1.10.5.16 City of
Victoria[16]
The City of Victoria Drought Contingency Plan defines
trigger conditions for the plan to take effect. Four different conditions have been defined based upon storage in
the City’s off channel reservoirs.
These conditions are a mild water shortage condition, moderate water
shortage condition, severe water shortage condition, and critical water shortage
condition. Under
mild water shortage conditions, water conservation measures will be voluntary. Under moderate water shortage conditions, water conservation measures will be mandatory and will include the reduction of certain outdoor water uses. Under severe water shortage conditions, water conservation will be mandatory and the City will require curtailment of outdoor water uses. Lawn watering will be reduced through a mandatory odd/even house address schedule. During a critical water shortage water use for car washing and for filling or refilling pools is prohibited.
1.10.5.17 Crystal
Clear Water Supply Corporation
Crystal Clear WSC’s Drought Contingency Plan[17] outlines the Corporation’s drought and emergency contingency procedures and identifies the triggering criteria for initiation and termination of drought response stages as well as the water use restrictions in effect during times of water shortages. It is the goal of this plan to reduce total water use by 5 percent during “mild water shortage conditions” and 15 percent during “severe water shortage conditions.” To achieve these goals, the plan contains restrictions on water use to be in effect during water shortages that include irrigation of landscaped areas, operation of any ornamental fountain or pond, and other restrictions on outdoor water use.
Crystal Clear WSC’s Water Conservation Plan[18] includes five goals for the conservation of water by all of its customers and includes promoting water conservation and public education. The Corporation’s water conservation objectives are to:
Derive the highest beneficial use from water diverted or produced;
Achieve efficient water-use in its production, storage and distribution systems;
Promote efficient water-use among its customers;
Provide adequate water of consistent and good quality at affordable costs;
Reduce peak demands for water among its customers; and
Prevent water losses through an aggressive, system-wide program of inspection and maintenance.
1.10.5.18 E.I. du
Pont de Nemours and Company, Inc., Victoria Plant[19]
The du Pont Victoria petrochemical plant utilizes water in many ways to manufacture nylon intermediate chemicals, organic and inorganic chemicals, and polyethylene. The Victoria plant obtains water from the Guadalupe River, groundwater, and rainfall, which it then uses for cooling, process manufacturing, fire fighting, and personnel needs. The du Pont Company has made changes in the raw water cooling system to improve the recirculation rate. This improvement is expected to decrease the amount of diverted surface water by as much as 20 percent at the end of the year 2000.
1.10.5.19 El Oso Water Supply Corporation[20]
This plan has two components, the Water Conservation Plan and the Drought Contingency Plan. The El Oso Water Supply Corporation’s long term water conservation plan is to enact policies that with the cooperation of all members will achieve the maximum amount of water conservation. The goals of the drought contingency plans are to establish a set of procedures initiated by certain conditions to prevent the loss of water supply to any customer during periods of high demand or low supply.
1.10.5.20 Green
Valley Special Utility District[21]
Green Valley SUD’s Drought Contingency Plan outlines the District’s drought and emergency contingency procedures and identifies the triggering criteria for initiation and termination of drought response stages as well as the water use restriction in effect during times of water shortage. It is the goal of this plan to reduce total water use by 10 percent during “mild water shortage conditions” and 20 percent during “severe water shortage conditions.” To achieve these goals, the plan contains restrictions on water use to be in effect during water shortages that include irrigation of landscaped areas, operation of any ornamental fountain or pond, and other restriction on outdoor water use.
1.10.5.21 Guadalupe-Blanco
River Authority[22]
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority’s Drought
Contingency Plan defines trigger conditions for the plan to take effect and
sets goals to reduce water use during times of drought or other water
shortages. Four different conditions
have been defined based upon the level of storage in Canyon Reservoir or other
water supply emergencies such as system failure or contamination of the water
supply source. These conditions are a
mild water shortage condition,
moderate water shortage condition, severe water shortage condition and emergency water shortage condition. GBRA’s water reduction goals range from five percent during a mild water shortage to 15 percent for a severe water shortage. During each water shortage condition GBRA will calibrate and review the operation of all available stream gauges and implement water delivery procedures to improve efficiency of the delivery of water from storage.
