W A T E R C O N S E R V A T I O N P L A N

Transcription

1 BRIGHAM CITY CORPORATION W A T E R C O N S E R V A T I O N P L A N MAY nd EDITION

2 WATER CONSERVATION PLAN for B R I G H A M C I T Y C O R P O R A T I O N May nd Edition prepared by JONES AND ASSOCIATES Consulting Engineers 4768 South Harrison Boulevard Ogden, Utah

3 B R I G H A M C I T Y C O R P O R A T I O N W A T E R C O N S E R V A T I O N P L A N TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION DESCRIPTION OF BRIGHAM CITY AND ITS WATER SYSTEM Inventory of Water Resources Water Budgets Present Water Use And Future Water Needs WATER PROBLEMS, CONSERVATION MEASURES AND GOALS Problems Identified Water Conservation Goals CURRENT CONSERVATION PRACTICES CURRENT WATER RATES ADDITIONAL CONSERVATION MEASURES COST ANALYSIS IMPLEMENTING AND UPDATING THE WATER CONSERVATION PLAN Notification Procedure Implementing Updating...16 APPENDIX A 1999 WATER CONSERVATION PLAN (1 st Edition) ADOPTION APPENDIX B 2004 WATER CONSERVATION PLAN (2 nd Edition) ADOPTION APPENDIX C DRINKING WATER SOURCE PROTECTION PLAN Section 2, Rationing Plan APPENDIX D WATER CONSERVATION PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES

4 1.0 - INTRODUCTION In response to the rapid growth occurring throughout the State of Utah, Brigham City citizens and leaders are becoming concerned for the future cost and availability of the water supply. A similar concern has been demonstrated by the State Legislature in the Water Conservation Plan Act (House Bill 71) passed and revised (Section Utah Code Annotated). This water conservation plan is written to address the concerns of leaders and citizens of both Brigham City and the State of Utah DESCRIPTION OF BRIGHAM CITY AND ITS WATER SYSTEM Brigham City currently provides culinary water to approximately 17,960 people through 5,386 connections. This water is intended for residential (indoor/outdoor), sanitary, commercial, industrial, and institutional uses. Currently, the water system provides water to 4,939 residential, 397 commercial, 2 industrial, 43 institutional, and 5 unmetered connections. This water is obtained from a system of six springs and seven deep wells. The distribution system consists of 120 miles of transmission and distribution lines. Secondary water is supplied to certain parts of the city through mainly an open ditch irrigation system. This system is supplied by water owned by several small irrigation companies. This water is intended for outdoor/landscaping and farming needs. This report focuses mainly on conservation of culinary water sources. Brigham City occupies approximately 15,560 acres. Of this area, approximately 2,500 acres is residential, 2,600 acres makes up the mountain hillside portion of the city, 1,800 is agricultural, 400 is commercial, 250 acres is industrial and the remaining 8,010 acres is made up of wetlands and undeveloped areas. Streets and hard surfaced areas where not subtracted out Inventory of Water Resources Brigham City supplies water to its customers through wells and springs. These supplies are all internal and are sufficient to meet all the needs of the city. Table 1 summarizes the city s internal culinary water sources and water right information associated with each source. Brigham City s distribution system is made up of a network of pipes, pumps, and seven tank reservoirs. 1

5 TABLE 1 - Summary of Water Rights Spring Supplies: Name of Source WR# Priority Status Quantity/Flow Period of Use West Halling Certificated 3.82 cfs 1/01 to 12/31 East Halling Certificated 2.0 cfs 1/01 to 12/31 Knoll Approved 3.0 cfs 1/01 to 12/31 Rock Creek Certificated 2.5 cfs 1/01 to 12/31 Olsen Certificated 1.5 cfs 1/01 to 12/31 Birch Approved 0.37 cfs 1/01 to 12/31 Flat Bottom Canyon Certificated 1.0 cfs 1/01 to 12/31 Peter C. Jensen Certificated 1.18 cfs 1/01 to 12/31 Well Supplies: Name of Source WR# Priority Status Quantity/Flow Period of Use Underground Water Well (Cooley) Underground Water Well (Intermountain #2) Underground Water Well (Cemetery #1) Underground Water Well (Cemetery #2) Underground Water Well (Peter Jensen) Underground Water Well (Mantua East & West) Sept Certificated 1.78 cfs 3/01 to 12/ /5/1929 Certificated 1.26 cfs 4/01 to 10/ /12/1991 Approved 8.0 cfs 1/01 to 12/ /5/1946 Approved 3.0 cfs 1/01 to 12/ Certificated 1.18 cfs 1/01 to 12/ Certificated 7.13 cfs 1/01 to 12/31 2

