R-2024-144 - 6/13/2024 RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-144
WHEREAS,the City of Round Rock("City")desires to approve the City of Round Rock Drought
Contingency Plan ("Drought Contingency Plan") to maximize the beneficial uses of the water resources
available to City,prevent waste or unreasonable use of water, and encourage the conservation of water;
and
WHEREAS,the City Council wishes to approve the Drought Contingency Plan,Now Therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROUND ROCK,TEXAS,
That the City of Round Rock Drought Contingency Plan, attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and
incorporated herein, is hereby approved.
The City Council hereby finds and declares that written notice of the date,hour,place and subject
of the meeting at which this Resolution was adopted was posted and that such meeting was open to the
public as required by law at all times during which this Resolution and the subject matter hereof were
discussed, considered and formally acted upon, all as required by the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551,
Texas Government Code, as amended.
RESOLVED this 13th day of June, 2024.
ZRZ
CRAI MOR ,Mayor
City of Rounplock, Texas
ATTEST.
MEAGAJS ��KSA)tityClerk
0112.20242;4895-7892-5765
EXHIBIT
A..
ROUND ROCK TEXAS
City of Round Rock
Drought Contingency Plan
June 13, 2024
Drought Contingency Plan
Table of Contents
Table of Contents Page
1. Declaration of policy....................................................................................................................... 2
2. Public involvement and education................................................................................................2
3. Coordination with regional planning groups............................................................................... 2
4. Wholesale providers....................................................................................................................... 2
5. Wholesale customers......................................................................................................................2
6. Implementation and authorization.............................................................................................. 3
7. Application........................................................................................................................................3
8. Definitions.........................................................................................................................................3
9. Year-Round Conservation............................................................................................................... 5
10. Stage I triggers................................................................................................................................. 5
11. Stage I conservation schedule....................................................................................................... 6
12. Stage I regulations........................................................................................................................... 7
13. Stage I reduction target.................................................................................................................. 8
14. Stage II triggers................................................................................................................................ 9
15. Stage II conservation schedule...................................................................................................... 10
16. Stage II regulations..........................................................................................................................11
17. Stage II reduction target................................................................................................................. 12
18. Stage III triggers............................................................................................................................... 13
19. Stage III regulations.........................................................................................................................14
20. Stage III reduction target................................................................................................................ 15
21. Pro-Rata curtailment.......................................................................................................................15
22. Powers of city manager.................................................................................................................. 16
23. Procedures to be followed for initiation and termination of mandatory restrictions........... 16
24. Variance; Alternative compliance................................................................................................. 17
25. Enforcement and penalty.............................................................................................................. 18
Appendices
AppendixA .................................................................................................................................................... 19
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan (which includes the Lower Colorado River Authority
Drought Contingency Plan)
Page 1 of 20
1. Declaration of policy
It is declared that, because safe and high-quality drinking water is a precious resource,the general
welfare requires that the water resources available to the city be put to the maximum beneficial use, and
that the waste or unreasonable use of water be prevented, and the conservation of water is to be
encouraged with a view to its reasonable and beneficial use in the interests of the people of the city and
for the public health, safety and welfare.The city council has determined that an aggressive water
conservation and drought contingency program will protect the integrity of water supply facilities,
prolong the life of existing water sources, and minimize the impacts of water supply shortages, and
therefore adopts the following regulations and restrictions on the delivery and consumption of water.
Water uses regulated or prohibited under this plan are considered nonessential and continuation of such
uses during time of water shortage or other emergency water supply conditions are deemed to
constitute a waste of water which may subject the offender to penalties.
The city council has also determined that it is its policy that water customers are encouraged to
voluntarily limit the use of water for nonessential purposes and to practice water conservation.
Dedicatory instruments may not impose rules that contradict this plan, nor require the use of more
water when customers are being asked to reduce.
2. Public Involvement and Education
Opportunity for the public to provide input into the continued development of the drought contingency
plan, or any modifications, is accepted by attending City Council meetings, held the second and fourth
Thursday of each month or contacting City water conservation staff.
The city will provide the public with information about water use, including information about the
conditions under which each Stage of this article is to be initiated or terminated and the drought
response measures to be implemented in each Stage. Drought and water conservation information will
be provided by public meetings, press releases, utility bill inserts, the city's website, electronic media
notification, and/or direct mailouts or emails.
3. Coordination with Regional Water Planning Groups
The service area of the City of Round Rock is located with the G Regional Water Planning Area. City of
Round Rock will provide a copy of this Plan to the Region G group, along with our wholesale water
suppliers: the Brazos River Authority, and the Lower Colorado River Authority.
4. Wholesale providers
The city contracts for raw water in Lake Georgetown and Lake Stillhouse Hollow from the Brazos River
Authority and Lake Travis from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the Brazos River Authority.The
city will comply with and implement any drought contingency requirements that may be set forth in any
contracts with these river authorities. Because of the diverse water sources Round Rock utilizes, the city
may opt to reduce consumption from one source to meet the requirements of a provider, rather than
enact a drought stage.
5. Wholesale customers
Page 2 of 20
The city sells wholesales water to eleven MUDs. These are Aqua Tex, Fern Bluff, Paloma Lake MUD 1 & 21
Williamson County MUD 10 & 11, Vista Oaks, Walsh Ranch, Round Rock Ranch PUD, Blessing Mobile
Home Park, and Tera Vista.
(a)All wholesale water contracts require compliance with the city's drought contingency and water
conservation plans. Each contract specifies that the water supplied to the wholesale customer may be
reasonably limited by the city on the same basis and to the same extent as the supply of water to any
other customers within the city.
(b) All wholesale contracts entered into, renewed or extended after the adoption of this plan will include
provisions for distributing water to the wholesale customer in accordance with V.T.C.A., Water Code §
11.039.
6. Implementation and Authorization
The city manager is hereby authorized and directed to implement the applicable conservation Stages
upon his determination that the implementation is necessary to protect the public health, safety and
welfare.The city manager shall have the authority to initiate or terminate drought or other water supply
emergency response measures as described in this article.
7. Application
The provisions of this article shall apply to all persons, customers, and owners of property who use or
allow the use of city water, wherever situated.The terms person and customer, as used in this article,
include individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations and all other legal entities.
The provisions of this article do not apply to:
(i) persons who use water from private water wells;
(ii) persons who use water from the city's reuse water system; or
(iii) persons who otherwise use water from a source other than the city's water utility
system (such as rainwater).
8. Definitions
For this article, the definitions apply, unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
Backflow prevention assembly or backflow assembly or assembly means an assembly to counteract back
pressure or prevent backsiphonage.
Backsiphonage means the flow of water or other liquids, mixture or substances into the distribution
pipes of a potable water supply system from any source, other than its intended source, caused by a
sudden reduction of pressure in the potable water supply system.
BCRUA is an acronym for the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority
BRA is an acronym for the Brazos River Authority.
City or The City refers to the City of Round Rock.
Customer means the person who has applied for and through such application agrees to undertake
primary responsibility toward the city to ensure compliance with the city's ordinances, rules and
Page 3 of 20
regulations dealing with utilities.The term "customer" includes agents, attorneys-in-fact, or
representatives of such person.
DCP is an acronym for Drought Contingency Plan.
Director means the director of utilities for the city or his designee.
Dedicatory Instrument means a governing instrument for the establishment, maintenance, and
operation of a residential subdivision, planned unit development, condominium,townhouse regime, or
any similar planned development.
Foundation watering is an application of water to the soils directly abutting(within 2 feet)the foundation
of a building, structure.
Irrigation or irrigation system refers to a permanently installed assembly of component parts for the
controlled distribution and conservation of water to irrigate, reduce dust, and control erosion in any
type of landscape vegetation in any location.This term includes sprinklers and sprinkler systems used
for landscape irrigation.
LCRA is an acronym for the Lower Colorado River Authority.
Mainline refers to a pipe within an irrigation system that delivers water from the water source to the
individual zone valves.
Master valve is a control valve located after the backflow prevention assembly that controls the flow of
water to the irrigation system mainline.
MUD is an acronym for municipal utility district.
Non-residential use means water used by any person other than a residential customer of the water
supply and include all uses not specifically included in "residential uses."
Plan or The Plan refers to this Drought Contingency Plan.
Private water well means any artificial excavation constructed for the purpose of exploring for and
producing groundwater for any use by a private individual or entity, and the system for provision of the
groundwater does not meet the federal and state definitions of a public water system.
Residential use means water use of any residential customer of the water supply and includes, but is not
limited to, single-family dwellings, duplexes, multiplex, housing and apartments where the individual
units are each on a separate meter; or, in cases where two or more units are served by one meter,the
units are full-time dwellings.
Reuse water or reclaimed water is treated wastewater effluent that is sold and reused again for non-
potable uses, such as landscape irrigation, rather than discharging it.
TCEQ is an acronym for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Page 4 of 20
TWDB is an acronym for the Texas Water Development Board.
Water customer is the person, entity, or company on the water billing account agreement with the city.
WCRRWL is an acronym for the Williamson County Regional Raw Waterline
9. Year-Round Water Use Standards
(a) When not in a specified drought Stage, it is requested that all times, water customers choosing to
irrigate outdoors follow the same two day per week watering schedule as set forth in Section 44-230.
Irrigation with an automatic irrigation system, hose end sprinkler, or drip or soaker hoses is discouraged
between the hours of 10am and 7pm year-round. Watering by hand with a handheld hose is permitted
at any time. This year-round schedule will be referred to as year-round water use standards. The LCRA's
Drought Contingency Plan,chapter 3, requires a permanent watering schedule of no more than twice
per week for their firm water customers,which includes the city.
(b) Customers using water from the city's reuse water system, private water well, or rainwater are
exempt from the year-round water use standards.
(c)The city will engage in educational programs designed to increase customer awareness of water
conservation and encourage the most efficient use of water. The City of Round Rock Water Conservation
Plan may be referred to for additional details on education and conservation outreach.
10. Stage I Triggers
(a) Stage I shall be implemented when any of the following triggers occur:
(1) Supply-based trigger for implementation of Stage I is as follows:
a. Lake Georgetown Reservoir elevation is below 775 feet above mean sea level (msl)for
three consecutive days; or
b. The total combined storage of the Lake Georgetown and Lake Stillhouse Hollow
system is less than 222,398 acre feet of water(BRA DCP Stage 1); and
c. The total combined storage of Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis is less than 1.1
million, acre feet of water(LCRA DCP Stage 1).
(2) Demand or capacity-based triggers for implementation of Stage I are as follows:
a. Total daily demand has reached 85 percent of total water treatment capacity in the
water treatment plant, Lake Creek Groundwater Well Site, and the BCRUA Water
Treatment Plant for three consecutive days;
b. Total daily demand has reached 85 percent of the raw water pumping capacity for
three consecutive days;
c. Total daily demand is 85 percent of storage capacity for three consecutive days;
d. Total daily demand is 85 percent of the treated water pumping capacity for three
consecutive days; or
Page 5 of 20
e. Production or distribution limitations including, but not limited to system outages or
equipment failure.
f. The BRA DCP states:
(1)when sustained pumping operations throughout the WCRRWL continue for
longer than six months and
(2) as deemed appropriate due to disruption in the WCRRWL pumping
operations.
(3) Wholesale water suppliers'triggers:
a. Pursuant to requirements specified in the city's wholesale water supply contract(s),
notification is received from the city's wholesale water supplier(s) (the BRA or LCRA)
requesting implementation of the Stage I restrictions.
(4) Public health, safety, and welfare triggers:
a. The city manager makes a written public announcement that he/she has reasonably
determined that one or more reasons exist to initiate Stage I restrictions to protect the
health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the city.
b. The implementation of Stage I by the city manager pursuant to subsection (4)a. above, shall
expire 15 days thereafter unless the city council adopts a resolution ratifying such determination
and implementation within such 15-day period.
(b) Stage I may terminate when any of the following occurs:
(1) When the city manager makes a public announcement that all of the conditions listed as
triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of seven consecutive days; or
(2) When the city manager makes a public announcement that it is in the best interest of the
city to terminate Stage I.
(3) BRA DCP states when reasons for initiation have ceased to exist for a period of 60
consecutive days or other relevant factors determined by the BRA's GM/CEO or designee.
(4) LCRA will exit Stage 1 when the combined storage in Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis
increases to 1.2 million acre-feet.
11. Stage Itwice-per-week watering schedule
The Stage Itwice-per-week watering schedule is hereby established as follows:
Property Address
Watering Days Watering Times
Ending Number
4 or 8 Sunday/Thursday
Page 6 of 20
Property Address
Watering Days Watering Times
Ending Number
0 or 3 Monday/Thursday
12 Midnight to 10:00 a.m.
2, 6, or 7 Tuesday/Friday
and
11 5, or 9 Wednesday/Saturday 7:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
12. Stage I Conservation Regulations
(a.) When Stage I mandatory water conservation regulations are implemented,the following restrictions
and prohibitions shall be in effect:
(1) Outdoor irrigation. All outdoor irrigation by automatic irrigation systems, hose end
sprinklers, soaker hoses, or drip irrigation is prohibited unless it occurs in compliance with the
applicable Stage I watering schedule. Irrigation by hand-held hoses or hand-held buckets is
permitted anytime.The outdoor watering day and time restrictions do not apply to outdoor
irrigation by commercial plant nurseries.
(2) Vehicle washing. The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, or other type
of mobile equipment is prohibited except in compliance with the Stage 1 watering schedule. The
washing, when allowed, must be done with a hand-held bucket or a hand-held hose with a
nozzle shut-off device attached. Charity or fundraising car wash events may only occur on the
premises of a commercial car wash facility.
The vehicle washing prohibition does not apply to the following:
a. The washing of vehicles or mobile equipment when conducted on the immediate
premises of a commercial carwash or a commercial service station; or
b. The washing of automobiles,trucks,trailers, boats, airplanes and other types of
mobile equipment (such as garbage trucks and vehicles used to transport food and
perishables)when the washing is necessary on a more regular and frequent basis in
order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
(3) Power washing. The day and time regulations of outdoor watering do not apply to
commercial companies in the business of power washing. Pressure washing by private citizens
on their premises must occur on their designated watering day(s).
(4) Foundation watering. Watering of the ground around foundations is prohibited except in
compliance with the applicable Stage I watering schedule.
(5) Fountains and similar water features.
Page 7 of 20
a. Pursuant to §44-6(b)(3),the operation of ornamental fountains, splash pads, or other
similar structures that do not recirculate the water is prohibited.
b. During Stage I,the operation of ornamental fountains, splash pads, or other similar
structures that recirculate water is permitted.
(6) Golf courses. The use of water for irrigation of golf fairways is prohibited except in
compliance with the applicable Stage I watering schedule.The irrigation of golf course greens
and tees is allowed on an every-other-day schedule if a plan therefor is approved in writing by
the director. [Forest Creek golf course is irrigated with reuse water, so exempt from restrictions.
Tera Vista golf course is irrigation with well water and MUD water.]
(7) Fire hydrants. The use of water from fire hydrants is prohibited except for firefighting-related
activities or other activities necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the citizens
of the city. Routine flushing of fire hydrants for other than health and safety reasons is
prohibited.
(8) Street washing. The washing of streets, sidewalks, and driveways with a pressure washer,
garden hose, or bucket, using potable water is prohibited.
(9) New landscaping. Because of the watering restrictions imposed by this section, landowners
are encouraged to postpone the installation of new landscaping until after all mandatory
restrictions are lifted. In lieu of installing the required landscaping during mandatory restrictions,
owners of new construction may apply for a temporary certificate of occupancy in accordance
with subsection 10-56(d) of this Code. A dedicatory instrument (such as a HOA) may not require
the installation or irrigation of new turfgrass while drought restrictions are enacted.
(b.) The Stage I regulations do not apply to the following:
(1) The necessary use of water, other than for landscape irrigation, by a governmental entity in
pursuit of its governmental functions for the benefit of the public, such as for capital
improvement construction projects.
(2) The necessary use of water, other than for landscape irrigation, for land development (such
as roadway base preparation,flushing of utility lines, dust control, concrete and asphalt work)
and for building construction processes.
(3) The necessary use of water for repair of water distribution facilities, residential and
commercial plumbing, and landscape irrigation systems.
(4) The necessary use of water for athletic fields for organized youth, amateur, or professional
sports such as football, soccer or baseball where the field is in use or will be in use within 60
days of the institution of Stage I or II restrictions. [Note: this includes Old Settlers parks fields, all
ISD sports fields,YMCA fields, and the youth soccer field near Success HS]
13. Stage I Reduction Target
Stage I restrictions are intended to achieve a 10 percent reduction in daily water consumption.
Page 8 of 20
The formula for determining our reduction goal is calculated by taking the previous three year's same
month average use and calculating the % reduction. For example, if reductions in July 2024 were
necessary, average monthly use from each of July 2021, 2022, and 2023 use would be averaged together,
and the 10% reduction goal taken from that average.
14. Stage II Triggers
(a) Stage II shall be implemented when any of the following triggers occur:
(1) Supply-based trigger for implementation of Stage II is as follows:
a. Lake Georgetown Reservoir elevation is below 770 feet above mean sea level (msl) for
three consecutive days or
b. The total combined storage of Lake Georgetown and Lake Stillhouse Hollow system is
less than 178,186 acre feet of water(BRA DCP Stage 2); and
c. The total combined storage of Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis is less than
900,000 acre feet of water(LCRA DCP Stage 2)* or
d. LCRA Inflow trigger: combined storage below 1.1 million acre-feet and preceding
three-month average inflows are below 25th percentile on March 1 or July 1.
*Note: LCRA also requires firm customers that obtained more than 25°0 of its water supply in the
prior calendar year from the Colorado River basin are required to adopt a maximum of once-per-
week watering schedule and limited to 6-hr of irrigation time per week, as part of the drought
response measures. This schedule must be triggered anytime the combined storage of lakes
Buchanan and Travis is below 900,000 acre-feet. In 2024, Round Rock is exempt from this
requirement, as less than 25°0 of our water supply currently is from LCRA. This may change in
future years.
(2) Demand or capacity-based triggers for implementation of Stage II are as follows:
a. Total daily demand has reached 90 percent for three consecutive days of total water
treatment capacity in the water treatment plant, Lake Creek Groundwater Well Site, and
the BCRUA Water Treatment Plant;
b. Total daily demand has reached 90 percent of the raw water pumping capacity for
three consecutive days;
c. Total daily demand is 90 percent of storage capacity for three consecutive days;
d. Total daily demand is 90 percent of the treated water pumping capacity for three
consecutive days; or
e. Production or distribution limitations including, but not limited to system outages or
equipment failure. BRA DCP states: (1)when sustained pumping operations throughout
the WCRRWL continue for longer than 18 months and (2) as deemed appropriate due to
disruption in the WCRRWL pumping operations.
(3) Wholesale water suppliers'triggers:
Page 9 of 20
a. Pursuant to requirements specified in the city's wholesale water supply contract(s),
notification is received from the city's wholesale water supplier(s) requesting
implementation of the Stage II restrictions.
(4) Public health, safety, and welfare triggers:
a. The city manager makes a written public announcement that he/she has reasonably
determined that one or more reasons exist to initiate Stage II restrictions to protect the
health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the city.
b. The implementation of Stage II by the city manager pursuant to subsection (4)a.
above shall expire 15 days thereafter unless the city council adopts a resolution ratifying
such determination and implementation within such 15-day period.