1.10.5.22 Kendall County Water Control & Improvement District No. 1[23]
The Kendall County WCID No. 1 Drought Contingency and Water Rationing Plan is designed to conserve groundwater supplies obtained from the Cow Creek formation during dry weather and high water usage periods. The level of the Cow Creek formation is measured in a monitoring well, which is owned by the District, but is not used for water production. When the monitoring well reaches 100 feet from the surface, the Manager will issue public notice advising the customers that the groundwater level is falling. Customers will be asked not to water lawns and gardens between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and to survey their property to check for leaks, drips, and faulty commode valves. If the water level continues to decline, other measures are instituted, such as restrictions on washing cars, and certain methods for watering lawns.
1.10.5.23 Martindale Water Supply Corporation[24]
The Martindale WSC’s Water Conservation and Emergency Demand Plan has two components – the long term Water Conservation Plan and the Emergency Water Demand Management Plan. The goals of the Water Conservation Plan include reducing water usage to no more than 10,000 gallons per connection per month, limiting peak water use during the month of May through September, and reducing unaccounted for water to less than ten percent of that supplied. The goal of the Emergency Water Demand Management Plan is to cause a reduction in water use in response to emergency conditions. This plan contains trigger conditions and their accompanying water use restrictions.
1.10.5.24 Oak Hills Water Supply Corporation[25]
The Oak Hills WSC’s Water Conservation Plan includes three goals for the conservation of water by all of its customers and includes promoting water conservation and public education. These three goals include replacing old water lines, testing and replacing faulty water meters, reducing per capita consumption to near 100 gpcd, and periodic mail outs with conservation tips.
The Corporation’s Drought Contingency Plan provides specific criteria for the initiation and termination of demand reduction measures and a full description of the measures required in each stage in order to comply. The plan has procedures for granting variances and procedures for the enforcement of any mandatory use restrictions. During the various stages of the drought contingency plan, the Corporation may restrict or prohibit the use of water for landscape watering, ornamental outdoor fountains, vehicle washing, and the filling of swimming pools.
1.10.5.25 San Antonio Water System[26]
The San Antonio Water System’s Water Conservation and Reuse Plan serves as a guide to long-range decision making and day-to-day operations through explicit statements of policy and the identification of specific strategies of policy implementation. The SAWS conservation goal states, “Conservation is to be treated as a source a water, with a goal of reducing total regional water demand by the year 2007.” In order to accomplish these conservation savings, SAWS has set a short term goal of reducing per capita water use to 140 gpcd by the year 2008 along with the following long-term goals listed below:
Increase the public’s awareness of water-saving methods, in order to encourage customers to voluntarily conserve water, thus reducing Edwards Aquifer use;
Reduce existing customers’ water usage by encouraging landscape improvements and replacement of inefficient plumbing fixtures;
Decrease water consumption among new customers by requiring water efficient plumbing fixtures and xeriscaping in new construction;
Maximum use of recycled wastewater for non-potable needs;
Utilize conservation rates and incentives to modify the long-term water use patterns of SAWS’ customers and to encourage on-site industrial reuse;
Maintain unaccounted-for water totals at rates lower than the national average; and
Reduce the peaks in per capita usage during drought periods.
Reuse of treated municipal wastewater for irrigation is also a part of the SAWS Conservation and Reuse Plan designed to reduce the use of potable groundwater for non-potable applications. A major goal of this part of the plan is to virtually eliminate the use of groundwater for irrigation and stream augmentation while preserving the integrity of the Edwards Aquifer.
SAWS current and anticipated water conservation programs are divided into seven program areas. Residential programs, which serve 91 percent of SAWS customers, are further subdivided into Indoor and Outdoor Programs. Commercial/Institutional/Industrial Programs serve the other nine percent of customers. All three of these program areas provide financial incentives for equipment retrofits as wells as education programs. In addition, two program areas provide educational efforts targeted for those of school age and for education and outreach to adults. SAWS also has a metering and monitoring program for assisting with efficiency throughout the system, while the Agricultural Program provides incentives and research funds to assist in reducing demand regionally on the Edwards Aquifer.
1.10.5.26 Sutherland Springs Water Supply Corporation[27]
The S.S. WSC’s water conservation plan includes nine goals for the conservation of water by all of its customers and includes promoting water conservation and public education. The Corporation’s water conservation objectives are to:
Derive the highest beneficial use from water diverted or produced;
Achieve efficient water-use in its production, storage and distribution systems;
Promote efficient water-use among its customers;
Provide adequate water of consistent and good quality at affordable costs;
Reduce peak demands for water among its customers; and
Prevent water losses through an aggressive, system-wide program of inspection and maintenance.
The Corporation’s Drought Contingency Plan provides specific criteria for the initiation and termination of demand reduction measures and a full description of the measures required in each stage in order to comply. The plan has procedures for granting variances and procedures for the enforcement of any mandatory use restrictions. During the various stages of the drought contingency plan, the Corporation may restrict or prohibit the use of water for landscape watering, ornamental outdoor fountains, vehicle washing, and the filling of swimming pools.
