2.4 ERMUSR 08-10-2021______________________________________________________________________________
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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:
ERMU Commission
FROM:
Michelle Canterbury – Executive Administrative Manager
MEETING DATE:
August 10, 2021
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
2.4
SUBJECT:
Water Use Restrictions Policy
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the revised ERMU Policy G.4o1 Water Use Restrictions.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
At the July 13, 2021 meeting, the Commission reviewed the current Water Use Restrictions
Policy. Based on necessary updates, staff had prepared two proposed policy options with
corresponding resolutions for commission consideration. The Commission had consensus to go
with option 2, with a few suggested edits. Staff stated they would make the edits and present
the revised policy for commission approval at the August 10 commission meeting. Attached is
the revised policy.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Revised ERMU Policy – G.4o1 – Water Use Restrictions
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COMMISSION POLICY
Section: Category:
Governance Delegation to Management Policies
Policy Reference: Policy Title:
G.4o1 Water Use Restrictions
1.0 PURPOSE
All In order to protect the health, safety, and general welfare needs of the City of Elk River and
its residents, and to reduce peak demand on the water distribution system and promote water
conservation, the Commission has imposed permanent restrictions on lawn sprinkling.
2.0 POLICY
Pursuant to its authority under Section 78-51 of the City of Elk River Code of Ordinances, the
Commission has adopted by resolution the following water use restrictions:
A. No lawn sprinkling shall occur between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
B. Use of the municipal water supply system for lawn sprinkling shall be limited to an odd-
even schedule. Homes and businesses with addresses ending in an odd number may water
on odd numbered days, and homes and businesses with addresses ending in an even
number may water on even numbered days. Multi-family residences, businesses with
multiple addresses, townhome associations with multiple addresses, and properties
without an apparent address may water on odd numbered days.
C. In addition to the permanent restrictions on lawn sprinkling outlined above, the
Commission has designated to the General Manager the authority to impose additional
temporary water use restrictions, such as a watering ban, until the Commission can meet
to consider a resolution imposing temporary restrictions.
These restrictions shall apply only to the use of water supplied by Elk River Municipal Utilities
and shall not apply to water from private wells, whether those wells are located inside or outside
of the Elk River Municipal Utilities water service area. However, all property owners utilizing a
private well for lawn sprinkling are strongly encouraged to follow the time-of-day and odd/even
restrictions.
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ERMU Commission Policy – G.4o1 Water Use Restrictions
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3.0 EXEMPTIONS
Although the following are exempt from the water use restrictions, users are encouraged to
employ water efficiency to the greatest extent possible.
A. These restrictions shall apply only to the use of water supplied by Elk River Municipal
Utilities and shall not apply to water from private wells.
B.A. Watering of shrubs, flowers, or other landscaping vegetation is permitted when
done by hand and the watering device is personally tended.
C.B. Property owners with new sod, seed, or landscaping do not need to follow the
odd-even restrictions during the first 30 days after planting. However, they must still
abide by the midday ban from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
D.C. Property owners who intermittently use their outdoor water system exclusively for
recreational use such a filling a swimming pool or washing a vehicle are exempt from the
restrictions.
E.D. City and school athletic fields, golf courses, commercial nurseries, agricultural
and horticultural businesses are exempt from the restrictions.
4.0 PENALTIES
Failure to comply with water use restrictions is a violation of City Code. In accordance with
Section 78-52 of the City of Elk River City Code of Ordinances, fees and penalties for non-
compliance may be assessed to the offending person, firm, corporation, or association.
POLICY HISTORY:
Adopted: May 19, 1998
Revised: July 14, 2009
Revised: August 11, 2009
Revised: July 12, 2011
Revised: August 10, 2021
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