(b) Stage II may be terminated when any of the following occurs:
(1) When the city manager makes a public announcement that all of the conditions listed as
triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of seven consecutive days; or
(2) When the city manager makes a public announcement that it is in the best interest of the
city to terminate Stage II.
(3) BRA may terminate their Stage 2 when any of the reasons for initiation have ceased to exist
for a period of 60 consecutive days or other relevant factors determined by the BRA. Upon
termination of Stage 2, Stage 1 may become operative depending on conditions at the time.
(5) LCRA will exit their Stage 2 and enter Stage 1 when the combined storage in Lake Buchanan
and Lake Travis increases above 1.1 million acre-feet.
15. Stage II once-per-week watering schedule
The Stage II once-per-week watering schedule is hereby adopted and established as follows:
Property Address
Watering Days Watering Times
Ending Number
3 Monday
12 Midnight to 10:00 a.m.
2 Tuesday
and
1 Wednesday
7:00 p.m.to 11:59 p.m.
0 Thursday
Page 10 of 20
Property Address
Watering Days Watering Times
Ending Number
6 or 7 Friday
5 or 9 Saturday
4 or 8 Sunday
16. Stage II Conservation Regulations
(a) When Stage II mandatory water conservation regulations are implemented,the following restrictions
and prohibitions shall be in effect:
(1) Outdoor irrigation. All outdoor irrigation by automatic irrigation systems, hose end
sprinklers, soaker hoses, or drip irrigation is prohibited unless it occurs in compliance with the
applicable Stage II watering schedule. Irrigation by hand-held hoses or hand-held buckets is
permitted anytime.The outdoor watering day and time restrictions do not apply to irrigation by
commercial plant nurseries of their stock.
(2) Vehicle washing. The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, or other
types of mobile equipment is prohibited except in compliance with the Stage II water schedule.
The washing, when allowed, must be done with a hand-held bucket or a hand-held hose with a
nozzle shut-off device attached. Charity or fundraising car wash events may only occur on the
premises of a commercial car wash facility.
The vehicle washing prohibition does not apply to the following:
a. The washing of vehicles or mobile equipment when conducted on the immediate
premises of a commercial carwash or a commercial service station; or
b. The washing of automobiles,trucks,trailers, boats, airplanes, and other types of
mobile equipment (such as garbage trucks and vehicles used to transport food and
perishables)when the washing is necessary on a more regular and frequent basis to
protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
(3) Power washing. The day and time regulations of outdoor watering do not apply to
commercial companies in the business of power washing. Pressure washing by private citizens
on their premises must occur on their designated watering day.
(4) Foundation watering. Watering of the ground around foundations is prohibited except in
compliance with the applicable Stage II watering schedule.
Page 11 of 20
(5) Fountains and similar water features. During Stage II,the operation of all ornamental
fountains, splash pads, or other similar structures is prohibited.
(6) Golf courses. The use of water for irrigation of golf fairways is prohibited except in
compliance with the applicable Stage II watering schedule. The irrigation of golf course greens
and tees is allowed on an every-other-day schedule if a plan therefore is approved in writing by
the director.
(7) Fire hydrants. The use of water from fire hydrants is prohibited except for firefighting-related
activities or other activities necessary to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens
of the city. Routine flushing of fire hydrants for other than health and safety reasons is
prohibited.
(8) Street washing. The washing of streets, sidewalks, and driveways with a pressure washer,
garden hose, or bucket, using potable water is prohibited.
(9) New landscaping. Because of the watering restrictions imposed by this section, landowners
are encouraged to postpone the installation of new landscaping until after all mandatory
restrictions are lifted. In lieu of installing the required landscaping during mandatory restrictions,
owners of new construction may apply for a temporary certificate of occupancy in accordance
with subsection 10-56(d) of this Code. A dedicatory instrument may not require the installation
or irrigation of new turfgrass while drought restrictions are enacted.
(b) The Stage II regulations do not apply to the following:
(1) The necessary use of water, other than for landscape irrigation, by a governmental entity in
pursuit of its governmental functions for the benefit of the public, such as for capital
improvement construction projects.
(2) The necessary use of water, other than for landscape irrigation, for land development (such
as roadway base preparation,flushing of utility lines, dust control, concrete and asphalt work)
and for building construction processes.
(3) The necessary use of water for repair of water distribution facilities and residential and
commercial plumbing systems.
(4) The necessary use of water for athletic fields for organized youth, amateur, or professional
sports such as football, soccer, or baseball where the field is in use or will be in use within 60
days of the institution of Stage II restrictions.
17. Stage II Reduction Target
Stage II regulations are intended to achieve a 20 percent reduction in daily water consumption.
The formula for determining our reduction goal is calculated by taking the previous three year's same
month average use and calculating the % reduction. For example, if reductions in July 2024 were
necessary, average monthly use from each of July 2021, 2022, and 2023 use would be averaged together,
and the 20% reduction goal taken from that average.
18. Stage III Triggers
Page 12 of 20
(a) Stage III shall be implemented when any of the following triggers occur:
(1) Supply-based trigger for implementation of Stage III is as follows:
a. Lake Georgetown Reservoir elevation is below 765 feet above mean sea level (msl)for
three consecutive days; or
b. The total combined storage of Lake Georgetown and Lake Stillhouse Hollow is less
than 133,975 acre feet of water(BRA DCP Stage 3); or
c. The total combined storage of Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis is less than
750,000 acre feet of water(LCRA DCP Stage 3)*.
*Note:LCRA also requires firm customers that obtained more than 25%of its water supply in the
prior calendar year from the Colorado River basin are required to adopt a maximum of once-per-
week watering schedule and limited to 6-hr of irrigation time per week, and elimination of the
operation of ornamental fountains, as part of the drought response measures. This schedule
must be triggered anytime the combined storage of lakes Buchanan and Travis is below 900,000
acre-feet. In 2024, Round Rock is exempt from this requirement, as less than 25%of our water
supply currently is from LCRA. This may change in future years.
(2) Demand or capacity-based triggers for implementation of Stage III are as follows:
a. Total daily demand has reached 95 percent of total water treatment capacity in the
water treatment plant, Lake Creek Groundwater Well Site, and the BCRUA Water
Treatment Plant for three consecutive days;
b. Total daily demand has reached 95 percent pumping capacity for three consecutive
days;
c. Total daily demand is 95 percent of the storage capacity for three consecutive days; or
d. Significant production or distribution limitations including, but not limited to, system
outages and equipment failure.
e. BRA determines the hydrologic conditions (inflow and/or evaporation) are as severe
as or worse than the driest 24-month period on record.
f. As deemed appropriate due to disruption in the WCRRWL pumping operations.
(3) Wholesale water suppliers'triggers:
a. Pursuant to requirements specified in the city's wholesale water supply contract(s),
notification is received from the city's wholesale water supplier(s) requesting
implementation of the Stage III restrictions.
(4) Public health, safety, and welfare triggers:
a. The city manager makes a written public announcement that he/she has reasonably
determined that one or more reasons exist to initiate Stage III restrictions to protect the
health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the city.
Page 13 of 20
b. The implementation of Stage III by the city manager pursuant to subsection (a)(1)
above shall expire 15 days thereafter unless the city council adopts a resolution ratifying
such determination and implementation within such 15-day period.
(5) Triggers for termination of Stage III restrictions:
a. Stage III may terminate when the city manager makes a public announcement that all
of the conditions listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of seven
consecutive days; or
b. When the city manager makes a public announcement that it is in the best interest of
the city to terminate Stage III.
c. BRA may terminate their Stage 3 when any of the reasons for initiation have ceased to
exist for a period of 60 consecutive days or other relevant factors determined by the
BRA. Upon termination of Stage 3, Stage 1 or Stage 2 may become operative depending
on the conditions at the time.
d. LCRA will exit their Stage 3 and enter Stage 2 when the combined storage in Lake
Buchanan and Lake Travis increases to 825,000 acre-feet.
19. Stage III Conservation Regulations
(a) When Stage III mandatory water conservation regulations are implemented,the following
restrictions and prohibitions shall be in effect:
(1) Outdoor irrigation. Except as provided below, all outdoor irrigation of vegetation is
prohibited. Irrigation by hand-held hoses or hand-held water cans is permitted in compliance
with the Stage II once-per-week watering schedule found in section 15. Commercial plant
nurseries are permitted to irrigate by hand-held hoses or hand-held water cans Monday through
Friday only.
(2) Vehicle washing. The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, and other
types of mobile equipment is prohibited, unless occurring on the immediate premises of a
commercial carwash or a commercial service station Monday through Friday only.
(3) Power washing. Power washing is prohibited, except by commercial power/pressure washing
business, Monday through Friday only.
(4) Foundation watering. The watering of the ground around foundations is prohibited except by
hand-held hoses in compliance with the Stage II once-per-week watering schedule found in
section 15.
(5) Pools. Except as provided below, the refilling or adding of water to nongovernment owned
swimming pools, hot tubs, wading pools, or ponds is prohibited. For new swimming pools, hot
tubs, wading pools, and ponds, the initial filling of said new water features and the refilling or
adding of water in existing water features in accordance with the Stage II schedule is permitted if
necessary to prevent damage to the pool or equipment.
Page 14 of 20
(6) Fountains and similar water features. The operation of ornamental fountains, splash pads,or
other similar structures is prohibited.
(7) Golf courses. The use of potable water for irrigation of golf courses is prohibited.
(8) Fire hydrants. The use of water from fire hydrants is prohibited except for firefighting-related
activities or other activities necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the citizens
of the city. Routine flushing of fire hydrants for other than health and safety reasons is
prohibited. Provided however,when approved in writing by the director, a business may use
water from a fire hydrant for land development and building construction processes.
(9) Street washing. The washing of streets, sidewalks, and driveways is prohibited.
(10) New landscaping. All new planting of plants or turfgrass of any type is prohibited.
(b) The Stage III regulations do not apply to the following:
(1) The necessary use of water, other than for landscape irrigation, by a governmental entity in
pursuit of its governmental functions for the benefit of the public, such as for capital
improvement construction projects.
(2) The necessary use of water, other than for landscape irrigation,for land development (such
as roadway base preparation, flushing of utility lines,dust control, concrete and asphalt work)
and for building construction processes.
(3) The necessary use of water for repair of water distribution facilities and residential and
commercial plumbing systems.
20. Stage III Reduction Target
Stage III regulations are intended to achieve a 30 percent reduction in daily water consumption.
The formula for determining our reduction goal is calculated by taking the previous three year's same
month average use and calculating the % reduction. For example, if reductions in July 2024 were
necessary, average monthly use from each of July 2021, 2022, and 2023 use would be averaged together,
and the 30% reduction goal taken from that average.
21. Pro-Rata Curtailment
In the event of historical drought, or dire emergency,the city's water suppliers may enact pro-rata
curtailment. Those triggers are outlined below:
(a) BRA DCP Stage IV trigger:
(1) combined storage drops below 92,986 acre-feet
(2)As deemed appropriate by the BRA due to disruption in WCRWWL pumping operations.
(b) LCRA DCP Stage IV trigger:
(1) combined storage drops below 600,000 acre-feet
(2) LCRA Board declares "Drought Worse Than Drought of Record"
Page 15 of 20
(3) 20% mandatory pro rata curtailment for firm customers
(4) Prohibition on irrigation of ornamental turf, may allow handheld hose watering of
foundations,trees, and vegetable gardens
(5) Reduction target of 30%
(c) Termination of Stage IV
(1) BRA may terminate Stage IV when any of the reasons for initiation have ceased to exist for a
period of 60 consecutive days or other relevant factors determined by the BRA. Upon
termination of Stage IV, Stage I-III may become operative depending on conditions at the time.
(2) LCRA Board sets criteria to exit Stage IV, or increase mandatory pro rata curtailment
percentage if conditions worsen
22. Powers of the city manager
In the event of unusual operational events, catastrophic occurrences, severe weather events, or other
public emergencies,the city manager may implement mandatory water restrictions in addition to those
set out in this article.The city manager may implement these mandatory restrictions by public
announcement and the restrictions are effective immediately upon the making of such public
announcement.The implementation of additional restrictions pursuant to this section 44-236 shall
expire 15 days thereafter unless the city council adopts a resolution ratifying such determination and
implementation within such 15-day period.
23. Procedures for the implementation and termination of mandatory restrictions.
(a) Stages I, II, and III may be implemented or terminated at any time by resolution adopted by the city
council.
(b) When the triggers for implementation of Stages I, II, and III are met,the city manager shall
implement the respective mandatory restrictions by issuing a written public announcement stating at a
minimum the following information:
(1) The date restrictions will begin; and
(2) The circumstances and/or reasons that triggered the restrictions.
(c) Notice of the implementation and termination of mandatory restrictions will be given through press
releases, cable television announcements, postings in public areas, on the city's web page and/or other
electronic means.The notifications for implementation will contain, at a minimum, the following
information:
(1) The date restrictions will begin;
(2) The circumstances that triggered the restrictions;
(3) The Stages of response and explanation of the restrictions to be implemented;
(4) An explanation of the consequences for violations.
Page 16 of 20
(d) When the triggers for implementation of Stages I, II, and III are no longer in effect, or the city
manager determines that it is in the best interest of the city to terminate the restrictions, the city
manager may do so by issuing a written order terminating the restrictions. This termination notice will
be promoted on the city's website, customer portal, and other social media outlets.
24. Variance;alternative compliance
(a) The director may grant any customer a temporary variance from the restrictions when failure to
grant such variance would cause an emergency condition adversely affecting the public health, welfare
or safety, and if one of the following conditions is met:
(1) Compliance with this article cannot be technically accomplished during the duration of the
water supply shortage or other condition for which the restrictions in effect; or
(2) Alternative methods can be implemented which will achieve the same or better level of
reduction in water use.
(b) The director shall inform the customer in writing concerning the granting or denial of such variance
and any conditions that may accompany such variance, including any timetables for compliance with the
restrictions.The city will treat all customers equally concerning variances, and shall not discriminate in
granting variances. No variance shall be retroactive or otherwise justify any violation of restrictions
occurring prior to the issuance of the variance.
(c) Customers requesting a variance shall file a petition for variance with the director.All petitions shall
include the following information:
(1) Name, address and contact information of the petitioner;
(2) Purpose of water use;
(3) Specific provisions of the restrictions from which the petition is requesting relief;
(4) Detailed statement as to how the specific restriction(s) adversely affects the petitioner or
what damage or harm will occur to the petitioner or others if petitioner complies with the
restriction(s);
(5) Description of the relief requested;
(6) Period of time for which the variance is sought;
(7) Alternative water use restrictions or other measures the petitioner is taking or proposes to
take to meet the intent of this article and the compliance date;
(8) Other pertinent information.
(d) If approved,the customer shall keep a copy of the alternative water use requirements in a location
accessible and visible to the public.
(e) If granted,the variance shall expire when the current Stage of regulations is terminated, or the city
implements a different Stage. Anew petition must be submitted each time the city implements a new
higher Stage of regulations.
Page 17 of 20
25. Enforcement and penalty
(a) For purposes of this article,the person or customer in whose name the utility billing office last billed
or who is receiving the economic benefit of the water supply is presumed to have knowingly made,
caused, used or permitted the use of water received from the city in a manner contrary to any provision
of this article and proof that the violation occurred on the person's or customer's property shall
constitute a rebuttal presumption that the person or customer committed the violation.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person performs an act prohibited by this article or fails to
perform an act required by this article. Each instance of a violation of this article is a separate offense.
(c) Proof of a culpable mental state is not required for a conviction of an offense under this article.
(d) Parents shall be presumed to be responsible for violations of their minor children and proof that a
violation, committed by a child, occurred on property within the parent's control shall constitute a
rebuttal presumption that the parent committed the violation.
(e) An offense under this article is a class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000.00.
Prosecution of an offense under any section does not preclude other enforcement remedies under this
article.The enforcement of other remedies under this article does not prevent prosecution for a
violation of this article.
(f) If a person is convicted for three or more violations of this article within a 12-month period, water
service may be disconnected or restricted.
(g) If a customer is irrigating during a time period or on a day when irrigation is not permitted for that
customer and a city worker cannot find any person at that street address to turn off the irrigation
system, the city worker may enter the property and turn off the irrigation system at the master valve, the
backflow prevention device, or dedicated irrigation meter.
(h) The city's authority to seek injunctive or other civil relief available under the law is not limited by this
article.
(i) Violations may be determined by water use data from our AMI metering system or utility staff
observation.
(j) When a water customer is determined to be in violation of any of the drought stage requirements
they will be notified in the following manner:
1. First offence, a courtesy email or postcard will be sent to the water account holder.
2. If the same offence is still occurring after seven days, an official violation notification email or
letter will be sent to the water account holder and property owner, if different. If the account
type is an irrigation only account,the water will be turned off at the meter and the meter will be
tagged, stating the irrigation system is in violation, and the customer will be notified.
3. If the same offence is still occurring after seven days of the official violation notice, the
property will be referred to the city legal department for penalty.
Page 18 of 20
Appendix A
Page 19 of 20
Brazos River
Authority
Drought Contingency Plan
May 20, 2024
Prepared by:
Brazos River Authority
Waco, Texas
DroughtContingency
Plan
Table ofContents
Page
). Declaration ofPolicy, Purpose, and Intent .....................................................................)
2. Provisions to Actively lnfbnn the Public and Provide Opportunity for Input...........................)
3. Coordination with Regional Water Planning Groups.............................................................)
4. Information to be Monitored and Criteria for the Initiation and Termination of Drought
ResponseStages......................................................................................................2
5. Procedures iobe Followed for Initiation and Termination of Drought Response Stages ..............—.8
6. Drought Response Stages, Measures iobeImplemented, and Goals for Use Reduction..................q
7. Required Provision onDistribution ofWater inCase of Shortage in BRA Contracts...—..............)3
8. Procedures for Granting Variances..............................................................................)3
q. Procedures for Implementationand Enforcement.............................................................)4
)O. Review and Update..............................................................................................)4
l[mbUeu
Table ): Drought Severity Triggers.................................................................................3
Appendices
Appendix A Texas Administrative Code" Section 288.22
Appendix Letter ioCustomers
Appendix Letter ioRegional Water Planning Groups
Appendix Customer Water Supply Intake Structures
Appendix ResemoirB|evation-CapacityTab|es
Appendix Board Resolution to Adopt the Drought Contingency Plan
Appendix Texas Water Code, Section )).O3q" Distribution ofWater During Shortage
Appendix LCRADrought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers& Rules for Water Sales
Contracts
Brazos River Authority
Drought Contingency Plan
May 20, 2024
1. Declaration of Policy, Purpose, and Intent
In order to conserve the available water supply and/or protect the integrity of the Brazos River Authority
(BRA)water supply system, the BRA adopts this Drought Contingency Plan (Plan).
The BRA water supply system includes eleven (11) reservoirs: Lakes Possum Kingdom, Granbury,
Limestone, Whitney, Belton, Proctor, Somerville, Stillhouse Hollow, Granger, Georgetown and Aquilla,
the Williamson County Regional Raw Water Line (WCRRWL) connecting Lake Stillhouse Hollow to
Lake Georgetown, and the East Williamson County Regional Water System (EWCRWS) - Public
Water System Identification Number: 2460155.