1.10.5.27 3-G Water Company, Inc.[28]
The 3-G Water Company, Inc. Drought Contingency Plan defines trigger conditions for the plan to take effect and sets goals to reduce water use during times of drought or other water shortages. Three different conditions have been defined based upon the level of the J-17 index well or flow in the Comal River. These conditions are a mild water shortage condition, moderate water shortage condition, and severe water shortage condition. 3-G Water Company’s water reduction goals range from five percent during a mild water shortage to 15 percent for a severe water shortage.
1.10.5.28 Zavala-Dimmit Counties Water Improvement District No. 1[29]
The Zavala-Dimmit Counties Water Improvement District No. 1 is a Chapter 58 Irrigation District with 28,000 acft of water appropriated by the State of Texas. The District’s water conservation plan outlines measures that irrigators operating within the can take to reduce water usage. These measures include maintaining diversion points and conveyance systems in a leak free condition and reducing tail water loss by construction tail water pits to capture excess water for recycling. The District’s drought contingency plan outlines the procedures the District will follow during times of drought to allocate water to its customers.
1.10.6 Water Quality Programs
1.10.6.1 Seco Creek Water Quality Demonstration Project[30]
The Seco Creek Water Quality Demonstration Project is located in the Nueces River Basin, where Seco Creek flows across the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer. The project area is includes portions of Medina and Uvalde Counties inside of the planning region. This project is led by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the Farm Service Agency. Project personnel work to develop and demonstrate practices that reduce or prevent pollution and improve water quality, while water conservation and efforts to increase water yields are encouraged through educational programs and demonstrations.
Projects to increase water yields include a catchment and recharge structure designed to hold an inch of runoff from a 40-acre rangeland watershed allowing more water to be recharged into the Edwards Aquifer. Another source of increasing water availability has been investigated through studies that evaluated the effects of removing ashe juniper on the soil-water balance on rangelands in the study area.
Educational material and programs have also been developed for public school students. More than 2,000 students from the surrounding school districts have been exposed to the program. Project personnel also conducted 260 tours for more than 50,000 people from the United States and many foreign countries since the beginning of the project.
1.10.6.2 Seco
Creek-Edwards Regional Water Partnership[31]
Out of this original project has grown an expanded project, the Seco Creek-Edwards Regional Water Partnership. This project will expand the Seco Creek Water Quality Demonstration Project’s boundaries through the use of “satellite” locations in the 13 counties of the Edwards region (Bandera, Bexar, Blanco, Comal, Edwards, Gillespie, Hays, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, Medina, Real, and Uvalde). This project will be a collaborative, multi-disciplinary and multi-agency effort addressing regional resource management and land use concerns, with water being the unifying issue. The new project will seek to accomplish four goals:
Utilize grassroots inputs to coordinate and focus agency educational and technical assistance efforts on regional water quality and related resource management issues;
Demonstrate resource management practices that improve water quality and availability while sustaining other resources and meeting the economic needs of individuals and communities;
Establish and maintain a clearinghouse for educational, research, and management information to help land managers and policy makers make informed decisions; and
Provide an educational forum to help other resource management personnel from state and federal agencies gain hands-on experience to learn how to effectively implement collaborative programs that address resource management issues among diverse audiences on a watershed scale.
1.10.7 Summary of Other Information Available from Existing Local/Regional Planning
1.10.7.1 Comal
County[32]
Comal County, as a governmental entity, does not operate a water delivery system. However, Comal County is taking steps to secure a dependable water supply and to protect the quantity and quality of existing water resources within the county. Comal County supports the creation of a multi-county groundwater conservation district for those portions of the Trinity Aquifer underlying Comal, Kendall, Blanco, Bexar, Hays, and Travis Counties. However, because of a lack of support for the multi-county concept in surrounding counties, Comal County sent a bill to the 76th Legislature for the creation of a Comal County Groundwater Conservation District, which was not approved by the Legislature.
1.10.7.2 Wastewater Contract Between the City Public Service Board of San Antonio and the Alamo Conservation and Reuse District[33]
The Alamo Conservation and Reuse District is empowered to convey wastewater to any public or private entity within its boundaries for the purpose of reuse of wastewater in order to augment the supply of water from the Edwards Aquifer. Under this contact the Alamo Conservation and Reuse District has agreed to convey and deliver 40,000 acft/yr of treated wastewater to the City of San Antonio’s City Public Service Board (CPSB). This water is being used by CPS in the generation of electric power. Under this agreement, CPS is not permitted to resell any of the wastewater acquired, except to the extent of pre-existing commitments under its contract with Golden Aluminum and the additional resale of 2,000 acft/yr to users located within one-half mile of Calaveras and Braunig Lakes.
