§ 36-65. Declaration of water shortage.

In the event of a water shortage in any of the five stages of severity hereinafter set forth in the city water supply threatening the health and safety of the citizens of the city, the city manager is authorized, empowered, and directed to issue a public declaration declaring to all persons the existence of such state and the severity thereof, and in order to more effectively protect the health and safety of the people within the service area, to place in effect the restrictive provisions hereinafter authorized.

(1)

Notification. The following notification methods will be used to inform water system employees and customers of a water shortage declaration: employee e-mail announcements, notices at municipal buildings, and on the City of Mebane website homepage. Required water shortage response measures will be communicated through the use of reverse 911, the local newspaper, and on the city website.

(2)

Compliance required in the event of water shortage.

a.

In the event the city manager issues any such declaration described in the section above, then and in that event it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation, to use or permit the use of water from the water system within the service area for any of the purposes hereinafter set forth until such time as this article be amended or repealed, or until the city manager, by public proclamation, has declared certain provisions no longer in effect. In exercising this discretionary authority, consideration shall be given to: water levels of available sources of supply; available/usable storage on hand; draw-down rates; the projected supply capability; outlook for precipitation; daily water use patterns; and availability of water from other sources.

b.

In light of the many benefits that can be derived by conserving water, all residents, businesses and institutions in the service area should follow water conservation practices, regardless of the time of year or whether or not a water shortage exists. Water conservation should be followed during all phases of construction related activities. Where appropriate, water needed should be obtained from supplemental sources and nonessential construction related activities which require water should be delayed until such time as the water emergency has ended.

(Ord. of 7-12-2010)