08/29/2007 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • ,Sprinkling Ordinance In Effect This Summer The City of Lino Lakes has always taken pride in its efforts to conserve our precious natural resources. In past years, the city has had the luxury of being able to meet the peak water coon demands of residents without imposing formal restrictions. Odd/even and night time watering has been merely _- The dry conditions we experienced last summer, however, put an extreme burden on our water supply. Ptak water demand exceeded production, while overnight demand allowed water tower levels to only slightly recover. This much water use can potentially compromise our public safety and fire protection der. The Insurance Services Organization recommends that our system be capable of a sustained Saw of 3,500 gallons per minute for a four-hour duration. The ability of our system to meet this criterion while also supplying peak household demand is doubtful. The average consumption fir Lino Lakes in the winter months of 2003 was approximately 650 ,000 gallons per day. During August 2003, consumption peaked to more than four million gallons in a single day, which is attributed to watering lawns and other nondomestic uses. For these reasons, the city is in the process of adopting an ordinance related to water use. • From May 15 through September 15 odd number property addresses may water on odd - number days, and even number property addresses may water on even number days. • In the event the city administrator determines that a severe water shortage exists that could jeopardize adequate fire protection and public safety, the city administrator is authorized to further restrict the sprinkling of lawns and gardens. • Watering of new sod and new seed for the first 12 weeks is permitted. • The first violation shall result in a S25 citation and a $50 subsequent citation to those individuals who repeat violations. • This ordinance applies only to those individuals drawing water for sprinkling from the public water system. The adoption of seasonal water restrictions is a necessary and reasonable measure to control water consumption during periods of peak demand_ Also, sprinkling restrictions will delay the need for additional well houses that are costly to build and maintain. Information about the new ordinance will be placed in fixture water bills and the local newspaper. Plans are also underway to place informational signage near the entrances of residential developments_