6 2.2 - Water Budgets The following table (Table 2) shows the water budget for the city with water supply from the springs and wells for years 1999 through TABLE 2 - Water Budget INFLOW OUTFLOW Year Total (AF) Res Com Ind Ins Other Uses Wholesale Unmetered Total (AF) % Diff ,213 3,601 1, , % ,343 4,280 1, , % ,733 4,600 1, , % ,921 3,895 1, , % ,020 3,888 1, , % This analysis shows an average loss of 22.9% in the distribution system. This number appears high. However, Figure 1 shows a downward trend in the percent of water lost in the system. This could be attributed to improvements in the infrastructure as well as improved efficiency with the ASR (Aquifer Storage and Recovery) program. This program is explained further in section 4.0. Unmetered connections at the Golf Course and John Adams Park account for a part of the water lost in the system. The remaining water lost would be attributed to leaks. Figure 1 - % System Loss 3

7 2.3 - Present Water Use And Future Water Needs Table 3 shows the yearly water demand for Brigham City. The City has averaged 0.99% growth since Past growth will help provide an estimation of future water usage requirements. The data in this table is shown graphically in Figure 2. The usage shown does not directly correlate with the increase in the number of connections as expected. Usage seems to fluctuate from year to year. Fluctuations may be a result of changes in the climate or changes in water usage habits. TABLE 3 - Culinary Water Use Data Year Total System Connections Annual Demand (acft. per year ) Average Day Demand (Gal. per connection) Percent Growth in Number of Connections ,178 5, ,212 6,368 1, % ,284 6,115 1, % ,404 5, % ,386 5, % Average 5, % Note: The use data on this table relates to the total water delivered to each water connection as measured by their individual water meter. 4

8 Figure 2 - Annual Water Use When all uses of culinary water are compared with the number of people living in Brigham City in 2003, residents use 282 gallons of water per capita per day (gpcd). This is compared to the statewide average of 293 gpcd and 184 gpcd nationally. This provides for both culinary and secondary water. While ditch irrigation is provided to parts of the city, most residents use culinary water for irrigation purposes. Figure 3 shows the breakdown of typical water use inside the home for Utah residents. 5

9 Figure 3 - Typical Indoor Water Use From Mayer, Peter W. et. al., Residential End Uses of Water, [AWWA Research Foundation, 1999], xxvi.) This breakdown is probably very similar to the actual indoor water use for residents in Brigham City. A lot of the homes in the city were built over 30 years ago. Therefore, a lot of water is used due to large volume flush toilets, leaks, and inefficient showers and faucets. Figure 4 shows the total monthly water use for 2003 as metered by the springs and wells. This reflects indoor and outdoor water use. The outdoor water use can be seen by comparing winter months to summer months. The additional water used through the summer is assumed to be outdoor water use. Figure Monthly Water Use 6

10 The extent of the city s expected future population growth through the year 2020 is shown in Figure 5. Many factors influence this projection, and the estimates shown may vary substantially from the actual population experienced. Figure 5 - Population Projection Population growth is based on estimates provided by the Census Bureau in the 2000 census and reflects an average 1.318% growth increase from 2004 to An in-depth investigation of the future water requirements for Brigham City is found in the Culinary Water Master Plan on file with the City. That report addresses specific projects and associated costs as they relate to future growth and impact fees. If population projections are correct and the current water consumption of 282 gpcd continues Brigham City will need 7,318 acre-feet of water by Assuming the internal water supply sources (wells and springs) continue to produce similar flows to what they are currently supplying, the water supply available in 2020 would be approximately 9,500 acre-feet. If population projections are incorrect, or if the current spring and well production decreases, or if water consumption increases beyond current usage, additional water supply will be needed. In order to meet this additional water supply need, the City will most likely develop more wells or springs. 7