The Plan is developed in conformance with the rules governing drought contingency plans for
wholesale water providers set forth by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in
Texas Administrative Code Title 30, Part 1, Rule § 288.22, Drought Contingency Plans for Wholesale
Water Suppliers. Appendix A includes a copy of the TCEQ rules governing drought contingency plans
for wholesale water providers. This Plan, dated May 20, 2024, supersedes the previous Plan dated
April 29, 2019.
Any reference to statutes, rules and/or regulations in this Plan shall mean and be a reference to such
statutes, rules and/or regulations as written on the effective date of this Plan or as they are
subsequently amended, modified or restated from time to time. In the event any provision or part of
this Plan is found to be inconsistent with applicable statutes, rules and/or regulations, that particular
provision or part will be deemed inoperative.
2. Provisions to Actively Inform the Public and Provide Opportunity for Input
The BRA has taken the following steps to actively inform the public and affirmatively provide an
opportunity for public input in the preparation of the Plan's adoption and to inform wholesale customers
about the Plan:
• Placing a draft of the Plan on the BRA's website at www.brazos.org and inviting comments
on the draft Plan.
• Sending a letter to all wholesale water customers and Regional Water Planning Groups
detailing updates to the draft Plan, directing them to where the draft could be found on the
BRA's website, offering hard copies to those who did not wish to access the draft Plan on the
website, and soliciting comments (Appendix B includes a copy of the letter sent to wholesale
customers and Appendix C includes a copy of the letter sent to Regional Water Planning
Groups).
• Providing written notice to the public concerning the draft Plan and inviting their comments
(written notice is provided by posting with the Secretary of State's office and on the BRA official
website).
3. Coordination with Regional Water Planning Groups
The BRA has a statutory responsibility for conserving and developing the water resources of the
Brazos River Basin in Texas and making such resources available for beneficial use. The Brazos River
Basin covers approximately 47,000 square miles, with 44,440 square miles in Texas (all or part of 70
counties) and slightly over 2,500 in New Mexico. The BRA's service area encompasses the enitre
Brazos River Basin in Texas. The BRA also supplies water outside of the Brazos River Basin to the
San Jacinto-Brazos Coastal Basin and a small part of the Trinity Basin.
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan TEXT
May 2024 Page 1 of 14
The BRA has directed each of the Regional Water Planning Groups located within its service area
(Region B, Region C, Region F, Region G, Region H, Region K, and Region 0) to the draft Plan
located on the BRA official website. Appendix C includes an example of the letter sent to the Regional
Water Planning Groups.
4. Information to be Monitored and Criteria for the Initiation and Termination of Drought
Response Stages
The BRA's General Manager/Chief Executive Officer (GM/CEO) or designee shall monitor water
supply and demand conditions. The triggering criteria described below are based on hydrologic
analyses and reservoir operations experience, including lessons learned from previous droughts.
Individual lake elevation triggers apply to Lakes Aquilla, Belton, Granger, Limestone, Proctor, and
Somerville. For the Lake Possum Kingdom-Granbury-Whitney sub-system, the Lake Stillhouse
Hollow-Georgetown sub-system, and the BRA water supply system of all eleven (11) reservoirs,
drought stage trigger levels are based on their respective combined volumes. Additional triggers
associated with the Palmer Hydrologic Drought Index (PHDI) apply to all reservoirs individually,
and the transfer of water from Lake Stillhouse Hollow to Lake Georgetown apply to Lake Georgetown.
Reservoir levels are continuously monitored by the BRA. The BRA, its customers, and other interested
parties are all responsible for determining when lake levels approach important elevations associated
with specific water supply intake structures. A table of critical elevations for customer water supply
intake structures is contained in Appendix D.
The BRA also monitors the seasonal rainfall forecasts provided by the Texas Water Development
Board (TWDB), and uses such forecasts as an informational source for developing drought conditions.
The forecasts are issued from January through the end of April and are located at the following
website: https://waterdatafortexas.org/dight/rainfall-forecast.
Four levels of drought severity, as shown in Table 1, have been identified at which specific actions will
be conducted. Each of the four levels include recommendations for specific drought response actions
that may be tailored to conditions as they exist at the time. Details on each of the four drought stages
are also discussed. Elevation-Capacity Tables based on estimated 2030 sedimentation conditions are
contained in Appendix E.
House Bill 1437, passed by the Texas Legislature in 1999, allows the BRA to contract with the Lower
Colorado River Authority (LCRA) for up to 25,000 acre-feet of water from the Colorado River Basin
(LCRA water) for use in Williamson County. For the LCRA water, drought stage trigger levels are
based on the combined conservation storage of Lakes Buchanan and Travis, as stipulated in the LCRA
Firm Customer Drought Contingency Plan (LCRA Plan), as contained in Appendix F of LCRA's Water
Management Plan dated May 20, 2015.
The BRA will comply with the LCRA Plan for water used under the LCRA contract. LCRA wholesale
customers, including each successive wholesale customers shall be required to develop and
implement a drought contingency plan using the applicable elements in the LCRA Rules. Such plan is
required to be in compliance with LCRA's rules and regulations for customer drought contingency
plans. See Appendix H for more details regarding LCRA's Plan.
The BRA also owns and operates the EWCRWS adjacent to Lake Granger, which supplies wholesale
treated water. Customers of the EWCRWS include the City of Taylor, Jonah Water Special Utility
District, and Lone Star Regional Water Authority. Criteria specific for initiation and termination of
Drought Stages of the EWCRWS are contained within this Plan.
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan TEXT
May 2024 Page 2 of 14
Table 1. - Drought Severity Triggers'
Surface Water Reservoir
Status Elevation' Storage 4 Drawdown
(ft msl) (acre-feet) (ft)
Lake Aquilla
Top of Conservation (full) 537.5 43,293 0
Stage 1 Drought Watch 533.6 32,253 3.9
Stage 2 Drought Warning 530.5 25,189 7.0
Stage 3 Drought Emergency 526.8 18,125 10.7
Stage 4 Pro-rata Curtailment 523.7 13,436 13.8
Lake Belton
Top of Conservation (full) 594 432,631 0
Stage 1 Drought Watch 588.1 363,410 5.9
Stage 2 Drought Warning 580.99 289,863 13.0
Stage 3 Drought Emergency 572.47 216,316 21.5
Stage 4 Pro-rata Curtailment 563.75 156,670 30.3
Lake Granger
Top of Conservation (full) 504 51,822 0
Stage 1 Drought Watch 501.8 43,116 2.2
Stage 2 Drought Warning 499.25 34,513 4.7
Stage 3 Drought Emergency 496.27 25,911 7.7
Stage 4 Pro-rata Curtailment 491.5 15,547 12.5
Lake Limestone
Top of Conservation (full) 363 203780 0
Stage 1 Drought Watch 357.6 142,646 5.4
Stage 2 Drought Warning 354.8 115,136 8.2
Stage 3 Drought Emergency 351.5 87,625 11.5
Stage 4 Pro-rata Curtailment 346.9 56,927 16.1
Lake Proctor
Top of Conservation (full) 1162 54762 0
Stage 1 Drought Watch 1,158.2 38,388 3.8
Stage 2 Drought Warning 1,156.1 31,297 5.9
Stage 3 Drought Emergency 1,153.3 24,206 8.7
Stage 4 Pro-rata Curtailment 1,150.1 16,976 11.9
Lake Somerville
Top of Conservation (full) 238 150,293 0
Stage 1 Drought Watch 234.9 117,229 3.1
Stage 2 Drought Warning 231.8 88,673 6.2
Stage 3 Drought Emergency 228.2 60,117 9.8
Stage 4 Pro-rata Curtailment 223.9 30,059 14.8
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan TEXT
May 2024 Page 3 of 14
Table 1. - Continued. Drought Severity Triggers'
Surface Water Reservoir
Status Elevation' Storage 2 Drawdown
(ft msl) (acre-feet) (ft)
Lake Possum Kingdom, Lake Granbury, Lake Whitney'
Top of Conservation (full) N/A4 729,2875 N/A4
Stage 1 Drought Watch N/A4 570,0025 N/A4
Stage 2 Drought Warning N/A4 432,4385 N/A4
Stage 3 Drought Emergency N/A4 294,874 N/A4
Stage 4 Pro-rata Curtailment N/A4 150,0695 N/A4
Lake Georgetown, Lake Stillhouse Hollow
Top of Conservation (full) N/A4 267,9496 N/A4
Stage 1 Drought Watch N/A4 222,3986 N/A4
Stage 2 Drought Warning N/A4 178,1866 N/A4
Stage 3 Drought Emergency N/A4 133,9756 N/A4
Stage 4 Pro-rata Curtailment N/A4 92,9866 N/A4
Brazos River Authority System
Top of Conservation (full) N/A4 1,933,817 N/A4
Stage 1 Drought Watch N/A4 1,529,442 N/A4
Stage 2 Drought Warning N/A4 1,195,295 N/A4
Stage 3 Drought Emergency N/A4 861,148 N/A4
Stage 4 Pro-rata Curtailment N/A4 536,426 N/A4
1. Triggers were derived using a water availability tool specifically developed to simulate the BRA water supply
system.
2. Elevation-Capacity Tables are contained in Appendix E.
3. In deriving the triggers, balancing factors established in the Possum Kingdom-Granbury Water Management
Study were incorporated.
4. Surface elevation and reservoir drawdown are not applicable because reservoirs are operated as a system.
Their combined storage is a better drought indicator than individual elevations because elevations in each
reservoir can be influenced by other reservoirs within the system. For example,water can be transferred from
Lake Stillhouse Hollow to Lake Georgetown through a pipeline that connects the two lakes. Stillhouse Hollow
could be completely full while Lake Georgetown was 15 feet low, or Georgetown could be completely full with
Stillhouse Hollow being 2.5 feet low, and in both cases, the collective capacity of the reservoirs is 94% full.
Using combined storage instead of individual reservoir elevations for the trigger levels allows the operation of
the pipeline to be taken into account.
5. Storages shown are for the combined conservation pool storage volume of Lakes Possum Kingdom,
Granbury, and Whitney; BRA storage in Lake Whitney is limited to 51,987 acre-feet.
6. Storages shown are for the combined conservation pool storage volume of Lakes Stillhouse Hollow and
Georgetown.
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan TEXT
May 2024 Page 4 of 14
Stage 1 — Drought Watch Condition
Requirements for Initiation — The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may initiate a Drought
Watch Condition in one or more of the following circumstances:
• For a reservoir/reservoir sub-system, when the Palmer Hydrologic Drought Index (PHDI)
is equal to or less than -2.4. The PHDI for each reservoir/reservoir sub-system is derived
monthly.
• For a reservoir/reservoir sub-system, when the content of that reservoir/reservoir sub-
system is at or below its corresponding Stage 1 Trigger (Table 1) and reasonable
estimates of current annual demands, coupled with inflows and evaporation
representative of the drought of record, indicate that the content could be reduced to the
Stage 2 Trigger or less during the next 12 months.
• Fora reservoir, group of reservoirs, or the entire BRA System, when the combined storage
of the BRA System is below the Stage 1 System Storage Trigger(Table 1)and reasonable
estimates of current annual demands, coupled with inflows and evaporation
representative of the drought of record, indicate that the combined system storage could
be reduced to the Stage 2 System Storage Trigger or less during the next 12 months.
• For Lake Georgetown (in addition to triggers shown in Table 1);
o When sustained pumping operations through the WCRRWL continue for longer
than six months.
o As deemed appropriate due to disruption in WCRRWL pumping operations.
• For LCRA water, when the combined storage of Lakes Buchanan and Travis drops below
1.1 million acre-feet and interruptible stored water supplied to the Lakeside, Gulf Coast
and Pierce Ranch agricultural operations are being curtailed.
• For EWCRWS (in addition to triggers shown in Table 1 for Lake Granger), when the total daily
water consumption reaches eighty-five (85) percent of rated capacity for a period of three (3)
consecutive days.
• For a reservoir, group of reservoirs, or the entire BRA System, when an unexpected
condition has the potential to adversely affect the public health, welfare or safety.
Requirements for Termination — The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may terminate a
Drought Watch Condition when any of the reasons for initiation have ceased to exist for a period
of 60 consecutive days or other relevant factors determined by the BRA's GM/CEO or designee.
To terminate a Drought Watch Condition for LCRA water, the BRA will comply with the LCRA
Plan.
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan TEXT
May 2024 Page 5 of 14
Stage 2— Drought Warninq Condition
Requirements for Initiation — The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may initiate a Drought
Warning Condition in one or more of the following circumstances:
• For a reservoir/reservoir sub-system, when the content of that reservoir/reservoir sub-
system is at or below its corresponding Stage 2 Trigger (Table 1) and reasonable
estimates of current annual demands, coupled with inflows and evaporation
representative of the drought of record, indicate that the content could be reduced to the
Stage 3 Trigger or less during the next 12 months.
• Fora reservoir, group of reservoirs, or the entire BRA System, when the combined storage
of the BRA System is below the Stage 2 System Storage Trigger(Table 1)and reasonable
estimates of current annual demands, coupled with inflows and evaporation
representative of the drought of record, indicate that the combined system storage could
be reduced to the Stage 3 System Storage Trigger or less during the next 12 months.
• For Lake Georgetown (in addition to triggers shown in Table 1);
o When sustained WCRRWL pumping operations continue for longer than 18
months.
o As deemed appropriate due to disruption in WCRRWL pumping operations.
• For LCRA water, when interruptible stored water supplied to the Lakeside, Gulf Coast and
Pierce Ranch agricultural operations is being curtailed, and
o The total combined storage in Lakes Buchanan and Travis drops below 900,000
acre-feet; or
o On March 1 or July 1, the combined storage in lakes Buchanan and Travis is below
1.1 million acre-feet and the cumulative prior three months of inflows total to those
lakes is less than the 25th percentile of historic inflows for the three-month periods.
• For EWCRWS (in addition to triggers shown in Table 1 for Lake Granger), when the total daily
water consumption reaches ninety (90) percent of rated capacity for a period of 3 consecutive
days.
• For a reservoir, group of reservoirs, or the entire BRA System, when an unexpected
condition has the potential to adversely affect the public health, welfare or safety.
Requirements for Termination — The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may terminate a
Drought Warning Condition when any of the reasons for initiation have ceased to exist for a period
of 60 consecutive days or other relevant factors determined by the BRA's GM/CEO or designee.
Upon termination of a Drought Warning, a Drought Watch may become operative depending on
conditions at the time.
To terminate a Drought Warning Condition for LCRA water, the BRA will comply with the LCRA
Plan.
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan TEXT
May 2024 Page 6 of 14
Stage 3— Drought Emergency Condition
Requirements for Initiation — The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may initiate a Drought
Emergency Condition in one or more of the following circumstances:
• For a reservoir/reservoir sub-system, when the content of that reservoir/reservoir sub-
system is at or below its corresponding Stage 3 Trigger (Table 1) and reasonable
estimates of current annual demands, coupled with inflows and evaporation
representative of the drought of record, indicate that the content could be reduced to the
Stage 4 Trigger within the next 12 months.
• Fora reservoir, group of reservoirs, or the entire BRA System, when the combined storage
of the BRA System is below the Stage 3 System Storage Trigger(Table 1)and reasonable
estimates of current annual demands, coupled with inflows and evaporation
representative of the drought of record, indicate that the combined system storage could
be reduced to the Stage 4 System Storage Trigger within the next 12 months.
• For a reservoir/reservoir sub-system, when critical water supply infrastructure is damaged
or otherwise rendered unable to meet projected demands due to natural disaster, power
outage, structural failure, sabotage, or other reasons.
• For Lake Georgetown (in addition to triggers shown in Table 1);
o When the GM/CEO or his/her designee determines that hydrologic conditions
(inflow and/or evaporation) are as severe as or worse than the driest 24-month
period on record.
o As deemed appropriate due to disruption in WCRRWL pumping operations.
• For LCRA water, when the combined storage of Lakes Buchanan and Travis drops below
750,000 acre-feet and interruptible stored water supplied to the Lakeside, Gulf Coast, and
Pierce Ranch agricultural operations is being curtailed.
• For EWCRWS (in addition to triggers shown in Table 1 for Lake Granger), when the total daily
water consumption reaches ninety-five (95) percent of production/distribution capacity for a
period of 3 consecutive days.
• For a reservoir, group of reservoirs, or the entire BRA System, when an unexpected
condition has the potential to adversely affect the public health, welfare or safety.
Requirements for Termination — The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may terminate a
Drought Emergency Condition when any of the reasons for initiation have ceased to exist for a
period of 60 consecutive days or other relevant factors determined by the BRA's GM/CEO or
designee. Upon termination of a Drought Emergency, a Drought Warning or a Drought Watch
may become operative depending on conditions at the time.
To terminate a Drought Emergency Condition for LCRA water, the BRA will comply with the LCRA
Plan.
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan TEXT
May 2024 Page 7 of 14
Stage 4— Pro-Rata Curtailment Condition
Requirements for Initiation — The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may initiate a Pro-Rata
Curtailment Condition in one or more of the following circumstances:
For a reservoir/reservoir sub-system, when the content of that reservoir/reservoir sub-
system is at or below its corresponding Stage 4 Trigger (Table 1).
Fora reservoir, group of reservoirs, or the entire BRA System, when the combined storage
of the BRA System is below the Stage 4 System Storage Trigger (Table 1).
For Lake Georgetown (in addition to triggers shown in Table 1), as deemed appropriate
by the BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee due to disruption in WCRRWL pumping
operations.
For LCRA water, when the combined storage of Lakes Buchanan and Travis drops below
600,000 acre-feet, and the LCRA Board of Directors declares a Drought Worse than the
drought of record consistent with the LCRA Water Management Plan.
For EWCRWS (in addition to triggers shown in Table 1 for Lake Granger), as deemed
appropriate by the BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee due to a major water line break or
pump or system failures, which cause unprecedented loss of capacity to provide water
service, or natural or man-made contamination of the water supply source.
• For a reservoir, group of reservoirs, or the entire BRA System, when an unexpected
condition has the potential to adversely affect the public health, welfare or safety.
Requirements for Termination — The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may terminate a Pro-
Rata Curtailment Condition when any of the reasons for initiation have ceased to exist for a period
of 60 consecutive days or other relevant factors determined by the BRA's GM/CEO or designee.
Upon termination of a Pro-Rata Curtailment, a Drought Emergency, a Drought Warning, or a
Drought Watch may become operative depending on conditions at the time.
5. Procedures to be Followed for Initiation and Termination of Drought Response Stages
Initiation of a Drought Response Stage
The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may order the implementation of a Drought Response
Stage when the trigger conditions for that stage are met. The following actions will be taken when
a drought stage is initiated:
The public will be notified through the appropriate media and the BRA Web site.
Potentially impacted customers will be notified by telephone with a follow-up letter or e-
mail.
Meetings will be held with customers as appropriate.
The Executive Director of the TCEQ will be notified within five (5) business days.
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan TEXT
May 2024 Page 8 of 14
• For LCRA water, the LCRA General Manager will also be notified in writing within five (5)
business days.
