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 2006 the City adopted 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 2015. The recently revised San Marcos Land Development Code also includes landscape water conservation measures for new development. These rules require developers and homebuilders to offer xeriscape options for new single-family homes, require use of low-water landscape materials, provide limitations of turf grass areas, and require minimum soil depths and quality. 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. Each active account is charged a minimum bill based on water meter size, and additional charges based on water use. Costs are higher for rural water customers than for customers within the corporate City limits, and 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: 0 written materials such as press releases, newsletter articles, and bill inserts;