11 3.0 - WATER PROBLEMS, CONSERVATION MEASURES AND GOALS Problems Identified Brigham City has a Public Utilities Advisory Board that reviews Water Department related items including water conservation issues. The following is a list of problems and abuses in the current water system. These items are listed in order of priority (highest to lowest). 1. The golf course and John Adams Park are not currently metered. The amount of water used to irrigate these facilities can only be estimated. To obtain a more accurate water budget and an estimate of losses in the system these connections should be metered. Losses within the system are a financial burden because they must be paid for directly by the city or by the billing of residents and businesses. 2. The current telemetry system could be improved in order to reduce reservoir spillage and overproduction. 3. The current water pricing and billing system, while adequate to cover expenses in the water enterprise account, lacks incentives for residents and businesses to use water more efficiently. 4. Information has been distributed to citizens through the city news letter for better understanding of efficient water-use habits and practices, however, incentives have not been initiated for such conservation. Most citizens indoor practices are based on convenience rather than water supply considerations. 5. The city does not currently have a pressurized irrigation system. While Brigham City does not directly manage the secondary water that is distributed throughout the city, a considerable amount of culinary water could be saved by going to a pressurized irrigation system. 6. With the currently available methods for setting water rates, city council action is required for each adjustment. Raising rates is often deferred as long as possible by the city in an effort to minimize expenses to the residents. Each of the pervious problems represents an opportunity to make changes and refine conservation measures. 8

12 3.2 - Water Conservation Goals In pursuit of solutions to the problems identified previously, and in light of the variety of conservation measures available to solve these problems, the following goals have been identified in order of priority: GOAL #1 Leak detection and repair program. By fall of 2006 run a leak detection program throughout the entire service area of the city to discover all leaks in the distribution system. By fall of 2007 begin the leak repair program by repairing 25% of the leaks that were discovered in the leak detection program and repair 25% of the leaks every year thereafter for the next 4 years. The last leak detection program was performed in GOAL #2 Infrastructure Replacement. By fall of 2009 complete an infrastructure replacement project. This project would identify and reconstruct areas in which the infrastructure is to be replaced. GOAL #3 Up-date water billing rates. By fall of 2007 adopt a new water billing schedule that encourages customers to reduce use (see Table 4) without creating a revenue shortfall. A program of water conservation incentives would also be adopted. For example, if a resident is willing to replace their old high-volume flush toilets with new low-volume flush toilets they would get a credit applied towards their water bill. Also, the method of billing will be reevaluated in order to encourage water conservation and efficiency. The goal is to reduce indoor water use by 15% over the next three years. GOAL #4 Replacing and up-dating water meters. By fall of 2009 all the water meters will be replaced with radio-read meters. Also, improve water system master meters including meters on the wells and springs as necessary. This will allow the city to obtain meter readings every month and detect possible leaks on each service as well as obtain accurate data for the water budget. 9

13 TABLE 4 - Indoor Water Use Reduction Dishwasher and Other Domestic Use % of Total * Results of Accomplishing Goal #3 gpcd without conservation Reduction Factor gpcd with conservation 3% Leaks 14% Faucets 16% Showers and Baths 18% Clothes Washer 22% Toilets 27% Totals 100% 282 NA 240 * Refers to typical indoor water use (See Figure 3). % Reduction = 15% The actual quantity of water conserved with accomplishing all of these goals cannot be quantified. However, the City knows that these areas are in need of conservation and will save a significant amount of valuable water CURRENT CONSERVATION PRACTICES Brigham City maintains a high value on the conservation of water and is already practicing the following: 1. Water is conserved through Brigham City s Aquifer, Storage and Recovery (ASR) program. This program consists of taking the excess spring water produced and injecting it back into the wells. This method for conserving water is extremely effective and saves a sizable amount of valuable water supply. An estimated 1,236 acre-feet of water is injected and recovered annually. 2. The city currently produces a water watch that shows the residents what water is available and how much water the residents are using. This method of water conservation education 10