The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may decide not to order the implementation of a Drought
Response Stage even though the trigger criteria for the stage are met. Factors which could
influence such a decision include, but are not limited to; the time of year, weather conditions, the
anticipation of replenished water supplies, or the anticipation that additional facilities will become
available to meet needs. The reason for this decision should be documented. Additional
documentation is not required if a Drought Response Stage is in effect due to an alternate
triggering criteria.
Termination of a Drought Response Stage
The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may order the termination of a drought response stage
when the conditions for termination are met or at his/her discretion. The following actions will be
taken when a drought stage is terminated:
• The public will be notified through local media and the BRA Web site.
• Wholesale customers will be notified by telephone with a follow-up letter/fax or e-mail.
• The Executive Director of the TCEQ will be notified within five (5) business days.
The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may decide not to order the termination of a drought
response stage even though the conditions for termination of the stage are met. Factors which
could influence such a decision include, but are not limited to; the time of year, weather conditions,
or the anticipation of potential changed conditions that warrant the continuation of the drought
stage. The reason for this decision should be documented. Additional documentation is not
required if a Drought Response Stage remains in effect due to an alternate triggering criteria.
6. Drought Response Stages, Measures to be Implemented, and Goals for Use Reduction
The BRA will notify the Executive Director of the TCEQ within five (5) business days when any
Drought Stage is declared under this plan. In turn and in compliance with Title 30, Texas
Administrative Code, Chapter 288, Subchapter B, Rule § 288.22(b) (included in Appendix A), the
BRA's customers are required to notify the Executive Director of the TCEQ within five (5) business
days of any mandatory actions that are subsequently implemented under their respective drought
contingency plans.
In order to demonstrate compliance with requested water use reductions, BRA may require
documentation of specific actions taken to reduce water use from customers that have irregular
water use patterns that restrict the ability to establish a baseline amount to which water use
restrictions will be applied.
Stage 1 — Drought Watch Condition
The Stage 1 Drought Watch condition is intended to raise customer and public awareness of
potential drought problems. For water supplied from the Brazos River System, there is a voluntary
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan TEXT
May 2024 Page 9 of 14
target reduction goal of five (5) percent of the use that would have occurred in the absence of
drought contingency measures. For LCRA water, there is a target reduction goal of ten (10)
percent, as indicated in LCRA's Plan. The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may perform or
request implementation of any of the actions listed below, as deemed necessary:
Inform customers of the Drought Watch Condition and request them to inform their
customers, if any.
Notify customers of actions being taken and urge activation by customers of appropriate
water conservation measures to achieve the target water use reduction goal.
Meet with customers to discuss current drought and possible measures to be taken if the
drought intensifies.
Initiate Stage 1 or equivalent of customer drought contingency plans, if available.
Intensify efforts on leak detection and repair.
Reduce nonessential water use.
Initiate voluntary landscape watering schedules.
Verify the location, depth, and operational requirements of intake structures.
Increase public education efforts on ways to reduce water use.
Investigate alternative ways to supply needs that could be implemented if the drought
intensifies.
In cooperation with customers, initiate the preparation of a specific drought response plan
tailored to conditions as they exist at the time.
Implement appropriate provisions of the specific drought response plan.
For LCRA firm water, any requirements specified in the LCRA Drought Contingency Plan
and associated Rules.
Contact the TCEQ, United States Geological Survey (USGS), and U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. Inform them of the situation and request appropriate actions from each, such
as closer monitoring to protect releases, more frequent gage inspections to reflect actual
flow conditions more accurately, or a greater effort to meet exact release requests.
• Other actions, as deemed appropriate, for the given situation.
Stage 2— Drought Warninq Condition
For water supplied from the Brazos River System, the goal for water use reduction under a Stage
2, Drought Warning Condition, is a ten (10) percent reduction of the use that would have occurred
in the absence of drought contingency measures. If circumstances warrant, the BRA's GM/CEO
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan TEXT
May 2024 Page 10 of 14
or his/her designee may modify this goal. For LCRA water, the target reduction goal is twenty (20)
percent, as indicated in LCRA's Plan. The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may perform or
request implementation of any of the actions listed below, as deemed necessary:
• Inform customers of the Drought Warning Condition and request that they inform their
customers, if any.
• Notify customers of actions being taken and urge activation by customers of appropriate
water conservation measures to achieve the target water use reduction goal.
• Meet with customers to discuss the current drought and possible measures to be taken.
• Initiate Stage 2 or equivalent of customer drought contingency plans, if available.
• Encourage the public to wait until the current drought has passed before establishing new
landscaping.
• Initiate mandatory landscape and outdoor water use restrictions needed to achieve the
water use reduction goal.
• Initiate engineering studies to evaluate alternative actions if conditions worsen.
• Further accelerate public education efforts on ways to reduce water use.
• In cooperation with BRA customers, develop or update the specific drought response plan
tailored to conditions as they exist at the time.
• Implement appropriate provisions of the specific drought response plan.
• For LCRA firm water, any requirements specified in the LCRA Drought Contingency Plan
and associated Rules.
• For EWCRWS, initiate preparations for the implementation of pro-rata curtailment of water
diversion and/or deliveries.
• Implement other measures identified by the BRA and its customers.
Stage 3— Drought Emergency Condition
For water supplied from the Brazos River System, the goal for water use reduction under a Stage
3 Drought Emergency Condition is a total reduction of twenty (20) percent in the use that would
have occurred in the absence of any drought contingency measures. If circumstances warrant,
the BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may modify this goal. For LCRA water, the target
reduction goal is twenty-five (25) percent, as indicated in LCRA's Plan. If the combined storage
of Lakes Buchanan and Travis continues to drop below 600,000 acre-feet, the mandatory pro-
rata curtailment percentage may be increased as determined by the LCRA Board of Directors.
The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may perform or request implementation of any of the
actions listed below, as deemed necessary:
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan TEXT
May 2024 Page 11 of 14
• Continue actions commenced under Stages 1 and 2.
Inform customers of the Drought Emergency Condition and request that they inform their
customers, if any.
Notify customers of actions being taken and urge activation by customers of appropriate
water conservation measures to achieve the target water use reduction goal.
Require BRA customers to cease diversion and use of water under Interruptible Water
Availability Agreements.
• Cease the sale of water by the BRA under Interruptible Water Availability Agreements.
Limit or restrict the temporary assignment of water by BRA customers to third parties in
accordance with the terms of the underlying contracts.
In cooperation with BRA customers, develop or update the specific drought response plan
tailored to conditions as they exist at the time.
Implement appropriate provisions of the specific drought response plan.
Meet with customers to discuss the current drought and measures to be taken.
Initiate the drought emergency or equivalent stage in customer drought contingency plans
as necessary to meet the target water use reduction goal.
Initiate mandatory water use restrictions such as prohibiting hosing of paved areas,
buildings or windows, prohibiting operation of ornamental fountains, prohibiting washing
or rinsing of vehicle(s) by hose, and prohibiting water use in such a manner as to allow
runoff or other waste.
Limit landscape watering at each service address.
Prohibit draining and filling of existing swimming pools and filing of new swimming pools
(pools may add water to replace losses during normal use).
Prohibit establishment of new landscaping.
Prohibit all outdoor watering, including hand held hoses.
Implement viable alternative water supply strategies (this may require prior approval from
TCEQ).
• Coordinate with customers regarding the pro-rata curtailment process in the event that
drought conditions persist or intensify and a Pro-Rata Curtailment Condition is initiated.
For LCRA firm water, any requirements specified in the LCRA Drought Contingency Plan
and associated Rules.
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan TEXT
May 2024 Page 12 of 14
• For EWCRWS, initiate mandatory measures to reduce non-essential water use and initiate
pro-rata curtailment measures, pursuant to Texas Water Code § 11.039.
Stage 4— Pro-Rata Curtailment Condition
Under Stage 4 Pro-Rata Curtailment Condition the BRA's customers will be required to implement
a mandatory pro-rata curtailment, pursuant to Texas Water Code § 11.039. All uses of water
under Interruptible Water Availability Agreements in the affected part of the system will be
suspended prior to and during any mandatory pro-rata curtailment of water use under long-term
contracts.
For LCRA Water, LCRA will curtail and distribute the available supply of firm water among its firm
water customers and firm environmental flow commitments on a pro rata basis according to the
amount of firm water to which they are legally entitled consistent with the Pro-Rata Plan for Firm
Water Demands approved by TCEQ. For additional information regarding LCRA firm water see
Appendix H.
If conditions change while Pro-Rata curtailment is in effect, meetings with affected customers may
be necessary in order to adjust the curtailment percentage.
In the event that the BRA implements Pro-Rata curtailment under Stage 4 of this Plan, the
GM/CEO will establish conditions under which the curtailment will be rescinded.
7. Required Provision on Distribution of Water in Case of Shortage in BRA
Contracts
The BRA water contracts shall include a provision that allows water curtailment in accordance
with the provisions of Texas Water Code § 11.039 during water shortages.
8. Procedures for Granting Variances
The BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee may grant a temporary variance to the pro-rata water
allocation policies provided by this Plan if it is determined that failure to grant such variance would
cause an emergency condition adversely affecting the public health, welfare, or safety and if one
or more of the following conditions are met:
• Compliance with this Plan cannot be technically accomplished during the duration of the
water supply shortage or other condition for which the Plan is in effect; or
• Alternative methods can be implemented which will achieve the same level of reduction in
water use.
Variances shall be granted or denied at the discretion of the BRA's GM/CEO or his/her designee.
All petitions for variances should be in writing and should include the following information:
• Name and address of the petitioner(s).
• Purpose of water use.
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan TEXT
May 2024 Page 13 of 14
• Specific provisions from which relief is requested.
Detailed statement of the adverse effect of the provision from which relief is requested.
Description of the relief requested.
Period of time for which the variance is sought.
Alternative measures that will be taken to reduce water use.
• Other pertinent information.
For LCRA water, LCRA may consider a temporary variance to the pro-rata water allocation
requirement in accordance with LCRA's Plan.
No variance shall be retroactive or otherwise justify any violation of this Plan occurring prior to the
issuance of the variance.
9. Procedures for Implementation and Enforcement
Appendix F is a copy of the BRA's Board resolution approving this Plan. Compliance with this
Plan, as amended from time to time, is a condition in the BRA's water supply agreements. Failure
to comply with the Plan is a violation of the water supply agreement provision and will be treated
as such.
For the EWCRWS, during any period when pro-rata allocation of available water supplies is in
effect, wholesale customer(s) shall pay the Excess Water Fee for all water taken that exceeds
the customer's pro-rata allocation. The Excess Water Fee is determined within customer's
contract with BRA.
10. Review and Update
The BRA shall review this Plan at least every five (5)years and shall update as appropriate based
on new or updated information.
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan TEXT
May 2024 Page 14 of 14
APPENDIX A
Texas Administrative Code, Section 288.22
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Rules on Drought Contingency
Plans for Wholesale Water Suppliers
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix A - 1
APPENDIX A
Texas Administrative Code, Section 288.22
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Rules on Drought Contingency
Plans for Wholesale Water Suppliers
TITLE 30 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
PART 1 TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY
CHAPTER 288 WATER CONSERVATION PLANS, DROUGHT
CONTINGENCY PLANS, GUIDELINES, AND
REQUIREMENTS
SUBCHAPTER B DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLANS
SECTION §288.22 Drought Contingency Plans for Wholesale Water
Suppliers
(A) A drought contingency plan for a wholesale water supplier must include the following
minimum elements:
(1) Preparation of the Plan shall include provisions to actively inform the public and to
affirmatively provide opportunity for user input in the preparation of the Plan and for
informing wholesale customers about the Plan. Such acts may include, but are not limited
to; having a public meeting at a time and location convenient to the public and providing
written notice to the public concerning the proposed plan and meeting.
(2) The drought contingency plan must document coordination with the regional water
planning groups for the service area of the wholesale public water supplier to ensure
consistency with the appropriate approved regional water plans.
(3) The drought contingency plan must include a description of the information to be
monitored by the water supplier and specific criteria for the initiation and termination of
drought response stages, accompanied by an explanation of the rationale or basis for such
triggering criteria.
(4) The drought contingency plan must include a minimum of three drought or emergency
response stages providing for the implementation of measures in response to water supply
conditions during a repeat of the drought-of-record.
(5) The drought contingency plan must include the procedures to be followed for the
initiation or termination of drought response stages, including procedures for notification
of wholesale customers regarding the initiation or termination of drought response stages.
(6) The drought contingency plan must include specific, quantified targets for water use
reductions to be achieved during periods of water shortage and drought. The entity
preparing the Plan shall establish the targets. The goals established by the entity under this
paragraph are not enforceable.
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix A - 2
(7) The drought contingency plan must include the specific water supply or water demand
management measures to be implemented during each stage of the plan including, but not
limited to, the following:
(a) Pro-Rata curtailment of water deliveries to or diversions by wholesale water
customers as provided in Texas Water Code, § 11.039; and
(b) Utilization of alternative water sources with the prior approval of the executive
director as appropriate (e.g., interconnection with another water system, temporary
use of a non-municipal water supply, use of reclaimed water for non-potable
purposes, etc).
(8) The drought contingency plan must include a provision in every wholesale water
contract entered into or renewed after adoption of the Plan, including contract extensions,
that in case of a shortage of water resulting from drought, the water to be distributed shall
be divided in accordance with Texas Water Code, § 11.039.
(9) The drought contingency plan must include procedures for granting variances to the
plan.
(10) The drought contingency plan must include procedures for the enforcement of any
mandatory water use restrictions including specification of penalties (e.g., liquidated
damages, water rate surcharges, discontinuation of service) for violations of such
restrictions.
(B)The wholesale public water supplier shall notify the executive director within five (5)business
days of the implementation of any mandatory provisions of the drought contingency plan.
(C) The wholesale public water supplier shall review and update, as appropriate, the drought
contingency plan, at least every five (5) years, based on new or updated information, such as
adoption or revision of the regional water plan.
Source Note: The provisions of this § 288.22 adopted to be effective February 21, 1999, 24
TexReg 949; amended to be effective April 27, 2000, 25 TexReg 3544; amended to be effective
October 7, 20041 29 TexReg 9384
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix A - 3
APPENDIX B
Example Letter to Wholesale Water Customers
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix D - 1
APPENDIX B
Example Letter to Wholesale Water Customers
VJ
Brazos River Authority QUALITY•CONSERVATION•SERVICE
April 10,2024
MrMs»«First Name»«Last Name»
«Title»
«Company Name»
«Address Line I»
«Address Line 2»
«City»,«State»«ZIP_Code»
Dear«Salutation»:
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ("TCEQ") requires wholesale water suppliers to update their
Drought Contingency Plan every five years. The Brazos River Authority's(BRA)current plan was adopted on April
19,2019 and is due for renewal this year. In accordance with TCEQ regulations,we are notifying our customers that
the draft plan will be available for review and comment on the BRA's Web site www.brazos.or starting April 15,
2024.
The following is a summary of the proposed changes to the plan:
1) Established new trigger levels for Lakes Granger and Belton,and the Lake Stillhouse-Hollow-
Georgetown subsystem and the Lake Possum Kingdom-Granbury-Whitney subsystem;
2) Updated treated water trigger levels specific to BRA's East Williamson County Regional Water
System; and,
3) Updated Lower Colorado River Authority(LCRA)requirements for the use of water sourced from
Lakes Buchanan and Travis in Williamson County.
If you prefer to review a hard copy of the draft plan,you may request one through our Public Information Office by
calling(254)761-3174.Any comments on the draft plan will be accepted through close of business Monday,May 30,
2024.Please mail all written comments to:
Brazos River Authority
Attn: Chris Higgins
P.O.Box 7555
Waco,TX 76714-7555
Following the receipt of comments,the plan will be considered for adoption at the BRA Board of Directors meeting
on May 20,2024.
Sincerely,
AARON ABEL
Water Services Manager
AA:kld
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix D - 2
APPENDIX C
Example Letter to Regional Water Planning Groups
[Planning Groups B, C, F, G, H, K and O]
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix D - 3
APPENDIX C
Example Letter to Regional Water Planning Groups
[Planning Groups B, C, F, G, H, K and O]
0
x :
Brazos River Authority QUALITY • CONSERVATION• SERVICE
Date
[Chairman]
Chair, Region_Water Planning Group
[Address]
Dear «Salutation»:
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ("TCEQ") requires wholesale water suppliers to update their
Drought Contingency Plan every five years. The Brazos River Authority's(BRA)current plan was adopted on April
19,2019 and is due for renewal this year. In accordance with TCEQ regulations,we are notifying our customers that
the draft plan will be available for review and comment on the BRA's Web site www.brazos.or starting April 15,
2024.
The following is a summary of the proposed changes to the plan:
4) Established new trigger levels for Lakes Granger and Belton,and the Lake Stillhouse-Hollow-
Georgetown subsystem and the Lake Possum Kingdom-Granbury-Whitney subsystem;
5) Updated treated water trigger levels specific to BRA's East Williamson County Regional Water
System; and,
6) Updated Lower Colorado River Authority(LCRA)requirements for the use of water sourced from
Lakes Buchanan and Travis in Williamson County.
If you prefer to review a hard copy of the draft plan,you may request one through our Public Information Office by
calling(254)761-3174.Any comments on the draft plan will be accepted through close of business Monday,May 15,
2024.Please mail all written comments to:
Brazos River Authority
Attn: Chris Higgins
P.O.Box 7555
Waco,TX 76714-7555
Following the receipt of comments,the plan will be considered for adoption at the BRA Board of Directors meeting
on May 20,2024.
Sincerely,
AARON ABEL
Water Services Manager
AA:kld
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix D - 4
APPENDIX D
Customer Water Supply Intake Structures
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix D - 5
APPENDIX D
Customer Water Supply Intake Structures
Physical Lakeside Intakes
MINIMUM
OPERATION LEVEL
RESERVOIR BRA CUSTOMER (ft)
AQUILLA AQ U I L LA WS D 507
BELL COUNTY WCID#1 540
BELTON CITY OF GATESVILLE 538
BLUEBONNET WSC 568
GEORGETOWN,CITY OF 732
GEORGETOWN ROUND ROCK, CITY OF 755
BRUSHY CREEK MUD 753
TXU-COMANCHE PEAK 678
TXU-DECORDOVA 673
GRANBURY LENMO INC. LEONARDS 682
WOLF HOLLOW I, L.P. 673
CITY OF GRANBURY 682
SWATS 674
GRANGER EAST WILLIAMSON COUNTY REGIONAL WATER SYSTEM 478
N RG 330
LIMESTONE SOUTH LIMESTONE COUNTY WATER SUPPLY 354
LUMINANT OAK GROVE MANAGEMENT 331
PROCTOR UPPER LEON RIVER MWD 1135
SPORTSMAN"S WORLD MUD 983
POSSUM KINGDOM POSSUM KINGDOM WSC 982
WEST CENTRAL BRAZOS PIPELINE 967
SOMERVILLE CITY OF BRENHAM 208
BELL COUNTY WCID#! 579
STILLHOUSE HOLLOW CENTRAL TEXAS WSC 582
WILLIAMSON COUNTY REGIONAL RAW WATER LINE 559.5
KEMPNER WSC 590
1 This list includes some of the larger BRA water customers. It is not all inclusive. The Minimum Operation Levels
represent the critical reservoir elevation at which the operation of the intake structure would start to be
compromised. These values were provided directly by the customers. The BRA makes no statement as to their
accuracy, and they are not intended for any other use outside of this DCP.
