Title
An ordinance to amend Chapter 29, Utilities, Article IV, Drought Response, of the Code of the City of Rock Hill to allow greater flexibility during drought conditions and encourage more efficient irrigation systems.
Body
This is the first major update to the City's drought ordinance since its passage in 2007. Stage 0 drought has been removed because it was basically a warning and not necessary. In addition, the City has been in a Stage 1 or higher most if not all of the time since passage of this ordinance. The revisions reflect a desire to improve flexibility within various stages of a drought and encourage water-saving systems that are gaining popularity as the public becomes more aware of water conservation. For example, Best Management Practices are defined and encouraged, and the ordinance now has provisions for Smart Irrigation Systems and Drip Irrigation Systems. There are times when these water conserving systems may be allowed while traditional water sprayers in yards are precluded.
The ordinance includes the following substantive changes:
1) Stage "0" was eliminated since this was a drought "watch" category.
2) Allowing Smart Irrigation and Drip Irrigation Systems to be used any time during mandatory conservation drought stages 2 and 3.
3) Stage 2's water use for washing structures, surfaces and vehicles was changed from "eliminate" to "reduce" the use of water to wash structures, surfaces and vehicles.
4) Stage 3 was amended from 1 day per week to "0 -2 days per week" as determined by the City Manager to allow the use of sprinklers, irrigation systems or other remote landscape watering devices.
5) Stage 3's water use for washing structures, surfaces and vehicles was changed from "eliminate" to "reduce or eliminate" the use of water to wash structures, surfaces and vehicles.
6) During Stage 4, the City Manger will impose emergency restrictions on the use of water "subject to the other provisions in the ordinance, but shall not ...
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