1.10.7.3 Water
Supply Contract between the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) and the San
Antonio Water System[34]
A water supply contract between ALCOA and SAWS will provide SAWS an amount of water not to exceed 60,000 acft/yr. ALCOA will obtain this water from wells located in the Carrizo Aquifer in Bastrop and Lee Counties. SAWS may use the water obtained under this contract in any manner it chooses. This contract will be in effect until December 31, 2040, unless the date is extended at that time. See Section 1.10.4.43 for a description of SAWS’ Water Resource Plan.
1.11
Water Availability Requirements Promulgated by a
County Commissioners Court
Due to the limited groundwater availability from the Trinity Aquifer in the Hill Country area of Texas, the TNRCC has declared a portion of the Texas Hill Country that overlies the Trinity Aquifer, including Kendall County, as the Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area (HCPGMA). In response to this designation, the County Commissioners Court of Kendall County has enacted Ordinance Number 203.860 which requires that the “developer of a proposed platted area shall provide evidence that an adequate supply of water of sufficient quantity and quality is available to supply the number of equivalent units proposed for the platted area in accordance with ‘Exhibit A’ of the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District rules.”
Exhibit A of the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District’s (CCGCD) rules provides developers in Kendall County with guidelines for developing land that will correlate the proposed lot size and development density with the anticipated groundwater availability. When a development is proposed within an area of the CCGCD where there is limited data on the availability of groundwater resources, developers must develop sufficient additional data in order to determine that an adequate supply of water would exist when the proposed development is fully built-out. In most instances the District requires a Water Availability Report to be completed for the proposed development. The Water Availability Report must show the formations to be considered as a water supply, estimates of the quantity of water a typical domestic well within the development would produce, and a statement of water quality to be expected based on existing well data. In addition to this requirement, in some instances, the District requires test and monitor wells to be drilled and pump tested to determine the water availability for the proposed development.
1.12 Current Preparations for Drought
Under requirements of SB1, 1997 Texas Legislature, drought contingency plans are required by the TNRCC for wholesale water suppliers, irrigation districts, and retail water suppliers. In January 1999, the SCTRWPG requested that representatives of each city and water conservation district of the region forward a copy of any available water plans or water management documents. Approximately 70 responses were received, of which 21 were groundwater management plans or drought contingency plans (See Sections 1.10.3 and 1.10.5). SB1 also requires that TNRCC require surface water right holders that supply 1,000 acre-feet or more of water for non-irrigation use and 10,000 acre-feet per year for irrigation use prepare a water conservation plan. In addition, conservation plans are commonly included in the management plans of underground water conservation districts.
All drought contingency plans are required to set triggering criteria for initiation and termination of drought response stages and contain supply and demand management measures to be implemented during each stage. The retail and wholesale water suppliers’ plans contain measures to limit or restrict the use of water for purposes such as the irrigation of landscaped areas, to wash any motor vehicle, to fill or add water to any indoor or outdoor swimming pool, operation of any ornamental fountain, and the irrigation of golf course greens, tees, and fairways.
The underground water conservation district management plans also contain conservation plans that set goals and objectives for conserving groundwater within the district. The districts use methods such as requiring wells in areas that are in danger of over producing groundwater and damaging the aquifers to restrict production by means of production permits, metering the amount of water produced, and by working with water utilities, agricultural, and industrial users within the district to promote the efficient use of water.
The San Antonio Water System’s Water Conservation and Reuse Plan aims to reduce the impacts of drought in the San Antonio area of the South Central Texas Region by water conservation programs for its customers (See Section 1.10.5.8). One of the goals of this plan is to increase the public’s awareness of water-saving methods, in order to encourage customers to voluntarily conserve water, thus reducing Edwards Aquifer use. Reuse of treated municipal wastewater for irrigation is also a part of the SAWS Conservation and Reuse Plan designed to reduce the use of potable groundwater for non-potable applications. A major goal of this part of the plan is to virtually eliminate the use of groundwater for irrigation and stream augmentation while preserving the integrity of the Edwards Aquifer.