14 encourages each resident to take responsibility for their water use. 3. The city has automated the watering of all of their parks and park strips. This helps the city to avoid over watering these areas. This also allows the city to water these areas at night when watering is most effective. 4. The city is currently participating in a study investigating the possibilities of building a pressurized secondary water system. Although the city is not directly responsible for the irrigation water supplied to the city, a significant amount of culinary water could be conserved. 5. Brigham City maintains memberships in supporting organizations such as American Water Association, Water Environment Federation and The Rural Water Association that educate our personnel and keep up to date on source protection, public education and current regulations CURRENT WATER RATES The following table outlines the current water rate schedule associated with the city s various connections. TABLE 5 - Water Rate Schedule Connection $ Base Rate / Month Base Allotment Overage Usage 3/4" service $7.50 7,000 gallons $1.10 / 1,000 gallons 1" service $ ,000 gallons $1.10 / 1,000 gallons 1-1/2" service $ ,000 gallons $1.10 / 1,000 gallons 2" service $ ,000 gallons $1.10 / 1,000 gallons 3" service $ ,000 gallons $1.10 / 1,000 gallons 4" service $ ,000 gallons $1.10 / 1,000 gallons 6" service $ ,000 gallons $1.10 / 1,000 gallons 8" service $ ,000 gallons $1.10 / 1,000 gallons 11

15 6.0 - ADDITIONAL CONSERVATION MEASURES Brigham City wishes to continue certain water conservation measures as part of this Water Conservation Plan. In order for the city to accomplish the goals listed previously specific water conservation measures must be taken. The City has a Contingency Plan (See Appendix D) dated 1996 in association with its Drinking Water Source Protection Plan (section 2, Rationing Plan, pg ; See Appendix C) to address the issue. Compliance with emergency measures would be mandatory when deemed appropriate and could be enforced by the implementation of fines or physically restricting the use of water through connections. Compliance with non emergency measures would not be mandatory but could be influenced by adjusting billing rates or increasing awareness and community involvement. The water conservation measures and programs the city wishes to continue at this time are summarized below. Emergency Measures: C C C C C Water city properties on a minimal watering schedule of every 2 to 3 days, one property at a time. Eliminate watering of city property in cases of severe shortages. Educate the public on the water supply situation. No outside private watering from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Instigate emergency conservation measures by: 1. Strictly enforcing all conservation policies with significant fines for non compliance. 2. Physically restricting water supplies to (in order of priority): a. All outdoor irrigation systems. b. Park properties and other non essential support facilities. c. Commercial businesses, restricting largest users first. d. Residential areas. e. Any other non life support areas, insuring water supplies to hospitals, hospices, all other health care facilities, and controlled designated area water supply facilities. Non Emergency Measures: Outside Water Use: C C Sweep sidewalks and driveways instead of using the hose to clean them off. Wash your car from a bucket of soapy (biodegradable) water and rinse while parked on or 12

16 near the grass or landscaping so that all the water running off goes to beneficial use instead of running down the gutter to waste. C Check for and repair all leaks in all pipes, hoses, faucets, couplings, valves, etc. Verify there are no leaks by turning everything off and checking your water meter to see if it is still running. Some underground leaks may not be visible due to draining off into storm drains, ditches, or traveling outside your property. Indoor Water Use: Over half of the total water used in a household is used in the bathroom. Concentrate on reducing bathroom water use. Following are suggestions for this specific area: C C C C C Do not use your toilet as a waste basket. Put all tissues, wrappers, cigarette butts, etc. in the trash can. Check the toilet for leaks. Is the water level too high? Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the bowl water becomes colored without flushing, there is a leak. For those who do not have a low volume flush toilet, put a plastic bottle full of sand and water in the tank to reduce the amount of water used per flush. However, be careful not to over conserve to the point of having to flush twice to make the toilet work. Also be sure the containers used do not interfere with the flushing mechanism. Goal #3 is to reduce water used for toilets by 25%. Take short showers with the water turned up only as much as is necessary. Turn the shower off while soaping up or shampooing. Install low flow shower heads and/or other flow restriction devices. Goal #3 states a 10% reduction in water used for showers and baths. This means instead of taking a 20 minute shower you only take 18 minutes. Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing our teeth. Fill the sink or a glass instead. When doing laundry, make sure you always wash a full load or adjust the water level appropriately if your machine will do that. Most machines use 40 gallons or more for each load, whether it is two socks or a weeks worth of clothes. Goal #3 is to reduce water used for clothes washers by 10%. This can easily be accomplished by washing a full load of laundry. C Repair any leak within the household. Even a minor slow drip can waste up to 15 to 20 gallons of water a day. Goal #3 is to reduce water wasted by leaks by 30%. C Know where your main shutoff valve is and make sure that it works. Shutting the water off yourself when a pipe breaks or a leak occurs will not only save water, but also eliminate or minimize damage to your personal property. 13

