12-20-2000 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

PART III WATER CONSERVATION PLAN The purpose of the water conservation plan is to provide the City of Little Canada with a procedure for optimizing the available water resources. Short-term water conservation can be accomplished by implementing the emergency procedures presented in Part II. Long -term water conservation is an important part in managing available water resources. SECTION A. Legislation Water users are required to employ the best available means and practices to promote the efficient use of water (Minnesota Rules 6115.0770). Minnesota Laws of 1993, Chapter 186, requires public water supplies to implement demand reduction measures before seeking approval to construct new wells or to increase the authorized withdrawals of water. The Federal Energy Policy Act of 1992 requires that only high efficiency plumbing fixtures be manufactured after January 1, 1994. The City of Little Canada code regulates the installation of water services, connections to mains, use of hydrants, installation of meters, and allows for restriction on lawn sprinkling. SECTION B. Role The City of Little Canada has promoted water conservation for many years with the primary purpose being environmental responsibility. However, the City recognizes that it must act in the best public interest economically as well as be a responsible steward of natural resources. Aggressive water conservation programs are imperative in locations where the supply may not satisfy the demand or where escalating treatment costs could be avoided. The St. Paul Water Utility, as our water supplier, continues to indicate that they can provide our current peak needs for water in non - emergency conditions. Protecting and enhancing water quality, informing and educating the public on conservation measures, and reducing unaccounted -for water are the primary areas where conservation efforts by the City of Little Canada are directed. SECTION C. Potential Conservation potential can best be addressed by analyzing the effect the Energy Policy Act of 1992 is predicted to have on water use. The Act mandates that plumbing fixtures manufactured after January 1, 1994, must be high- efficiency models, with some exceptions. The City of Little has experienced three growth periods, the first from 1979 to 1980, the second from 1983 to 1990, and the third from 1993 to 1996. The City of Little Canada is also experiencing a fourth growth period now that started in 1998. The City has Page 130