In response to the passage of SB1477 by the 73rd Texas Legislature, the Edwards Aquifer Authority is in the process of developing a Critical Period Management Plan to address aquifer usage during times of drought. This plan, when adopted, will apply to all applicants or holders of regular permits, the customers of all permittees who are retail water utilities, and owners of exempt wells. Under the plan, during times of drought, water use restrictions will be placed into effect, as appropriate and necessary.
The South Central Texas Regional Water Plan relies upon local water management agencies and water utilities drought contingency plans to identify factors specific to each source of water supply to be considered in determining whether to initiate a drought response, and actions to be taken as part of the response.
[1] Aqua Water Supply Corporation, “Drought Contingency Plan,” September 13, 1999.
[2] Atascosa Rural WSC, “Drought Contingency Plan,” May 10, 2000.
[3] Bexar Metropolitan
Water District, “Retail Supplier Water Conservation Plan,” and “Wholesale
Supplier Water
Conservation Plan,” August 30, 1999.
[4] Taylor and
Mullins, Inc., “Water Conservation and Drought Management Plan,” Canyon
Regional Water
Authority, July 1999.
[5] Canyon
Springs Water Company, “Drought Contingency Plan for Canyon Springs Water
Company,” May 15,
1999.
[6] Cattleman’s Crossing Water System, “Drought Contingency Plan.”
[7] City of Converse, “City of Converse Water Conservation Plan,” January 4, 1999.
[8] City of Fair Oaks Ranch, “Drought Contingency Plan for the City of Fair Oaks Ranch,” September 1, 2000.
[9] City of Garden Ridge, “Municipal Ordinance Number 61, Drought Management Plan,” July 1, 1998.
[10] City of Goliad, “Drought Contingency Plan,” July 19, 2000.
[11] Hunter Associates Texas, Ltd., “Water Conservation Plan,” City of Gonzales, August 1999.
[12] New
Braunfels Utilities, “Drought Contingency Plan for Municipal Users by Public
Water Suppliers,” and
“Water Conservation Plan for
Municipal Users by Public Water Suppliers,” August 1999.
[13] City of Schertz, “Drought Contingency Plan for the City of Schertz.”
[14] City of Seguin, “Water Conservation Plan,” March 1996.
[15] City of Stockdale, “Drought Contingency Plan for the City of Stockdale,” April 3, 2000.
[16] City of Victoria, “Drought Contingency Plan,” August 27, 1999.
[17] C. Thomas Koch, Inc., “Drought Contingency Plan,” Crystal Clear WSC, August 19, 1999.
[18] Southwest
Engineers, Inc., “Water Conservation Plan” and “Water Supply Program,” Crystal
Clear WSC,
July 20, 2000.
[19] Manning
Engineering Group, “Water Conservation Plan and Data Survey,” E.I. du Pont de
Nemours and
Company, Inc., Victoria Plant,
August 1999.
[20] El Oso Water Supply Corporation, “Water Conservation and Drought Management Plan,” March 14, 2000.
[21] C. Thomas Koch, Inc., “Drought Contingency Plan,” Green Valley SUD, August 19, 1999.
[22] Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, “Drought Contingency Plan,” August 5, 1999.
[23] Kendall County WCID No. 1, “Drought Contingency & Water Rationing Plan,” August 12, 1993.
[24] Martindale WSC, “Water Conservation and Emergency Demand Plan.”
[25] Southwest
Engineers, Inc., “Water Conservation Plan” and “Drought Contingency Plan,” Oak
Hills WSC,
July 11, 2000.
[26] San Antonio Water System, “Water Conservation and Reuse Plan,” November 1998.
[27] Southwest
Engineers, Inc., “Water Conservation Plan” and “Drought Contingency Plan,”
Sutherland Springs
Water Supply Corporation, June 12,
2000.
[28] 3-G Water
Company, Inc., “Drought Contingency Plan for the Investor Owned Utility 3-G
W.C., Inc.,” June 30,
2000
[29]
Zavala-Dimmit Counties WID No. 1, “Water Conservation Plan” and “Drought
Contingency Plan,” August 2,
1999.
[30] Texas Agricultural
Extension Service, National Resource Conservation Service, and FSA, in
cooperation with the
Texas State Soil and Water
Conservation Board and local soil and water conservation districts, “Seco Creek
Water Quality Demonstration Project,”
January 1998.
[31] Ibid.
[32] Information transmitted in a letter from the Comal County District Attorney’s Office dated February 25, 1999.
[33] “Wastewater
Contract Between the City Public Service Board and Alamo Conservation and Reuse
District,”
September 1990.
[34] “Water
Supply Contract Between Aluminum Company of American and San Antonio Water
System,”
December 31, 1998.