Laserfiche WebLink
The water conservation and drought response ordinance includes year-round rules that <br />prohibit water waste, use of sprinklers during daytime hours, charity car washes, non- <br />recirculating decorative water features and at-home car washing using open hoses. This <br />ordinance is reviewed and updated periodically, with the latest amendment occurring in 2015. <br />The recently revised San Marcos Land Development Code also includes landscape water <br />conservation measures for new development. These rules require developers and homebuilders <br />to offer xeriscape options for new single-family homes, encourage use of low-water landscape <br />materials, encourage limitation of turf areas, and recommend minimum soil depths and quality. <br />5.4 Conservation Pricing <br />In 1994, the City implemented an increasing block rate structure for all water customers. <br />The rates have been amended numerous times to arrive at the current rate schedule. Each active <br />account is charged a minimum bill based on water meter size, and additional charges based on <br />water use. Costs are higher for rural water customers than for customers within the corporate <br />City limits, and the City offers a Lifeline rate for customers that qualify for financial assistance. <br />Single-family residential wastewater charges are based on average winter use, while all <br />other users are based on actual metered water consumption. Accounts with dedicated landscape <br />meters are not charged for wastewater service. <br />The City plans to continue the increasing block rate structure, with rate adjustments <br />implemented as needed. Future adjustments may include seasonal water rates, drought <br />surcharges, or higher rates for irrigation accounts. <br />5.5 Public Information and Education <br />The City maintains an active public information program to educate water users about the <br />importance of water conservation, and to inform them of effective water conservation <br />techniques. The goal is to reach all water customers and K-12 students through various methods <br />including: <br />written materials such as press releases, newsletter articles, and bill inserts; <br />water conservation website; <br />social media such as Facebook and Twitter; <br />representation at public events such as the Business Expo; <br />7 <br /> <br />