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix D - 6
APPENDIX E
Elevation-Capacity Tables
Selected Reservoirs
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix E - 1
APPENDIX E
Elevation-Capacity Tables
Selected Reservoirs
Table E-1 Lake Aquilla Elevation-Capacity Values
Year 2030 Estimated Sedimentation Conditions
Elevation Capacity Elevation Capacity
(Feet msl) (Acre-Feet) (Feet msl) (Acre-Feet)
495 0 517 4,336
496 0 518 5,139
497 0 519 6,022
498 0 520 6,996
499 0 521 8,051
500 0 522 9,179
501 0 523 10,379
502 0 524 11,651
503 0 525 13,003
504 0 526 141#446
505 0 527 16,000
506 22 528 17,667
507 96 529 19,447
508 229 530 21,337
509 421 531 23,333
510 674 532 25,450
511 988 533 27,697
512 1,364 534 30,088
513 1,805 535 32,630
514 2,327 536 35,328
515 2,929 537 38,181
11 516 3,599 537.5 39,656
Baseline Conditions from Texas Water Development Board,
2014 Volumetric Survey
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix E - 2
Table E-2 Lake Belton Elevation-Capacity Values
Year 2030 Estimated Sedimentation Conditions
Elevation Capacity Elevation Capacity Elevation Capacity
(Feet msl) (Acre-Feet) (Feet msl) (Acre-Feet) (Feet msl) (Acre-Feet)
484 0 521 12,302 558 124,055
485 1 522 13,526 559 129,416
486 3 523 14,833 560 134,902
487 9 524 16,224 561 140,519
488 16 525 17,695 562 146,264
489 29 526 191#246 563 1521#161
490 47 527 20,879 564 158,211
491 70 528 22,594 565 1641#429
492 100 529 24,383 566 170,821
493 141 530 26,241 567 177,358
494 189 531 28,175 568 184,034
495 247 532 30,197 569 190,870
496 315 533 32,308 570 197,900
497 394 534 34,507 571 205,146
498 491 535 36,799 572 212,639
499 607 536 39,192 573 220,393
500 746 537 41,698 574 228,375
501 913 538 44,327 575 236,562
502 11#104 539 47,078 576 244,948
503 1,322 540 49,938 577 253,510
504 1,569 541 52,903 578 2621#260
505 1,852 542 55,988 579 2711#249
506 21#184 543 59,207 580 280,488
507 2,550 544 62,558 581 289,987
508 2,949 545 66,030 582 299,702
509 3,381 546 69,617 583 309,619
510 3,846 547 73,342 584 319,750
511 4,346 548 771#221 585 330,102
512 4,888 549 811#254 586 340,662
513 5,472 550 85,449 587 3511#418
514 6,102 551 89,804 588 362,371
515 6,785 552 94,307 589 373,535
516 7,521 553 98,951 590 384,902
517 8,317 554 103,742 591 396,472
518 9,182 555 108,662 592 408,266
519 10,129 556 113,688 593 420,318
520 111#168 557 118,816 594 432,631
Baseline Conditions from Texas Water Development Board,
2015 Volumetric Survey
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix E - 3
Table E-3 Lake Georgetown Elevation-Capacity Values
Year 2030 Estimated Sedimentation Conditions
Elevation Capacity Elevation Capacity
(Feet msl) (Acre-Feet) (Feet msl) (Acre-Feet)
714 10 753 61256
715 14 754 61690
716 19 755 71136
717 27 756 71598
718 37 757 81079
719 48 758 81579
720 63 759 91098
721 80 760 91637
722 99 761 10,198
723 122 762 10,779
724 147 763 11,380
725 176 764 12,000
726 210 765 12,643
727 252 766 13,310
728 307 767 14,001
729 372 768 141718
730 453 769 15,462
731 549 770 16,235
732 658 771 17,038
733 780 772 17,868
734 912 773 18,721
735 11056 774 19,594
736 11211 775 20,490
737 11380 776 211405
738 11562 777 22,342
739 11763 778 23,302
740 11983 779 241286
741 21219 780 25,293
742 21471 781 26,323
743 21738 782 27,380
744 31020 783 28,463
745 31315 784 29,573
746 31624 785 30,708
747 31949 786 31,869
748 41292 787 33,057
749 41653 788 341271
750 51031 789 35,511
751 51425 790 36,776
752 51834 7 791 38,068
Baseline conditions from Texas Water Development Board,
2016 Volumetric Survey
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix E - 4
Table E-4 Lake Granbury Elevation-Capacity Values
Year 2030 Estimated Sedimentation Conditions
Elevation Capacity Elevation Capacity
(Feet msl) (Acre-Feet) (Feet msl) (Acre-Feet)
627 0 661 14,679
628 0 662 16,050
629 0 663 17,516
630 2 664 19,077
631 9 665 20,731
632 24 666 221472
633 53 667 24,302
634 108 668 26,226
635 178 669 28,245
636 272 670 30,357
637 398 671 32,572
638 547 672 34,898
639 717 673 37,347
640 909 674 39,936
641 11137 675 42,684
642 11399 676 45,594
643 11689 677 48,674
644 21013 678 51,950
645 21366 679 55,428
646 21744 680 59,137
647 31152 681 63,115
648 31603 682 67,349
649 41106 683 71,859
650 41659 684 76,654
651 51261 685 811730
652 51917 686 871178
653 61626 687 93,042
654 71395 688 99,357
655 81233 689 106,078
656 91138 690 113,123
657 10,106 691 120,492
658 111133 692 128,227
659 121227 693 1361326
660 13,405
Baseline conditions from Texas Water Development Board,
2015 Volumetric Survey
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix E - 5
Table E-5 Lake Granger Elevation-Capacity Values
Year 2030 Estimated Sedimentation Conditions
Elevation Capacity Elevation Capacity
(Feet msl) (Acre-Feet) (Feet msl) (Acre-Feet)
464 0 485 6,236
465 0 486 7,359
466 0 487 8,592
467 0 488 9,937
468 0 489 11,391
469 2 490 12,966
470 7 491 14,661
471 29 492 16,477
472 85 493 18,431
473 181 494 20,528
474 316 495 221#778
475 490 496 25,208
476 697 497 27,836
477 944 498 30,665
478 11#256 499 33,695
479 11#644 500 36,940
480 21#121 501 40,389
481 21#721 502 44,022
482 31#452 503 47,825
483 41#288 504 51,822
484 5,217
Baseline conditions from Texas Water Development Board,
2013 Volumetric Survey
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix E - 6
Table E-6 Lake Limestone Elevation-Capacity Values Year
2030 Estimated Sedimentation Conditions
Elevation Capacity Elevation Capacity
(Feet msl) (Acre-Feet) (Feet msl) (Acre-Feet)
320 0 342 33,077
321 0 343 371#179
322 0 344 41,579
323 1 345 46,420
324 8 346 51,675
325 65 347 57,327
326 264 348 63,396
327 670 349 69,866
328 11#238 350 76,714
329 1,949 351 83,920
330 2,885 352 91,534
331 4,062 353 99,673
332 5,479 354 108,245
333 7,078 355 1171#238
334 8,924 356 126,640
335 11,071 357 136,422
336 13,458 358 146,621
337 16,134 359 1571#259
338 19,096 360 168,273
339 221#281 361 179,655
340 25,665 362 191,546
341 29,242 363 203,780
Baseline conditions from Texas Water Development Board,
2012 Volumetric Survey
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix E - 7
Table E-7 Lake Possum Kingdom Elevation-Capacity Values
Year 2030 Estimated Sedimentation Conditions
Elevation Capacity Elevation Capacity Elevation Capacity
(Feet msl) (Acre-Feet) (Feet msl) (Acre-Feet) (Feet msl) (Acre-Feet)
893 0 929 26,220 965 169,743
894 0 930 28,176 966 176,230
895 0 931 30,253 967 182,875
896 1 932 321427 968 189,677
897 3 933 34,691 969 196,652
898 11 934 37,051 970 203,811
899 43 935 39,513 971 2111165
900 105 936 42,071 972 218,717
901 198 937 441720 973 226,474
902 335 938 471464 974 2341428
903 516 939 50,325 975 242,609
904 750 940 53,305 976 251,030
905 11041 941 56,407 977 259,689
906 11395 942 59,637 978 268,593
907 11801 943 62,993 979 2771756
908 21284 944 66,472 980 2871187
909 21833 945 70,079 981 296,928
910 31441 946 73,811 982 307,006
911 41105 947 77,664 983 317,398
912 41829 948 81,644 984 328,113
913 51620 949 85,751 985 339,142
914 61471 950 89,986 986 350,492
915 71379 951 94,343 987 3621155
916 81351 952 98,829 988 3741135
917 91379 953 103,454 989 386,435
918 10,462 954 108,213 990 399,047
919 11,594 955 113,107 991 412,036
920 121785 956 118,133 992 425,524
921 14,031 957 123,293 993 439,682
922 15,329 958 128,593 994 454,628
923 16,682 959 134,030 995 470,242
924 18,088 960 139,606 996 486,471
925 19,558 961 145,326 997 503,227
926 21,094 962 1511197 998 520,455
927 22,696 963 1571227 999 538,139
928 24,388 964 163,410 1,000 556,340
Baseline conditions from Texas Water Development Board,
2016 Volumetric Survey
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix E - 8
Table E-8 Lake Proctor Elevation-Capacity Values
Year 2030 Estimated Sedimentation Conditions
Elevation Capacity Elevation Capacity
(Feet msl) (Acre-Feet) (Feet msl) (Acre-Feet)
1,131 0 11147 111#270
11132 0 11148 12,990
11133 0 11149 14,810
11134 2 11150 16,740
11135 35 1,151 18,840
11136 234 11152 21,060
1,137 663 1,153 23,390
1,138 11#251 1,154 25,830
1,139 1,932 1,155 28,380
11140 2,699 11156 31,080
11141 3,589 11157 341#160
1,142 4,592 11158 371#790
11143 5,683 1,159 41,690
1,144 6,853 1,160 45,850
1,145 8,185 1,161 50,230
1,146 9,654 1,162 541#760
Baseline conditions from Texas Water Development Board,
2012 Volumetric Survey
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix E - 9
Table E-9 Lake Somerville Elevation-Capacity Values
Year 2030 Estimated Sedimentation Conditions
Elevation Capacity
(Feet msl) (Acre-Feet)
208 0
209 0
210 1
211 33
212 318
213 994
214 1,990
215 3,350
216 5,119
217 7,341
218 10,034
219 13,159
220 16,686
221 20,537
222 24,731
223 29,300
224 34,248
225 39,669
226 45,633
227 52,064
228 58,909
229 66,216
230 73,888
231 81,878
232 90,306
233 99,212
234 108,593
235 118,424
236 128,670
237 139,275
238 150,293
Baseline conditions from Texas Water Development Board,
2012 Volumetric Survey
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix E - 10
Table E-10 Lake Stillhouse Hollow Elevation-Capacity Values
Year 2030 Estimated Sedimentation Conditions
Elevation Capacity Elevation Capacity Elevation Capacity
505 0 545 10,453 585 72 200
506 0 546 11 158 586 74,869
507 1 547 11,894 587 77,605
508 3 548 12,659 588 80,405
509 6 549 13,454 589 83,270
510 11 550 14 284 590 86,209
511 17 551 15,147 591 89,224
512 27 552 16,047 592 92,308
513 41 553 16,986 593 95,462
514 61 554 17,963 594 98,687
515 86 555 18,978 595 101,988
516 113 556 20,031 596 105,372
517 144 557 21 129 597 108,832
518 190 558 22 274 598 112,370
519 260 559 23,463 599 115,987
520 354 560 24,694 600 119,691
521 470 561 25,964 601 123,488
522 607 562 27,279 602 127,384
523 769 563 28,637 603 131,384
524 965 564 30,040 604 135,497
525 1 199 565 31 494 605 139,721
526 1 459 566 33,006 606 144,062
527 1 745 567 34,575 607 148,514
528 2 052 568 36,202 608 153,081
529 2 377 569 37,879 609 157 764
530 2 722 570 39,608 610 162,567
531 3 089 571 41,389 611 167 488
532 3 479 572 43,219 612 172,520
533 3 893 573 45,101 613 177,669
534 4 331 574 47,036 614 182,938
535 4 790 575 49,026 615 188,328
536 5 268 576 51,072 616 193,840
537 5 764 577 53,174 617 199,484
538 6 277 578 55,329 618 205,271
539 6 808 579 57,545 619 211 214
540 7 357 580 59,826 620 217,304
541 7 926 581 62 174 621 223,524
542 8 516 582 64,585 622 229,881
543 9 131 583 67,061
544 1 9,777 584 69,600
Baseline conditions from Texas Water Development Board,
2015 Volumetric Survey
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix E - 11
Table E-12. Lake WhitneyElevation-Capacity Values
Brazos River Authority storage within Lake Whitney totals 57,252 of for capacity above
520 ft. elevation. Drought contingency plan trigger values for the collective BRA storage
in the Lake Possum Kingdom-Lake Granbury-Lake Whitney system take into account only
this 57,252 acre-foot capacity, and not the entire capacity of Lake Whitney. Specific
elevation-capacity values for Lake Whitney as a whole therefore do not apply.
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix E - 12
APPENDIX F
Brazos River Authority
Board Resolution Adopting the Drought Contingency Plan
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix F - 1
APPENDIX F
Brazos River Authority
Board Resolution Adopting the Drought Contingency Plan
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix F - 2
4 P
Brazos Iii ver A uth on'ty
RES OL U TION OF THE B OA RD OF DIREC TORS OF
THE BRAZOS RIVER AUTHORITY
MAY 0o 2024
Agenda Item No. 3
Drought Contingency PIan Update
"BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the Brazos River
Authority that the Drought Contingency Plan, a s presented at the
May 20, 2024, Board of Dire ors' Meeting and prepared in
conformance with the requirements of the Texas Commission on
Environmental G u aI ity, is hereby adopted and supersedes the
Droug Int Conti ng envy P 1a n d ated Ap ri 12 9, 2019}a rid
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED til at the Sewall Mama-er] F O i
directed to submit the adopted B razor River Authority Drought
Cc roti n g envy Plan to the Texas Com m fss ion on Environmental
QuaI :,
The aforementioned resolution was approved by the Board of Directors of th8
Brazos Ri.ve r Authority on May 20: 2024, to certify which witness my hand and
seal.
y n - is A:!F I res
Presiding Officer
UB CR18Eb AND SWORN T6 BEFORE ME vii thlb fliv 62Z> day of
2 024, to certify wh witness my ha nd a n d offi-cial Se a 1.
Public,S10te 01 Texas
W
coram.�gpjra&06-3 jota11r Ind for the
State of Texas
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix F - 3
APPENDIX G
Texas Water Code Section 11.039
Distribution of Water during Shortage
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G- 1
APPENDIX G
Texas Water Code Section 11.039
§ 11.039.Distribution of Water During Shortage
(a) If a shortage of water in a water supply not covered by a water conservation plan prepared in compliance
with Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission or Texas Water Development Board rules results
from drought, accident or other cause, the water to be distributed shall be divided among all customers pro-
rata, according to the amount each may be entitled to, so that preference is given to no one and everyone
suffers alike.
(b) If a shortage of water in a water supply covered by a water conservation plan prepared in compliance
with Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission or Texas Water Development Board rules results
from drought, accident or other cause, the person, association of persons, or corporation owning or
controlling the water shall divide the water to be distributed among all customers pro-rata, according to:
(1) the amount of water to which each customer may be entitled; or
(2) the amount of water to which each customer may be entitled, less the amount of water the
customer would have saved if the customer had operated its water system in compliance with the
water conservation plan.
(c) Nothing in Subsection (a) or (b) precludes the person, association of persons, or corporation owning or
controlling the water from supplying water to a person who has a prior vested right to the water under the
laws of this state.
Amended by Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 2207, ch. 870, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977.
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1126, § 1, eff. June 15, 2001.
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G- 1
APPENDIX H
LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers
& Rules for Water Sales Contracts
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G- 1
APPENDIX H
LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers
& Rules for Water Sales Contracts
inr
ENERGY•WATER•COMMUNITY 5ERVICE5
Drought Contingency Plan for
Firm Water Customers
Lower Colorado River Authority
March 2Q24
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G- 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Declaration of Policy, Purpose,and Intent,,..,...,,..,...,.......,...,...........,................ ...........
. PUbiIG Input and Coordin ori _
3. User Eduu$tion.......... —3
4. Anthorizntiorl ...... .. .. .. .. .. .. ............... .. .. ............___........... —3
5. Application ............. .. .. .. .. .. ..................... .. ............... .. .. .............................. —3
6. Notice—__............ ...... —4
T Drought Response Stages....... ...... —4
7A Drought Cont'ingency Plan Stage 1 ................................................................................4
7.2 Drought Cont'ingency Plan Stage 2 4
7,3 Drought Cont'ingency Plan Stages4
7,4 Drought Cont'ingency Plan Stage 4.................. .. .. ............___...........
8. Firm Customer Drought Contingency Plans�.................. .. .. .............................. 5
9, Variances-...............___.......,..,..,...<<,...............,..,...............................____......... .
10_Enforcement..,....... ......—.......—....... ...... ........ �6
11_Severability........... ........................................ .............................. 6
1 _Effective Date of Plan.. ......�..
13-Drought Contingency Plan Npd .. .. .. .. .. ..a..aa..a..a.. .. .. .. .. .. ...�..�..�..a..a..a..�..�..�...�..
14-Notification of Executive Director.............................................................................................
LCRA Board Approved March 26. 2024
2
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G - 1
+1. DECLARATION OF POLICY, PURPOSE.,AND INTENT
The Board of Directors of the Lower Colorado Fiver Authority(LFA)deems it to be
in the interest of L RA to adopt a Drought Contingency Plan(D P)for the supply of
firm water-This D P constitutes the LC FAA's drought contingency plan required under
c c.ti ori 11-1 72, Texas Water Code. and rise Gi uted administrative ruIe of the
Texas Commission on Environmental 0uaI ity(Title 30..Texas Ad m 1 n 1 strati ve Cock?
Chapter 288).
. PUBLIC INPUT AND COORDINATION
Firm water customers within LFA's water service area were provided with
information related to the preparation of this D P and provided an opportunity to give
input on its development through L RA's regularly scheduled public meeting of the
L RA Board in March 2024- In addition, L RA posted its draft proposed D P on its
website,www.Icra.crg_ provided an opportunity to submit written comments.through its
website,and held n cu sto rner meeting-
Further,
eeting-Further, LCRA has provided a copy of this Firm Customer D P to the Region
Regional Water Planning roup to ensure consistency with the Region K water plan-
3.
Ian_3. USED EDUCATION
LCRA will provide grater users with information about this DOE, including -information
about th e Gond iti c n s.u n der wh ich droug ht re s pc n se me a u res u re to be in ilia ted or
terminated- This information will be provided by email to customers, by providing copies
of the D P to each customer,or by posting the D P on LCRA's public web site.
