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WATER CONSERVATION PLAN 2008 <br />requirements for all new HOA area construction. The landscape requirements include <br />provisions for Xeriscape, and require that sprinkler systems do not water impervious <br />areas, streets or pavement. <br />The City also has implemented a soil amendment program that requires the addition of 3 <br />cubic yards of organic materials to every 1,000 square feet of landscaped area. The City <br />has provided limited inspections to ensure that compliance with the program is <br />occurring. The City has also implemented a soil amendment rebate program to help <br />improve compliance. They have provided over $50,000 in rebates through the program <br />over the past 3 years. <br />This Plan will evaluate the efficacy of continuing the soil amendment rebate program and <br />look at the costs and benefits of increasing inspections and other enforcement activities in <br />accordance with these regulations. <br />Watering Restrictions <br />The City has voluntary watering restrictions that suggest limiting all outdoor watering to <br />once every two days, between the hours of 6 pm and 10 am. Hand watering and watering <br />associated with the primary course of any business are exempt. When mandated due to a <br />drought or other water emergency, the City also has the ability to assess fines on violators <br />with the first offense of any restriction being $25, the second offense $50, and the third <br />offense $100. <br />As indicated earlier, the City will evaluate stepping up its enforcement measures to <br />identify and notify those customers in violation of City watering restrictions, if and when <br />the watering restrictions become mandatory. No additional restrictions are being <br />considered at this time. <br />As part of this plan it is suggested the City conduct an evaluation of implementing <br />mandatory residential watering times between 6 pm and 10 am. <br />Water Billing <br />Inclining Block Rate and Water Budgets <br />Pricing water is one of the most difficult tasks that area water providers must undertake. <br />Water pricing must be equitable for its customers, but it must also reflect changing costs <br />for energy, infrastructure maintenance, and development of new reliable and sustainable <br />water supplies. Water pricing can also be developed to help promote water conservation. <br />The City currently utilizes an inclining block rate structure to bill its residential <br />customers. The City will be conducting additional water rates studies, under separate <br />cover, to set and implement future water rate fee increases for residential and commercial <br />customers. It is anticipated that the City will conduct water rate studies every three to <br />five years into the future during the next ten year planning horizon. <br />46 <br />