Res 071-2024 Termination of Stage 1 Drought Watch Water Restrictions 06/18/2024 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
June 18, 2024
ITEM/SUBJECT: Resolution announcing the termination of Stage 1 Drought Watch
water restrictions and the resumption of the regular water
conservation measures described in Section 106-186(a) of the Code
of Ordinances of the City of Wichita Falls.
INITIATING DEPT: Mayor
COMMENTARY: The watersheds of all water supply reservoirs received significant
rain fall during the month of May. Precipitation amounts varied across the watersheds;
however, enough runoff was generated to increase the combined capacities of Lakes
Arrowhead and Kickapoo by nearly 25%, to 79.1% as of Monday, June 10th. This
combined capacity would place the City above Stage 1 (65%) of the City's water
conservation ordinance.
The City has been under Stage 1 water conservation measures since January of 2023.
With the recent rain events and the increase in reservoir capacities, it would seem
appropriate to consider removal of the Stage 1 water restrictions currently in place.
City staff has had internal discussion regarding this issue and has also sought the input
of the Water Resources Commission. The general consensus was to terminate Stage 1
water restrictions when the combined lake levels were at, or above 78% combined
capacity.
The water conservation ordinance requires the vote of the council to terminate each stage
of the water conservation ordinance. A resolution for your consideration is attached to
end Stage 1 water restrictions of the City's water conservation plan.
® Public Works Director
ASSOCIATED INFORMATION: Resolution
® Budget Office Review
® City Attorney Review
® City Manager Approval
Resolution No. 71-2024
Resolution announcing the termination of Stage 1 Drought Watch
water restrictions and the resumption of the regular water
conservation measures described in Section 106-186(a) of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Wichita Falls
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 106-186(i) of the Code of Ordinances of the City
of Wichita Falls, the Director of Public Works shall declare that each water restriction
trigger level has been reached and that the water use restrictions for each respective
stage are in effect. The restrictions will remain in effect until the lakes rise to a level that,
when combined with the long-term forecast, assures the City an adequate supply of
water; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council, by majority vote, and after consultation with the
Director of Public Works, shall announce the termination of each respective stage of
restrictions that are triggered by lake levels; and,
WHEREAS, due to recent rains, the combined totals of Lakes Arrowhead and
Kickapoo have risen to a level that, when combined with a long-term forecast, assures
the City an adequate supply of water to allow for the lessening of water restrictions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT:
The City Council hereby announces the termination of Stage 1 water restrictions
and resumes regular water conservation measures listed in Section 106-186 (a) of the
Code of Ordinances until further official notice.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 18th day of June, 2024.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
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City Clerk