4. AUT HO R ITI ON
The LCRA General Manager or his designee is hereby authorized and directed to
i m p I em a nt the a pp I ica bl a provi cion s of th i s D C P cc ns.i.ste nt with th c Gri tc ria spe dfied
herein. LCRA Board action is not required for actions under this DP other than those
actions set forth below
• Establishing su roh n rg c s or excess u s o rates applicable to firm water customers
(Section 10).
• Declaration of a Drought Worse than Drought of Record (Section 7-4)_
• J
.4)-
J initiating, modifying and/cr lifting of pro rata curtailment, or establishing c;ritcria for
such actions- ( octi on 7-4)_
• Establishing-the percentage Gurtnil moat required under continuing Stage 4
( eGtlon 7-4)-
• Updates to the Drought Contingenay Plan(Section 13).
LC RA ori I I ca rr y out s n a p propriate p ub lic i nformuti on ca m pa i g n rely ted to any item
requiring Board action under this D E as required by 30 Tex-Admin. Code Ch. 288,
5. APPLICATION
The provisions of this D P shal I apply to the use of water by all persons using firm water
provided by L r _ To the extent a person also i using groundwater,or surface water
from sources outside the Colorado River Basin, the provisions of this D P do not limit
the u se of t h at sou rye of watt r-T he tc rm''pe rso n"as u sed in th i s D C P incl u des
individuals, corporati.o ns, partnerships,associations, a rid a I I other legal entities.
LCFZA Board Approved March 26,2024
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G - 1
6. NOTICE
Notice of the initiation of drought response measures will be given by posting on the
LC RA website and by U_ _ Mail or email,where available,to each individual firm water
customer_
7. DROUGHT RESPONSE STAGES
Th i s D C P sets forth th e p raced u res.by which L C RA w 111 im p I e me n t dr oug ht resp on se
stages for f rm gate r uses. LC RA wi I I encu ura ge its fi rm grater custom ers.to i m pl ement
o n gate rm water cc n servatio n me as u res.yea r-roun d to meet th e q oa I s i nc1 u de d in thei r
grater conservation plans. LC RA ori11,as needed, share information with the pub1io on
grater supply conditions,grater use and conservation_ LC RA's Water Contract RuIes,
including its Drought Contingency Plan Rues and Pro Rata Curtailment Rules may
include additional requirements and details applible to the following stages.
7.1 Droucjht Contingency Plan Stage
If the total combi nod storage in lakes B ueha nary and Travis d ropy below 1.1
million acre-feet, and interruptible stored water supplied to the Lakeside, Gulf
Coast and Pierce Ranch agricultural operations is curtailed, L C RA will request its
firm water customers implement mandatory drought response measures in their
individual drought contingency pleas with a target demand reduction goal of 10
percent. If the combined storage in lakes Buchanan and Travis subsequently
increases to 1-2 million acre-feet, the stage will be exited-
7-2
xited_7.2 Droocjht Continciency Plea Stage
L RA will enter Stage 2 if interruptible stored water supplied to the Lakeside,
Gulf Coast and Pierce RanGh agricultural operations is curtailed, and:
a)the total eornbined storage in lakes Buchanan and Travis drops below
900.000 a cre-foot; or
b) on March 1 or July '1,the combined storage i n lakes Buchanan and
Travis is below 1.1 million acre-feet and the cumulative prior three months of
inflows total to those lakes is less than the 25'h percentile of historic inflows
for the three-month periods-
In
eriod _Ire this stage. LORA firm grater customers must implement additional mandatory
drought response measures in their individual drought contingency pleas with a
target demand reduction goal of 20 percent_ In this st-age,firm customers'water
use reduction measures must include a no more than once-per-week ateri n g
sched u I e for orae m a nta I I ars dsca p Ing.
If the combined storage in lakes Buchanan and Travis subsequently increases
above 1.1 million acre-freta the stage ori I I be exited and replaced by Stage I_
7-3 Drought Contingency Plea Stage
If the total combined storage in lakes Buchanan and Travis drops below 750,000
acre-feet and interruptible stored water supplied to the Lakeside, u If Coast and
Pierce Ranch agricultural operations is.curtailed,LORA firm grater customers must
implement additional mandatory drought response measures in their individual
drought contingency plans with a target demand reduction goal of 25 pe reent. I n
this stage, LORA firm customers'gator use reduction measures for ornamental
landscaping must include a)a prohibition on the operation of automatic or manual
sprinkler irrigation systems,or b)a maximum of no more than 6 hours per week for
operating automatic or manual s pn nkl e r irrigation systems. If the combined storage
LCRA Board Approved March 26. 2024
4
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G - 1
in lakes Buchanan and Travis subsequently increases to 825,000 acre-feet,the
stage will be exited and replaced by Stage 2-
7-4 Drought Contingency Plan Sto e
If the total combined storage in lakes Buchanan and Travis drops below 6GO,000
acre-feet, and the LCRA Board of Directors deGlares a Drought Worse than the
Drought of Record consistent with the LCRA Water Management Plan ( P).
LCRA will curtail and distribute the available supply of firm water among its firm
water customers and firm environmental flow commitments on a pro rata basis
according to the amount of firm water to hieh they are legally entitled consistent
with the Pro Rata Plan for Firm Water Demands approved by TDEQ. All uses of
interruptible stored water wil I be cut off prior to and du ring any mandatory pro rata
curtail ment of firm water supplies_The initis I eurtai Iment of firm-water supplies
under pro rata will be 20 percent with a target demand reduction goal of 30 percent_
In this stage, LCRA gill require that firm customers implement mandatory water use
red u ction meas u res fo r ern a me n tal I a n dsca pi n g the at m u t i rel a de a prop i bition on
irrigation of ornamental to rtg rays using automatia or manual irrigation systems,
including drip irrigation and hose-end sprinklers. Upon entering Stage 4, the LCRA
Beard a Ise shal I determine the conditions under which additional mandatory
actions shall be triggered, consistent with Appendix C of Lr 's Water Contract
Pules, which include specific procedures and requirements related to a pro rata
curtailment of firm water supplies_ During Stage 4, LCRA will further encourage
firm grater customers to use alternative water supplies, if available_
The LD RA Board also may set additional criteria for ending or Basi ng pro rata
cu rta illme nt,such as combined storage increasing to a given level_ If such ori teri a
are sub seq u e ntly met,the Boa rd ma y i nerease o r decrease the e pro rata cu rta 11 meat
percentage_ A decl a ration of a Drought Worse than Drought of Record will be
ca rice I ed if co mb i ned sto ra go i n I a ke s B uchanan a nd Trav i s i nerea es to 1_4 mi I I i on
acre-feet. In that evert,mandatory pro rata curtailment would be lifted,and the a stage
would be exited.
8. FIRM CUSTOMER DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLANS
As part of its contracts, LCRA requires Its firm water customers to prepare and adopt
a drought contingency plan that is legally enforGeable by the firm water customer
and specifies the actions to be taken to comply with this Drought Contingency Plan
regarding the implementation of drought response measures, including a plan to
reduce demand during eurtaiiment of firm supplies consistent with L RA's approved
Pro Rata Plan and LCRAs Water Contract Rules, its Drought Contingency
Plan Rules and Pro Rata Curtailment Pules_ ustcrners' DC Ps should be developed
pursuant to LCRA A guidelines and submitted for LCRA review and acceptance within
60 days of the approval of this plan. L FSA will provide firm cu to me rs a template
D P outlining recommended drought response measures for each stage that may be
voluntarily adopted_ For temporary cc)ntraets, domestic use contracts acrd landscape
irrigation contracts for up to 30 acre-f e et per year, customers shall follow an L -
developed D P that is specific to such uses unless customers develop a stand-
alone D P that meets LCRA A requirements.
LCFZA Beard Approved March 26. 2024
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G - 1
9. VARIANCES
The General Manager may, in writing,grant to a firm water Gustumer n temporary
variance from the pro rata curtailment required under th Is D P and L FSA's Pro rata
Plan, consistent with Appendix C of LCRKs Water Contract Rules.
In addition, the General Manager may, in writing, grant u temporary variance to the
pro rata curtailment of water supplied to meet environmental flow criteria under
sections of the LCRA WMP if the Texas Parrs and Wildlife Department submits a
writte n va ri a rice req u est, a n d the G a ne ra I M a ria g e r d ete rm i nes a variance is j u stiff ed
to avoid severe adverse biological condition andorarianee mould not result in an
increase in the amount of water made available for environmental flows during the
eurtaliment_
10.ENFOR EME IST
L F A will monitor firm customers'eomplia ace with its D P requirements_ Monitoring
and enforcement of water-use restrictions at the end-user IeveI -is the eu story ars'
responsibi lity_All L F A firm grater contracts include a provision requiring that, in
cases of a shortage of water resulting from drought, the water will be distributed in
accordance with the LCI 's WM P and Texas Water Code section '11.039.
Customers that exceed their allotted supply during a pre rata curtailment will be
subject to excess use rates or surcharges, to be specified by the LCRA Board, in
addition to LCRXs firm water rate_ They also may be subject to civil action to enjoin
them for breach of eontraet_
1 1.SEVERAB I L ITY
It is hereby deel a red to be the intention of the L RA Board that, if the sections,
paragraphs. sentences, clauses. and phrases of this D D P shall be declared
unconstitution a I by the va I i d j u dg m ent o r d ecree of a ray co u rt of Com pete n t j u ri s dicti o n,
such unconstitutionall Ity shall not affect any of the remaining phrases,clauses,
sentence s,pa rag ra p h s, and sections of th i s D D P.
12.EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN
The effective date of this D E shall be the date of approval by the L RA Board and
shall supersede all other Firm Water D Ps and amendments thereto, previously
adopted by LCRA through resolution or otherwise_ Ignorance of the D P is not a
defense to a prosecution for enforcement of a:violation of the D P_
1 3.DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN UPDATES
LCRA will male any necessary conforming changes to this D P within 90 days of
TDEQ's approval of changes to the L F A VVMP that affect the firm customer
drought response measures contained in this D P. Further, LCRA may male other
updates or amendments to the DDP ire aeeurdanee with other applicable law_
14. NOTIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The LCRA General Manager will provide a I I required notices to the TD EQ Executive
Director as required by applicable law, including but not limited to notifying the
Uecutive Director within five business days of the implementation of any mandatory
provisions under this DDP.
LCRA Board Approved March 26. 2024
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G - 1
Ad=� A
10L
ENERGY•WATER•COMMUNITY SERVICES
APPENDIX B
Drought Contingency Plan Rules for
Water Sale Contracts
Lower Colorado River Authority March
2024
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G - 1
CONTENTS
FOREWORD........................................................................................................................ 1
CHAPTER 1: PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY ....................................................................... 2
1.1. Purpose...................................................................................................................... 2
1.2. Authority..................................................................................................................... 2
CHAPTER 2: DEFINITIONS................................................................................................. 2
2.1. LCRA Water Management Plan ................................................................................. 2
2.2. Municipal Per Capita Water Use................................................................................. 2
2.3. Municipal Use in Gallons Per Capita Per Day ............................................................ 2
2.4. Ornamental Landscaping ........................................................................................... 2
2.5. Ornamental Turf Grass............................................................................................... 2
2.6. Regional Water Planning Group................................................................................. 3
2.7. Retail Public Water Supplier....................................................................................... 3
2.8. Wholesale Public Water Supplier ............................................................................... 3
CHAPTER 3: MUNICIPAL WATER USE BY RETAIL PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIERS........ 3
3.1. Minimum Requirements.............................................................................................. 3
1) Public Involvement..................................................................................................3
2) Public Education .....................................................................................................3
3) Regional Planning Group ........................................................................................3
4) Specific Criteria .......................................................................................................3
5) Stages.....................................................................................................................3
6) Specific Goals. ........................................................................................................4
7) Water Supply or Water Demand Management Measures. ......................................4
8) Notification Procedures. ..........................................................................................5
9) Variances ................................................................................................................5
10) Compliance with LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers........5
3.2. Recommended Minimum Drought Contingency Measures Under Pro Rata
Curtailment. ....................................................................................................................... 5
3.3. Notification to LCRA and TCEQ.................................................................................. 5
3.4. Wholesale Customer Requirement............................................................................. 5
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G - 1
3.5. Implementation and Enforcement............................................................................... 5
3.6. Other Approved Drought Contingency Plans.............................................................. 6
CHAPTER 4: MUNICIPAL USE BY WHOLESALE PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIERS............ 6
4.1. Minimum Requirements.............................................................................................. 6
1) Public Involvement. .................................................................................................6
2) Public Education .....................................................................................................6
3) Regional Planning Group ........................................................................................6
4) Specific Criteria .......................................................................................................6
5) Stages.....................................................................................................................6
6) Specific Goals. ........................................................................................................6
7) Water Supply or Water Demand Management Measures. ......................................7
8) Pro-rata curtailment.................................................................................................7
10) Minimum requirements............................................................................................7
11) Notification Procedures. ..........................................................................................7
12) Variances ................................................................................................................7
13) Compliance with LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers........7
4.2. Recommended Minimum Drought Contingency Measures Under Pro Rata
Curtailment. ....................................................................................................................... 7
4.3. Notification to LCRA and TCEQ.................................................................................. 7
4.4. Wholesale Customer Requirement............................................................................. 7
4.5. Implementation and Enforcement............................................................................... 8
4.6. Other Approved Drought Contingency Plans.............................................................. 8
CHAPTER 5: INDUSTRIAL OR MINING USE..................................................................... 8
5.1. Minimum Requirements.............................................................................................. 8
1) Education Program..................................................................................................8
2) Initiation and Termination of Drought Response Stages, with rationale...................8
3) Specific and Quantified Targets. .............................................................................8
4) Stages.....................................................................................................................9
5) Response Measures. ..............................................................................................9
6) Compliance with LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers. ......9
5.2. Notification to LCRA. ................................................................................................. 9
5.3. Implementation.......................................................................................................... 9
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G - 1
5.4. Other Approved Drought Contingency Plans............................................................. 9
CHAPTER 6: AGRICULTURAL USE..................................................................................10
6.1. Agriculture Water Users other than Customers within Agricultural Irrigation Divisions.
6.1.1. Minimum Requirements.........................................................................................10
1) Initiation and Termination of Drought Response Stages, with rationale.................10
2) Specific and Quantified Targets. ...........................................................................10
3) Stages...................................................................................................................10
4) Response Measures. ............................................................................................10
5) Compliance with LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers. ....10
6.1.2. Notification to LCRA ...............................................................................................10
6.1.3. Implementation.......................................................................................................10
6.2. Agriculture Water Suppliers/Irrigation Divisions. ........................................................11
6.2.1. Minimum Requirements..........................................................................................11
1) Public Involvement. ...............................................................................................11
2) Regional Planning Group ......................................................................................11
3) Specific Criteria .....................................................................................................11
4) Specific and Quantified Targets. ...........................................................................11
5) Allocation of Water Supplies..................................................................................11
7) Accounting Procedures. ........................................................................................11
8) Transfer of Water Allocations. ...............................................................................11
9) Enforcement Procedures.......................................................................................11
10) Compliance with LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers......11
6.2.2. Wholesale Water Customers. ................................................................................12
6.2.3. Protection of Public Water Supplies .......................................................................12
6.2.4. Notification to LCRA and TCEQ..............................................................................12
6.2.5. Implementation and Enforcement...........................................................................12
6.3. Other Approved Drought Contingency Plans............................................................12
CHAPTER 7: IRRIGATION OR GOLF COURSE USE .......................................................13
7.1. Minimum Requirements.............................................................................................13
1) Public Education ...................................................................................................13
2) Initiation and Termination of Drought Response Stages, with rationale.................13
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G - 1
3) Specific and Qualified Targets...............................................................................13
4) Stages...................................................................................................................13
5) Response Measures. ............................................................................................13
6) Compliance with LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers. ....13
7.2. Recommended Minimum Drought Contingency Measures Under Pro Rata
Curtailment. ..................................................................................................................... 14
7.3. Notification to LCRA. ................................................................................................ 14
7.4. Implementation......................................................................................................... 14
7.5. Other Approved Drought Contingency Plans............................................................ 14
CHAPTER 8: RECREATIONAL WATER USE .................................................................. 14
8.1. Minimum Requirements............................................................................................ 14
1) Initiation and Termination of Drought Response Stages, with rationale.................14
2) Specific and Quantified Targets. ...........................................................................14
3) Stages...................................................................................................................15
4) Response Measures. ............................................................................................15
5) Compliance with LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers. ....15
8.2. Recommended Minimum Drought Contingency Measures Under Pro Rata
Curtailment. ..................................................................................................................... 15
8.3. Notification to LCRA. ................................................................................................ 15
8.4. Implementation......................................................................................................... 15
8.5. Other Approved Drought Contingency Plans............................................................ 16
CHAPTER 9: OTHER WATER USE .................................................................................. 16
9.0. General. ................................................................................................................... 16
CHAPTER 10: PLAN UPDATES AND AMENDMENTS .................................................... 16
10.1. Drought Contingency Plan Updates........................................................................ 16
10.2. Amendment to Rules.............................................................................................. 16
Attachment A: Recommended Minimum Drought Response Measures for LCRA
Municipal Firm Water Customers in Stage 4................................................................... 17
1) Supply Management Measures.............................................................................17
2) Demand Management Measures. .........................................................................17
3) Variances ..............................................................................................................18
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G - 1
Attachment B: Recommended Stage 4 Drought Response Measurers for LCRA
Irrigation, Golf Course and Recreational Firm Water Customers................................ 19
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G - 1
FOREWORD
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 as a
conservation and reclamation district. One of LCRA's primary responsibilities is to conserve and protect
the soil and water resources of the Colorado River basin within LCRA's statutory district. The LCRA
Board policy on Water Conservation directs LCRA staff and management to exercise leadership in
promoting and, where appropriate, requiring the conservation of ground and surface waters within
LCRA's water service area.
The drought contingency rules are promulgated pursuant to LCRA policy and in compliance with the
requirements of Texas Administrative Code,Title 30,Environmental Quality,Chapter 288, Subchapter
B: Drought Contingency Plans.
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 1
CHAPTER 1:
PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY
1.1. Purpose The purpose of these rules is to extend existing surface and groundwater supplies
through conservation and beneficial reuse and to help assure an adequate supply of clean water within
the LCRA water service area. These rules apply to all LCRA water sale contracts except those
expressly excluded below. These rules do not apply to water sale contracts for uses other than municipal
use that have a Maximum Annual Quantity(MAQ)often
(10)acre-feet per year or less and a term of three(3)years or less,to domestic use contracts often(10) acre-
feet per year or less, or to landscape, irrigation and recreation contracts with a MAQ of up to 30 acre-feet
per year to the extent those customers are covered by a drought contingency plan.
1.2. Authority These rules are promulgated in accordance with Chapters 11 and 152 of the Texas
Water Code; Chapter 8503 of the Texas Special District Local Laws Code; Title 30, Chapter 288 of
the Texas Administrative Code; LCRA Board Policy 501 —Water Resources; and the LCRA Water
Management Plan.
