Res 2021-134/approving the submittal of the amended 2019 revised Water Conservation and Drought Response Plan to the Texas Water Development Board

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In addition to the annual leak survey, the City conducts ongoing leak detection activities such as periodic visual inspection of lines and a 24-hour leak report hotline. Suspected and reported leaks are investigated immediately and repaired as soon as possible. The City's aggressive leak detection and water audit program has lowered unaccounted water use to below 15%, the goal established by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). The City will continue to refine these programs with a goal of reducing and maintaining unaccounted usage below 12%. 5.2 Universal Metering The City meters all water connections within the service area, and estimates unmetered uses such as fire -fighting, line flushing and water leaks. Construction water from hydrants is allowed only through portable metering devices controlled by the City. Compound water meters are used for customers that are likely to experience periodic low flows, such as apartment complexes and restaurants. Turbo meters are used for customers that are likely to experience only high flows such as car washes, laundromats and irrigation. In 1987, the City implemented a meter replacement program in which all water meters within the service area are replaced on a ten-year cycle. In 1996 the City added a large meter testing program in which meters four inches and larger are tested annually and repaired or replaced as needed. Testing is accomplished through flow comparison with a calibrated digital water meter, with each meter tested at high, medium, and low flows. In addition to scheduled replacement and testing, meters that are suspected of malfunction are investigated immediately and repaired or replaced as needed. In 2013 the City completed installation of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system for both water and electric meters. The AMI system provides hourly water usage data which City staff uses in water conservation audits and to identify customer -side leaks. The City utilizes AMI data to provide weekly Continuous Flow Reports to customers that appear to have customer -side water leaks. The City will continue to develop methods for utilizing AMI data and to expand use of this data in conservation programs. 5.3 Water Conservation Ordinances In 1994, the City adopted its first year-round water conservation ordinance along with the drought management rules.