Res 2014-048/2014 submittals to the Texas Water Development Board

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the total landscape, and to properly prepare for new landscapes with at least 6 inches of high- quality soil. In 2006 the City adopted t a water conservation plumbing code which sets forth requirements for commercial car washes, cooling systems, decorative water features, commercial dining facilities, on- premise laundry facilities and landscape irrigation systems. Irrigation system codes were updated in 2009 to reflect changes to state regulations. The water conservation and drought response ordinance includes year -round rules that prohibit water waste, use of sprinklers during daytime hours, charity car washes, non - recirculating decorative water features and at -home car washing using open hoses. This ordinance is reviewed and updated periodically, with the latest amendment occurring in 2012 (see Appendix A). 5.4 Conservation Pricing In 1994, the City implemented an increasing block rate structure for all water customers. The rates have been amended numerous times to arrive at the current rate schedule (Appendix B). Each active account is charged a minimum bill based on water meter size. Cost for water usage ranges from $3.10 up to $9.30 per thousand gallons for water customers within the corporate City limits, and $3.88 up to $11.63 per thousand gallons for rural water customers. The City offers a Lifeline rate for customers that qualify for financial assistance. Single - family residential wastewater charges are based on average winter use, while all other users are based on actual metered water consumption. Accounts with dedicated landscape meters are not charged for wastewater service. The City plans to continue the increasing block rate structure, with rate adjustments implemented as needed. Future adjustments may include seasonal water rates, drought surcharges, or higher rates for irrigation accounts. 5.5 Public Information and Education The City maintains an active public information program to educate water users about the importance of water conservation, and to inform them of effective water conservation techniques. The goal is to reach all water customers and K -12 students through various methods including: • written materials such as press releases, newsletter articles, and bill inserts;