CHAPTER 2: DEFINITIONS
Terms used in these Drought Contingency Plan Rules shall have the same meaning as the terms defined in
LCRA's Water Contract Rules. Additional terms are defined as follows:
2.1. LCRA Water Management Plan A plan required in specific water rights held by LCRA and
approved by the TCEQ that defines LCRA's reservoir operations, water management program, and
policies under those water rights.
2.2. Municipal Per Capita Water Use The sum total of water diverted into a water supply system
for residential, commercial,public and institutional uses divided by actual population served.
2.3. Municipal Use in Gallons Per Capita Per Day The total average daily amount of water
diverted or pumped for treatment for potable use by a public water supply system. The calculation is
made by dividing the water diverted or pumped for treatment for potable use by population served.
Direct reuse volumes shall be credited against total diversion volumes for the purpose of calculating
gallons per capita per day for targets and goals.
2.4. Ornamental Landscaping Irrigated turfgrass and other landscaping that is not regularly
used for active and programmed recreational purposes such as sports fields, golf course areas used
directly for sport(greens, tees, fairways, and practice areas), areas used for food production,
maintaining cemeteries, maintaining the integrity of foundations, and preserving trees.
2.5. Ornamental Turf Grass Irrigated turf grass that is not regularly used for active and
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 2
programmed recreational purposes such as sports fields, golf course areas used directly for sport (greens,
tees, fairways, and practice areas), cemetery maintenance, and foundation maintenance.
2.6. Regional Water Planning Group Group created and supported by the Texas Water
Development Board consisting of regional and local leaders of different backgrounds and various
social, environmental and economic interests responsible for developing and adopting a regional water
plan for its planning area.
2.7. Retail Public Water Supplier An individual or entity that supplies water to the public for
human consumption.
2.8. Wholesale Public Water Supplier An individual or entity that for compensation supplies
water to another for resale to the public for human consumption. The term does not include an
individual or entity that supplies water to itself or its employees or tenants as an incident of that
employee service or tenancy when that water is not resold to or used by others, or an individual or entity
that conveys water to another individual or entity,but does not own the right to the water which is
conveyed, whether or not for a delivery fee.
CHAPTER 3:
MUNICIPAL WATER USE BY RETAIL PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIERS
3.1. Minimum Requirements All LCRA customers with water sale contracts for this type of use
shall develop, adopt and update in accordance with these rules a drought contingency plan that shall
include at least the following minimum requirements:
1) Public Involvement Provision shall be made to actively inform the public and affirmatively
provide opportunity for public input into the preparation of the retail public water supplier's
drought contingency plan. Such acts may include,but are not limited to, having a public meeting
at a time and location convenient to the public and providing written notice to the public
concerning the proposed drought contingency plan and meeting.
2) Public Education Provision shall be made for a program of continuing public education and
information. This information should include basic information about water conservation,
effective conservation strategies, as well as information relating to drought, drought
restrictions and other related issues.
3) Regional Planning Group. The plan must document coordination with the regional planning
groups for the service area of the customer to ensure consistency with the appropriate
approved regional water plans.
4) Specific Criteria. The drought contingency plan must include a description of the
information to be monitored by the water supplier and the specific criteria, including
supply-side and demand-side criteria, for the initiation and termination of drought response
stages,accompanied by an explanation of the rationale for such triggering criteria.
5) Stages. The drought contingency plan must include a minimum of four drought or
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 3
emergency response stages,providing for the implementation of measures in response to at least
the following situations:
1) Drought response stages corresponding to LCRA's Drought Contingency Plan for Firm
Water Customers.
2) Reduction in available water supply from LORA after a declaration of a Drought Worse
than Drought of Record by the LCRA Board of Directors or other shortage resulting from
emergency;
3) Water production or distribution system limitations;
4) Supply source contamination; and
5) System outage due to the failure or damage of major water system components (e.g.,
pumps).
6) Specific Goals. The drought contingency plan must include specific, quantified targets for
water use reductions to be achieved during periods of water shortage and drought. Until
mandatory curtailment is implemented by LCRA, implementation of measures to achieve these
targets will be encouraged so as to further extend the supply available during drought. The
customer shall establish the targets,which must be consistent with those in the LORA Drought
Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers (DCP).
7) Water Supply or Water Demand Management Measures. The drought contingency plan must
include specific water supply or water demand management measures to be implemented
during each stage of the drought contingency plan including, but not limited to, the following:
a) Curtailment of non-essential water uses. Non-essential uses can include ornamental
landscape irrigation, filling of pools and fountains, or any other water uses determined
by the customer to be non-essential. In accordance with Stage 4 of the LCRA DCP,
prohibition on irrigation of ornamental turfgrass and prohibition on the use of automatic
sprinkler irrigation systems and hose-end sprinklers must be included as measures to
curtail non-essential water use.
b) Landscape watering schedules. The drought contingency plan must have a landscape
watering schedule that restricts daytime outdoor water use and does not allow the
irrigation of ornamental landscaping to occur more than twice a week on a permanent
year-round basis. The plan must include a no more than once-per-week watering
schedule for ornamental landscaping that is implemented at or before the initiation of
Stage 2 of the LCRA DCP, a watering schedule limited to no more than 6 hours per
week that is implemented at or before the initiation of Stage 3 of the LCRA DCP and
eliminating operation of ornamental fountains in Stage 3. In Stage 4, the plan may
allow irrigation of areas not defined as ornamental landscaping only with hand-held
hoses with a working on/off nozzle,bucket, drip irrigation or soaker hoses for no more
than 6 hours one day per week.
c) Use of alternative water sources and/or alternative delivery mechanisms with the prior
approval of TCEQ or other appropriate governing body with jurisdiction (e.g.,
interconnection with another water system, temporary use of a non- municipal water
supply, use of reclaimed water for non-potable water, etc.).
d) Additional measures. In preparing the plan, customer shall consider inclusion of LCRA-
recommended measures for various stages, including those included in relevant
template DCPs.
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 4
8) Notification Procedures.The drought contingency plan must include procedures to be followed
for the initiation or termination of each drought response stage, including procedures for
notification of the public.
9) Variances. The drought contingency plan must include procedures for granting
variances tot e plan.
10) Compliance with LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers.The
customer's drought contingency plan will be used when the customer is asked to comply with
LCRA's DCP. A statement shall be included in customers' plan that states they will comply with
the LCRA DCP.
3.2. Recommended Minimum Drought Contingency Measures Under Pro Rata
Curtailment. Recommended minimum drought contingency measures to implement under pro rata
curtailment are found in Attachment A of these Rules.
3.3. Notification to LCRA and TCEQ. The customer shall notify the LCRA General
Manager and the TCEQ Executive Director in writing within five (5) business days of the
implementation of any mandatory provisions of its drought contingency plan.
3.4. Wholesale Customer Requirement. Customers shall include a provision in their drought
contingency plans that every wholesale water supply contract entered into, extended or renewed after
official adoption of the customer's drought contingency plan shall require each successive wholesale
customer to develop and implement a drought contingency plan using the applicable elements in these
Rules. If the customer's wholesale customer intends to resell the water, the contract between the initial
supplier and wholesale customer must provide that the contract for the resale of the water must have
drought contingency plan requirements so that each successive customer in the resale of the water will
be required to implement measures in accordance with these Rules. Any retail public water supplier that
receives all or a portion of its water supply from a customer shall consult with the customer and shall
include in its drought contingency plan appropriate provisions for responding to reductions in that water
supply. In the event the customer provides water to a retail public water supplier, if the retail public
water supplier obtained less than 25 percent of its water supply in the prior calendar year from the
Colorado River basin, demand measures in Section 3.1(g) that would restrict outdoor watering in Stages
2 and 3 are recommended, rather than required in the retail public water supplier's drought contingency
plan.
3.5. Implementation and Enforcement. The drought contingency plan must include procedures for
the enforcement of any mandatory water use restrictions, including specification of enforcement
mechanisms (e.g., fines, water rate surcharges, discontinuation of service) for violations of such
restrictions. A means of implementation and enforcement shall be evidenced by:
1) A copy of the ordinance, resolution or tariff, indicating official adoption of the drought
contingency plan by the customer; and,
2) An employee or entity must be designated to oversee implementation of this plan.
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 5
In a shortage of water not covered by the LCRA Water Management Plan or other
conservation plan approved by TCEQ applicable to LCRA's firm water supply, a water sale contract
customer who fails to implement its applicable drought contingency plan is subject to curtailment of firm
water supply by LCRA based on the customer's pro rata share less the amount of water the customer
would have saved if the customer had operated its water system in compliance with the drought
contingency plan.
3.6. Other Approved Drought Contingency Plans.A drought contingency plan prepared and
approved in the last five (5)years by LCRA or TCEQ and substantially meeting the requirements of
these rules may be substituted for development of a plan to meet the LCRA rules. A determination that
other approved drought contingency plans substantially meet the requirements of these rules shall be at
the sole discretion of LCRA. If a water customer fails to develop, adopt, or update its drought
contingency plan, then the customer shall adopt and implement any template drought contingency plan
for this type of water use that may be developed by LCRA.
CHAPTER 4:
MUNICIPAL USE BY WHOLESALE PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIERS
4.1. Minimum Requirements.All LCRA customers with water sale contracts for this type of use
shall develop, adopt and update in accordance with these rules a drought contingency plan that shall
include at least the following minimum requirements:
1) Public Involvement. Provision shall be made to actively inform the public and affirmatively
provide opportunity for public input into the preparation of the drought contingency plan and for
informing wholesale customers about the plan. Such acts may include,but are not limited to,
having a public meeting at a time and location convenient to the public and providing written
notice to the public concerning the proposed drought contingency plan and meeting.
2) Public Education. Provision shall be made for a program of continuing public education and
information. This information should include basic information about water conservation, as
well as information relating to drought, drought restrictions and other related issues.
3) Regional Planning Group.The plan must document coordination with the regional planning
groups for the service area of the customer to ensure consistency with the appropriate
approved regional water plans.
4) Specific Criteria. The plan must include a description of the information to be monitored by the
wholesale public water supplier,and the specific criteria for the initiation and termination of
drought response stages, accompanied by an explanation of the rationale for such triggering
criteria.
5) Stages. The plan must include a minimum of four drought or emergency response stages,
providing for the implementation of measures in response to at least the following situations:
drought response stages corresponding to LCRA DCP,reduction in available water supply from
LCRA after declaration of a Drought Worse than Drought of Record by the LCRA Board or other
shortage resulting from emergency.
6) Specific Goals. The plan must include specific, quantified targets for water use
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 6
reductions to be achieved during periods of water shortage and drought. Until mandatory
curtailment is implemented by LCRA, implementation of measures to achieve these targets will
be encouraged, so as to further extend the supply available during drought. The customer shall
include targets in the plan that are consistent with those in the LORA DCP.
7) Water Supply or Water Demand Management Measures. The plan must include
specific water supply or water demand management measures to be implemented during
each stage of the drought contingency plan including, but not limited to:
8) Pro-rata curtailment of water deliveries to or diversions by wholesale water customers as
provided in the Texas Water Code, section 11.039; and
9) Use of alternative water sources and/or alternative delivery mechanisms with the prior
approval of the TCEQ or other appropriate governing body with jurisdiction(e.g.,
interconnection with another water system, temporary use of a non-municipal water supply, use
of reclaimed water for non-potable water, etc.).
10)Minimum requirements. All measures listed in Section 3.1 (g).
11)Notification Procedures. The plan must include procedures to be followed for the
initiation or termination of each drought response stage, including procedures for
notification of wholesale customers.
12)Variances. The plan must include procedures for granting variances to the plan.
13)Compliance with LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers.A
statement shall be included in the customer's plan that states they will comply with the LORA DCP.
4.2. Recommended Minimum Drought Contingency Measures Under Pro Rata
Curtailment. Recommended minimum drought contingency measures to implement under pro rata
curtailment are found in Attachment A of these Rules.
4.3. Notification to LCRA and TCEQ_ The customer shall notify the LCRA General
Manager and the TCEQ Executive Director in writing within five (5) business days of the
implementation of any mandatory provisions of its drought contingency plan.
4.4. Wholesale Customer Requirement. Customers shall include a requirement that, for every
wholesale water supply contract entered into,extended,or renewed after official adoption of the
customer's drought contingency plan, each successive wholesale customer shall be required to develop
and implement a drought contingency plan using the applicable elements in these Rules. If the customer's
wholesale customer intends to resell the water, then the contract between the initial supplier and
wholesale customer must provide that the contract for the resale of the water must have drought
contingency plan requirements so that each successive customer in the resale of the water will be
required to implement measures in accordance with these Rules. Any retail or wholesale public water
supplier that receives all or a portion of its water supply from another wholesale public water supplier
shall consult with that supplier and shall include in the drought contingency plan appropriate provisions
for responding to reductions in that water supply. In the event the customer provides water to a retail
public water supplier, if the retail public water supplier obtained less than 25 percent of its water supply
in the prior calendar year from the Colorado River basin, demand measures in Section 3.1(g) that would
restrict outdoor watering in Stages 2 and 3 are recommended, rather than
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 7
required in the retail public water supplier's drought contingency plan.
4.5. Implementation and Enforcement. The drought contingency plan must include procedures for
the enforcement of any mandatory water use restrictions, including specification of enforcement
mechanisms (e.g., fines, water rate surcharges, discontinuation of service), for violations of such
restrictions. A means of implementation and enforcement shall be evidenced by:
1) A copy of the ordinance, resolution or tariff, indicating official adoption of the drought
contingency plan by the customer; and,
2) An employee or entity must be designated to oversee implementation of this plan.
In a shortage of water not covered by the LCRA Water Management Plan or other
conservation plan approved by TCEQ applicable to LCRA's firm water supply, a water sale contract
customer who fails to implement its applicable drought contingency plan is subject to curtailment of firm
water supply by LCRA based on the customer's pro rata share less the amount of water the customer
would have saved if the customer had operated its water system in compliance with the drought
contingency plan.
4.6. Other Approved Drought Contingency Plans.A drought contingency plan prepared and
approved in the last five (5)years by LCRA or TCEQ and substantially meeting the requirements of
these rules may be substituted for development of a plan to meet the LCRA rules. A determination that
other approved drought contingency plans substantially meet the requirements of these rules shall be at
the sole discretion of LCRA. If a water customer fails to develop, adopt, or update its drought
contingency plan, then the customer shall adopt and implement any model drought contingency plan for
this type of water use that may be developed by LCRA.
CHAPTER 5:
INDUSTRIAL OR MINING USE
5.1. Minimum Requirements. All LCRA customers with water contracts for this type of use shall
develop, adopt and update in accordance with these rules a drought contingency plan that shall include at
least the following minimum requirements:
1) Education Program._Provision shall be made for a continuous employee education and
information program. Information should include the importance of the drought contingency plan,
plan processes to reduce non-essential water use and impending or current drought conditions.
2) Initiation and Termination of Drought Response Stages, with rationale. The manager or
official designated in the drought contingency plan will order the implementation and termination
of drought response stages based on triggering criteria for the initiation and termination of drought
response stages.
3) Specific and Quantified Targets. The plan must include specific, quantified targets for water use
reductions to be achieved during periods of water shortage and drought. Until mandatory
curtailment is implemented by LCRA, implementation of measures to achieve
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 8
these targets will be encouraged so as to further extend the supply available during drought. The
customer shall include targets in the plan that are consistent with those in the LORA DCP.
4) Stages. The plan must include a minimum of four drought response stages, providing for the
implementation of measures in response to the reduction in response to at least the following
situations: drought response stages corresponding to LCRA DCP, reduction in available water
supply from LCRA after a declaration of a Drought Worse than Drought of Record or other
shortage resulting from emergency.
5) Response Measures.Response measures should be those that reduce and/or eliminate non-essential
water uses or water waste and reduce water demand. The measures employed for each response
stage should be directly related to the severity of the supply conditions and to specific targets for
each stage. These measures should reflect consideration of staff-recommended measures for
drought contingency plans and must include reduction of water use for ornamental landscaping, if
relevant, consistent with the municipal and irrigation sections of these rules.
6) Compliance with LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers. Customers
drought contingency plans will be used when customers are asked to comply with LCRA's DCP.
A statement shall be included in each customers' plan stating the customer will comply with the
LCRA DCP, which is incorporated in LCRA's Water Management Plan.
5.2. Notification to LCRA. The customer shall notify the LORA General Manager in writing within
five(5)business days of the implementation of any mandatory provisions of its drought contingency plan.
5.3. Implementation.The drought contingency plan must include a means of implementation of the
drought contingency plan which shall be evidenced by:
1) A copy of the drought contingency plan, signed by manager/official designee indicating
acknowledgement and acceptance of the drought contingency plan; and
2) An employee or entity must be designated to oversee implementation of the plan.
In a shortage of water not covered by the LCRA Water Management Plan or other conservation plan
approved by TCEQ applicable to LCRA's firm water supply, a water contract customer that fails to
implement its applicable drought contingency plan is subject to curtailment of firm water supply by LCRA
based on the customer's pro rata share less the amount of water the customer would have saved if the
customer had operated its water system in compliance with the drought contingency plan.
5.4. Other Approved Drought Contingency Plans. A drought contingency plan prepared and
approved in the last five (5)years by LCRA and substantially meeting the requirements of these rules may
be substituted for development of a drought contingency plan to meet LCRA rules. A determination that
other approved drought contingency plans substantially meet the requirements of these rules shall be at
the sole discretion of LCRA. If a water customer fails to develop, adopt or update its drought contingency
plan, the customer shall adopt and implement any model drought contingency plan for this type of water
use that may be developed by LCRA.
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 9
CHAPTER 6:
AGRICULTURAL USE
6.1. Agriculture Water Users other than Customers within
Agricultural Irrigation Divisions.
6.1.1. Minimum Requirements. All LCRA customers with water sale contracts for this type
of use shall develop, adopt, and update in accordance with these rules a drought contingency plan
that shall include, at least the following minimum requirements:
1) Initiation and Termination of Drought Response Stages,with rationale. The owner,
manager, or official designee will order the implementation and termination of drought response
stages based on triggering criteria for each of the drought response stages.
2) Specific and Quantified Targets. The plan must include specific, quantified targets for water
use reductions to be achieved during periods of water shortage and drought. Until mandatory
curtailment is implemented by LCRA,implementation of measures to achieve these targets will
be encouraged so as to further extend the supply available during drought. The customer shall
include targets in the plan that are consistent with those in the LCRA DCP.
3) Stages. The plan must include a minimum of four drought or emergency response stages,
providing for the implementation of measures in response to at least the following situations:
drought response stages corresponding to LCRA DCP,reduction in available water supply from
LCRA after a declaration of a Drought Worse than Drought of Record or other shortage
resulting from emergency.
4) Response Measures. Response measures should be those that reduce and/or eliminate non-
essential water uses or water waste and will reduce water demand. The measures employed for
each response stage should be directly related to the severity of the supply conditions and to
specific targets for each stage.
5) Compliance with LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers. Customers
drought contingency plans will be used when customers are asked to comply with LCRA's DCP.
A statement shall be included in each customer's plan stating states it will comply with the
LCRA DCP.
6.1.2. Notification to LCRA.The customer shall notify the LCRA General Manager within five
(5)business days of the implementation of any mandatory provisions of its drought contingency
plan.
