Overview
Drought “stages” are required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. They are used by water supply entitites to monitor water availability and implement actions that will ensure a continuous supply of water to their customers. Actions that can be taken include restrictions on water usage for non-essential purposes such as use of water to wash vehicles, filling of swimming pools and ornamental fountains, and limitations on landscape watering. Restrictions increase with drought severity (i.e., higher-numbered stages). We are proposing the following changes because the current “triggers” were difficult to measure and not in compliance with TCEQ rules and regulations.
At this time (December 31, 2006), if the water level in our well is more than 405 feet below the surface, we cannot pump water without major pump adjustments. Under the proposed plan, Stage 2 would be in effect if the water level drops to or below 345 feet blow the surface. Stage 3 (more severe restrictions) would be in effect if the water level in the well drops to or below 365 feet below the surface. Stage 4 (critical shortage) would be in effect if the water level in the well drops to 385 feet below the surface.
For comparative purposes: in the last several months, the water level has been between 320 to 330 feet below the surface.
Proposed Changes to Stages of Drought Contingency Plan
Below is a table describing of the current and proposed “triggers” for when the different stages of the drought contingency plan go into effect. See overview for further explanation of changes.
|
Current |
Proposed |
| Stage 0 |
Water level > 40% of max depth and Oct 1 through April 30 |
Water level higher than 325′ and Oct 1 through April 30 |
| Stage 1 |
May 1 through Sept 30 |
May 1 through Sept 30, OR water level between 325′ and 345′ |
| Stage 2 |
Water level < 40% and > 30% of max depth |
Water level between 345′ and 365′ |
| Stage 3 |
Water level < 30% and > 15% of max depth |
Water level between 365′ and 385′ |
| Stage 4 |
Water level < 15% of max depth |
Water level between 385′ and 405′ |
Proposed vs. Current Tariff
| Proposed Rate for Water |
| Stage 0 and Stage 1 of Drought Contingency Plan |
| Meter Size |
Monthly Base Rate |
Usage Charge per 1,000 gallons |
| All |
$30.00 (includes 0 gallons) |
| 0 – 5,000 gallons |
|
$1.00 |
| 5,000 – 10,000 gallons |
|
$1.50 |
| 10,000 – 20,000 gallons |
|
$2.00 |
| 20,000 – 30,000 gallons |
|
$4.00 |
| Over 30,000 gallons |
|
$6.00 |
|
| Stage 2 through Stage 4 of Drought Contingency Plan |
| Meter Size |
Monthly Base Rate |
Usage Charge per 1,000 gallons |
| All |
$30.00 (includes 0 gallons) |
| 0 – 5,000 gallons |
|
$1.00 |
| 5,000 – 10,000 gallons |
|
$1.50 |
| 10,000 – 20,000 gallons |
|
$4.00 |
| 20,000 – 30,000 gallons |
|
$8.00 |
| Over 30,000 gallons |
|
$12.00 |
|
| Current Rate for Water |
| Stage 0 through Stage 4 of Drought Contingency Plan |
| Meter Size |
Monthly Base Rate |
Usage Charge per 1,000 gallons |
| All |
$30.00 (includes 0 gallons) |
| 0 – 5,000 gallons |
|
$1.00 |
| 5,000 – 10,000 gallons |
|
$1.50 |
| 10,000 – 20,000 gallons |
|
$1.75 |
| 20,000 – 30,000 gallons |
|
$2.00 |
| Over 30,000 gallons |
|
$3.00 |
|
SRE Water Level Chart, December 2006
The following chart displays recent and current Skyline Ranch water levels through December 2006, relative to current Drought Stages. Chart submitted by Jim Van Overschelde of SRE-WSC Board, 2006-12-30. Click to enlarge.