6.1.3. Implementation.Ameans of implementation of the drought contingency plan which shall
be evidenced by:
1) A copy of the drought contingency plan, signed by manager/official designee indicating
acknowledgement and acceptance of the drought contingency plan; and,
2) An employee or entity must be designated to oversee implementation of this plan.
In a shortage of water not covered by the LCRA Water Management Plan or other
conservation plan approved by TCEQ applicable to LCRA's firm water supply, a water contract
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 10
customer who fails to implement its applicable drought contingency plan is subject to curtailment of firm
water supply by LCRA based on the customer's pro rata share less the amount of water the customer
would have saved if the customer had operated its water system in compliance with the drought
contingency plan.
6.2. Agriculture Water Suppliers/Irrigation Divisions.
6.2.1. Minimum Requirements. In addition to the requirements of section 6.1.1, all LCRA
customers that supply agricultural water to end users use shall develop, adopt and update in
accordance with these rules a drought contingency plan that shall include the following minimum
requirements:
1) Public Involvement. Preparation of the drought contingency plan shall include provisions to
actively inform and to affirmatively provide opportunity for users of water from the irrigation
system to provide input into the preparation of the drought contingency plan and to remain
informed of the drought contingency plan. Such acts may include, but are not limited to, having a
public meeting at a time and location convenient to the water users and providing written notice
to the water users concerning the proposed drought contingency plan and meeting.
2) Regional Planning Group. The plan must document coordination with the regional water
planning groups to ensure consistency with the appropriate approved regional water plans.
3) Specific Criteria. The plan must include water supply criteria and other considerations for
determining when to initiate or terminate water allocation procedures,accompanied by an
explanation of the rationale or basis for such triggering criteria.
4) Specific and Quantified Targets. The plan must include specific, quantified targets for water
use reductions to be achieved during periods of water shortage and drought. Until mandatory
curtailment is implemented by LCRA,implementation of measures to achieve these targets will
be encouraged so as to further extend the supply available during drought. The customer shall
include targets in the plan that are consistent with those in the LORA DCP.
5) Allocation of Water Supplies. The plan must include methods for determining the
allocation of agricultural water supplies to individual users in times of shortage in
accordance with Texas Water Code §11.039.
6) The drought contingency plan must include a description of the information to be monitored
by the water supplier and the procedures to be followed for the initiation or termination of
water allocation policies.
7) Accounting Procedures. The plan must include procedures for use accounting during the
implementation of water allocation policies.
8) Transfer of Water Allocations. The plan must include policies and procedures, if any, for the
transfer of water allocations among individual users within the water supply system or to users
outside the water supply system.
9) Enforcement Procedures. The drought contingency plan must include procedures for the
enforcement of water allocation policies, including specification of penalties for violations of
such policies and for wasteful or excessive use of water.
10)Compliance with LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers. The
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 11
customer's drought contingency plan will be used when the customer is asked to comply with
LCRA's DCP. A statement shall be included in the customer's plan that states they will comply
with the LCRA DCP.
6.2.2. Wholesale Water Customers. Any water supplier that receives all or a portion of its water
from the customer shall consult with that customer and shall include in the drought contingency plan
appropriate provisions for responding to reductions in that water supply.
6.2.3. Protection of Public Water Supplies. Any agricultural water supplier that also provides or
delivers water to a public water supplier(s) shall consult with that public water supplier(s) and shall
include in the drought contingency plan mutually agreeable and appropriate provisions to ensure an
uninterrupted supply of water necessary for essential uses relating to public health and safety.Nothing in
this provision shall be construed as requiring the agricultural water supplier to transfer agricultural
water supplies to non-agricultural use on a compulsory basis or without just compensation.
6.2.4. Notification to LCRA and TCEQ. The customer shall notify the LCRA General
Manager and the TCEQ Executive Director in writing within five (5)business days of the
implementation of any mandatory provisions of the drought contingency plan.
6.2.5. Implementation and Enforcement. The drought contingency plan must include a means
of implementation and enforcement that shall be evidenced by:
1) A copy of the drought contingency plan, signed by manager/official designee indicating
acknowledgement and acceptance of the drought contingency plan; and,
2) An employee or entity must be designated to oversee implementation of this plan.
In a shortage of water not covered by the LCRA Water Management Plan or other
conservation plan approved by TCEQ applicable to LCRA's firm water supply, a water contract customer
that fails to implement its applicable drought contingency plan is subject to curtailment of firm water
supply by LCRA based on the customer's pro rata share less the amount of water the customer would
have saved if the customer had operated its water system in compliance with the drought contingency
plan.
6.3. Other Approved Drought Contingency Plans.A drought contingency plan prepared and
approved in the last five (5)years by LCRA or TCEQ and substantially meeting the requirements of
these rules may be substituted for development of a plan to meet LCRA rules. A determination that other
approved drought contingency plans substantially meet the requirements of these rules shall be at the
sole discretion of LCRA. If a water customer fails to develop, adopt, or update its drought contingency
plan, then the customer shall adopt and implement any model drought contingency plan for this type of
water use that may be developed by LCRA.
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 12
CHAPTER 7:
IRRIGATION OR GOLF COURSE USE
7.1. Minimum Requirements. The requirements of this section shall apply to any water contract
from LCRA for water that irrigates a golf course regardless of whether such contract is based on
municipal, irrigation or recreational use. All LCRA customers with water contracts for these types of
uses shall develop, adopt, and update in accordance with these rules a drought contingency plan that
shall include, at least the following minimum requirements:
1) Public Education. Provision shall be made for a program of continuing education of
employees, members of the facility and general public, where applicable. Information should
include the importance of the drought contingency plan and plan processes to reduce non-
essential water use and impending or current drought conditions.
2) Initiation and Termination of Drought Response Stages, with rationale. The manager
or official designated in the drought contingency plan will order the implementation and
termination of Drought Response Stages based on triggering criteria for the initiation and
termination of drought response stages.
3) Specific and Qualified Targets. The drought contingency plan must include specific,
quantified targets for water use reductions to be achieved during periods of water shortage and
drought. Until mandatory curtailment is implemented by LCRA, implementation of these
measures to achieve these targets will be encouraged so as to further extend the supply available
during drought.The customer shall include targets in the plan that are consistent with those in
the LCRA DCP.
4) Stages. The drought contingency plan shall include a minimum of four drought response stages,
providing for the implementation of measures in response to at least the following situations:
drought response stages corresponding to LCRA DCP,reduction in available water supply from
LCRA after a declaration of a Drought Worse than Drought of Record or other shortage resulting
from emergency.
5) Response Measures. Response measures for each stage should be those that reduce and/or
eliminate non-essential water uses or water waste and will reduce water demand. The measures
employed for each response stage should be directly related to the severity of the supply
conditions and to specific targets for each stage. In accordance with Stage 2 of LCRA's DCP,
response measures identified for non- essential uses must include the curtailment of irrigation to
roughs, a no more than once per week watering schedule for ornamental landscaping, and may
include limitation of any other water uses determined by the customer to be non-essential. In
accordance with Stage 3 of LCRA's DCP, responses measures identified for non-essential uses
must include limitation of irrigation to fairways and practice areas and eliminating operation of
ornamental fountains. These measures should reflect consideration of staff recommended
measures for drought contingency plans. In accordance with Stage 4 of LCRA's DCP, response
measures identified for non-essential uses must include a prohibition on irrigation of ornamental
turfgrass.
6) Compliance with LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers. The
customer's drought contingency plan will be used when the customer is asked to comply with
LCRA's DCP. A statement shall be included in the customer's plan that states they will comply
with the LCRA DCP.
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 13
7.2. Recommended Minimum Drought Contingency Measures Under Pro Rata
Curtailment. Recommended minimum drought contingency measures to implement under pro rata
curtailment are found in Attachment B of these Rules.
7.3. Notification to LCRA.The customer shall notify the LORA General Manager in writing within
five(5)business days of the implementation of any mandatory provisions of its drought contingency
plan.
7.4. Implementation. The drought contingency plan shall include a means of
implementation of the drought contingency plan, which shall be evidenced by:
1) A copy of the drought contingency plan, signed by manager/official designee indicating
acknowledgement and acceptance of the drought contingency plan; and,
2) An employee or entity must be designated to oversee implementation of this plan.
In a shortage of water not covered by the LCRA Water Management Plan or other
conservation plan approved by TCEQ applicable to LCRA's firm water supply, a water contract customer
who fails to implement its applicable drought contingency plan is subject to curtailment of firm water
supply by LCRA based on the customer's pro rata share less the amount of water the customer would
have saved if the customer had operated its water system in compliance with the drought contingency
plan.
7.5. Other Approved Drought Contingency Plans.A drought contingency plan prepared and
approved in the last five (5)years by LCRA and substantially meeting the requirements of these rules
may be substituted for development of a plan to meet LCRA rules. A determination that other approved
drought contingency plans substantially meet the requirements of these rules shall be at the sole
discretion of LCRA. If a water sale customer fails to develop, adopt or update its drought contingency
plan, then the customer shall adopt and implement any model drought contingency plan for these types
of water use, as applicable, that may be developed by LCRA.
CHAPTER 8: RECREATIONAL WATER USE
8.1. Minimum Requirements. All LCRA customers with water sale contracts for this type of use
shall develop, adopt and update in accordance with these rules a drought contingency plan that shall
include, at least the following minimum requirements:
1) Initiation and Termination of Drought Response Stages, with rationale. The manager or
official designated in the drought contingency plan will order the implementation and
termination of drought response stages based on triggering criteria for the initiation and
termination of drought response stages.
2) Specific and Quantified Targets. The plan must include specific, quantified targets for water
use reductions to be achieved during periods of water shortage and drought. Until mandatory
curtailment is implemented by LCRA,implementation of measures to achieve these targets will
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 14
be encouraged so as to further extend the supply available during
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 15
drought. The customer shall establish the targets, which should be consistent with those in the
LCRA DCP.
3) Stages. The plan must include a minimum of four drought response stages, providing for the
implementation of measures in response to at least the following situations: drought response
stages corresponding to LCRA DCP, the reduction in available water supply from LORA after a
declaration of a Drought Worse than Drought of Record or other shortage resulting from
emergency. Other situations requiring response measures could include a reduction in available
customer supply storage or a system outage due to failure of water system components.
4) Response Measures. Response measures for each stage should be those that reduce and/or
eliminate non-essential water uses or water waste and will reduce water demand. The measures
employed for each response stage should be directly related to the severity of the supply
conditions and to specific targets for each stage. In accordance with Stage 2 of LCRA's DCP,
response measures identified for non- essential uses must include a no more than once per week
watering schedule for ornamental landscaping, and may include limitation of any other water
uses determined by the customer to be non-essential. In accordance with Stage 3 of LCRA's
DCP, responses measures identified for non-essential uses must include a watering schedule
limited to no more than 6 hours per week for ornamental landscaping, eliminating operation of
ornamental fountains, and should reflect consideration of staff recommended measures for
drought contingency plans. In accordance with Stage 4 of LCRA's DCP, response measures
identified for non-essential uses must include a prohibition on irrigation of ornamental turfgrass,
and can include the curtailment or limitation of filling of pools and fountains or any other water
uses determined by the customer to be non-essential.
5) Compliance with LCRA Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers. The
customer's drought contingency plan will be used when the customer is asked to comply with
LCRA's DCP. A statement shall be included in the customer's plan that states they will comply
with the LCRA DCP.
8.2. Recommended Minimum Drought Contingency Measures Under Pro Rata
Curtailment. Recommended minimum drought contingency measures to implement under pro rata
curtailment are found in Attachment B of these Rules.
8.3. Notification to LCRA.The customer shall notify the LORA General Manager in writing within
five(5)business days of the implementation of any mandatory provisions of its drought contingency
plan.
8.4. Implementation. The plan shall include a means of implementation of the drought
contingency plan which shall be evidenced by:
1)A copy of the drought contingency plan, signed by manager/official designee indicating
acknowledgement and acceptance of the drought contingency plan; and,
2)An employee or entity must be designated to oversee implementation of this plan.
In a shortage of water not covered by the LCRA Water Management Plan or other
conservation plan approved by TCEQ applicable to LCRA's firm water supply, a water contract
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 16
customer who fails to implement its applicable drought contingency plan is subject to curtailment of arm
water supply by LCRA based on the customer's pro rata share less the amount of water the customer
would have saved if the customer had operated its water system in compliance with the drought
contingency plan.
8.5. Other Approved Drought Contingency Plans. A drought contingency plan prepared and
approved in the last five (5)years by LCRA and substantially meeting the requirements of these rules
may be substituted for development of a plan to meet LCRA rules. A determination that other approved
drought contingency plans substantially meet the requirements of these rules shall be at the sole
discretion of LCRA. If a water sale customer fails to develop, adopt or update its drought contingency
plan, then the customer shall adopt and implement any model drought contingency plan for this type of
water use that may be developed by LCRA.
CHAPTER 9:
OTHER WATER USE
9.0. General. A water customer for types of water uses other than those specified in these rules shall
adopt and implement a model drought contingency plan for its type of water use developed by LCRA. In
a shortage of water not covered by the LCRA Water Management Plan or other conservation plan
approved by TCEQ applicable to LCRA's firm water supply, a water contract customer that fails to
implement its applicable drought contingency plan is subject to curtailment of firm water supply by
LCRA based on the customer's pro rata share less the amount of water the customer would have saved if
the customer had operated its water system in compliance with the drought contingency plan.
CHAPTER 10:
PLAN UPDATES AND AMENDMENTS
10.1. Drought Contingency Plan Updates. The customer shall review and update its drought
contingency plan every five(5)years,based on new or updated information,such as the adoption or
revision of the regional water plan or as necessary to comply with revisions and amendments to these
rules or LCRA's Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers.
10.2. Amendment to Rules. LCRA may, from time to time, amend these rules. Any amendments to
these rules that occurred after the customer's plan was adopted shall be included in the updated plan within
60 days.LCRA will provide advance notice,and customer input will be solicited, for any and all such
proposed amendments to these rules.
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 17
Attachment A: Recommended Minimum Drought Response Measures for LCRA Municipal Firm Water
Customers in Stage 4
1) Supply Management Measures.
a) LCRA municipal firm water customers will work to reduce system water loss by
measures such as fixing leaks, replacing old meters, and recycling line flush water, as
appropriate for the utility system.
b) LORA municipal firm water customers will actively share drought-related information
with their customers, including the current and projected water supply conditions, water
supply restrictions and the need to conserve.
2) Demand Management Measures.
a) Recommended measures for customers to implement and enforce prior to or during
this stage include irrigation of ornamental landscaped areas is limited as follows:
i) Irrigation of turf landscaped areas with hose-end sprinklers and automatic spray
and drip irrigation systems is prohibited.
ii) Outdoor watering hours for irrigation will be limited to six hours a day, between
the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. one day a week
b) Water waste, including failure to repair a controllable leak, and runoff from a
property is prohibited. Additionally, the following outdoor water uses are
prohibited except in instances where the firm water customer has issued a variance
to the end-user based on public health and safety:
i) Ornamental fountains or ponds;
ii) Vehicle washing except facilities that recycle water;
iii) Use of water to clean outdoor impervious surfaces such as driveways, etc.;
iv) Use of water to wash buildings,houses or structures; and
v) Dust control.
c) Only under a written request and approval by the municipal firm water customer or
LCRA may water be used for wet water quality ponds to protect the liner and meet the
LCRA Highland Lakes Watershed Ordinance or other applicable non- point source
pollution regulations.
d) Irrigation of athletic fields is allowed if the field is used for organized sports
practice, competition, or exhibition events and the irrigation is necessary to protect
the health and safety of the players, staff, or officials present for the athletic event.
i) The firm water customer must issue a variance specifying in-play areas actively
used for a specific timeframe.
e) The use of water to operate outside misting systems, ornamental fountains and splash
pads is prohibited.
f) The filling or replenishing of water to single-family residential swimming pools is only
allowed if the pool is covered with a pool cover when not in use.
g) Public/community swimming pools are allowed to fill or replenish water in order to
maintain safe levels of water quality for human contact and should be covered
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 18
when not In use.
h) Use of water from fire hydrants shall be prohibited for ornamental landscape irrigation,
filling pools, operating fountains or car washing. Water should be transported only for
the purposes of firefighting, providing minimal water needed for indoor use where
auxiliary sources are inadequate, for activities necessary to maintain public health, safety
and welfare or for construction use. Transport of water other than for firefighting
requires a variance and a meter.
3)Variances.
a) An LCRA municipal firm water customer may grant temporary variances in writing for
existing water uses otherwise prohibited under this plan if it determines that failure to do
so would cause an emergency adversely affecting public health, sanitation, or fire
protection, and if one or more of the following conditions are met: 1) compliance with
this plan cannot be accomplished during the time the plan is in effect; or 2) alternative
methods can be implemented that will achieve the same level of reduction in water use.
b) Temporary watering variances are not allowed for new landscapes.
LCRA Board Approved March 26,2024 19
Attachment B: Recommended Stage 4 Drought Response Measurers for LCRA Irrigation, Golf
Course and Recreational Firm Water Customers
1) Irrigation of ornamental landscaped areas must comply with the following restrictions:
a) Irrigation of landscaped areas with hose-end sprinklers or automatic spray
irrigation systems is prohibited, except for drip irrigation, tree bubblers,
soaker hoses or hand-held hoses with a working on/off nozzle used to
irrigate non-turf landscaping.
b) Variances will not be allowed except for public health and safety.
c) Outdoor watering hours will be limited to a maximum of 6 hours per
week, between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. as determined by the
firm water customer.
2) The use of water for ornamental fountains and ponds is prohibited except for aeration
or to sustain aquatic and animal life.
3) Only under a written request and approval by the municipal firm water customer or
LCRA may water be used for wet water quality and amenity ponds to protect the liner
and meet the LCRA Highland Lakes Watershed Ordinance or other applicable non-
point source pollution regulation.
a) Additional measures for golf courses:
i) Water use on roughs and practice areas is prohibited.
ii) Fairways may be irrigated no more than once a week between midnight
and 6 a.m. in defined Critical Areas. Critical Areas are defined as
follows: for Par 3s,no irrigation except tees, greens and greens
surrounds; for Par 4s, 180 yards and into the green; and for Par Ss, 200
to 325 yards from the tee and 100 yards into the green.
iii) Tees can be irrigated twice a week between midnight and 10 a.m.
Hand watering is allowed.
iv) Greens can be irrigated before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. and hand
watering is allowed.
v) Irrigation ponds that are part of the overall irrigation system can be
maintained at a level for irrigation operational needs as well as to
protect the liner.
vi) Washing equipment related to golf course maintenance is allowed
with a working on/off nozzle.
vii) Washing/rinsing buildings,walls, structures,paved and other
hard surfaces including sport courts is prohibited.
viii) Restaurants, bars and other commercial food or beverage establishments
may not provide drinking water to customers unless specifically
requested. Establishments also must post drought-related messaging.
ix) Golf courses and any other irrigation customer with staff must conduct
an ongoing education program for employees regarding drought
restrictions and ways to conserve. Signage will be available to the
public regarding how water is used and conserved.
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G- 2
Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan
March 2024 Appendix G - 2