17 C C Keep a jar of water in the refrigerator for a cold drink instead of running the water until it gets cold from the tap. You are putting several glasses of water down the drain for the one cold drink. When rinsing vegetables, dishes, or anything else, put the stopper in the sink and use only a sink full of water instead of continually running water down the drain COST ANALYSIS Brigham City is unique in the fact that they are completely self-supporting for their culinary water needs. They have no need for obtaining water supply from conservancy districts, etc. Many Cities along the Wasatch Front purchase water from Water Conservancy Districts to meet their water supply needs. Brigham City bases their water rates and impact fees on capital costs for developing water supplies as well as operation and maintenance costs for the existing water system. In meeting the water conservation goals set herein Brigham City s cost savings will come from the delay in developing future water supply sources. A detailed cost savings analysis is not contained in this Water Conservation Plan because of the unpredictability of the quantity of water conserved and its relationship to how long additional water supply development could be postponed IMPLEMENTING AND UPDATING THE WATER CONSERVATION PLAN To ensure the goals outlined previously are reached, appropriate tasks must be determined, responsibility fixed with the logical person or department, and a time line set for completion of each task. In order to do this a committee must be assembled to review and update the current water conservation plan. This committee will most likely be made up of the Public Utilities Advisory Board and current city staff members, although others may be selected as well. The committee will also be responsible for coming up with enforcement methods. The committee must update the Water Conservation Plan no less than every five years. The members of the committee will be selected by the City Council Notification Procedure The adopted Water Conservation Plan will be published and on record at the Brigham City offices and available to anyone who desires to have a copy. All residents will be notified of the newly adopted plan with their water bill. Notification of the plan will also be sent to the Box Elder County Commission, and the local newspaper. The plan will also be available on the city s web site. 14

18 8.2 - Implementing The following are items that must be coordinated and a plan established in order to accomplish the goals stated above. It will be the committee s responsibility to carry out these goals. Goal #1 - Leak detection and repair program 1. A budget needs to be set to see what money is available to begin a leak detection and repair program. This will allow the committee to evaluate when funding will be available to accomplish this goal. 2. A leak detection company needs to be hired to discover and locate all leaks in the city s water system. Goal #2 - Infrastructure Replacement 1. A budget needs to be set to see what money is available to replace infrastructure elements. This will allow the committee to evaluate when the project may be completed. 2. Depending on the magnitude of the project, either the city water department can replace infrastructure elements or bid out a project for a contractor to come in a perform the work. Goal #3 - Up-date water billing rates 1. A water conservation committee must be selected with individuals who are qualified to recommend a change in the water rate schedule. Rate adjustments should be adjusted such to encourage water conservation and provide incentives for efficient water use without creating a revenue shortfall. 2. The committee will need to obtain current water rate schedules from cities throughout the state and cities in other desert states. This will help them in comparing other rate schedules and allow the new rate schedule to be comparable. 3. An incentives program for water conservation would need to be created. This would be a list of water conservation measures that can be taken by individual residents. A reward would then be affixed for each measure taken. The rewards would need to be such that they encourage conservation but do not create a revenue shortfall and focus on reducing indoor water use in the following areas: 15

19 Leaks Showers and Baths Clothes Washer Toilets 30% reduction 10% reduction 10% reduction 25% reduction Goal #4 - Replacing and up-dating water meters 1. A list of connections with meters in need of up-dating must be acquired. 2. A budget needs to be set to see what money is available to up-date water meters. By doing this the committee can then set a date to begin the process of up-dating meters as well as deciding when this goal can be accomplished in its entirety Updating As the implementation of this water conservation plan begins there will be some measures that will work well and others that won t. One person from the water conservation committee, that is to be created, will have the assignment of evaluating the success and effectiveness of all measures taken and keeping a record of all activities. When the time comes to update the water conservation plan the committee will meet and assess the result of water conservation measures taken. The necessary changes will be made and a new edition of the water conservation plan will be created. This will be done every five years. 16

20 APPENDIX A 1999 WATER CONSERVATION PLAN (1 st Edition) ADOPTION

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27 APPENDIX B 2004 WATER CONSERVATION PLAN (2 nd Edition) ADOPTION

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29 APPENDIX C DRINKING WATER SOURCE PROTECTION PLAN SECTION 2, RATIONING PLAN

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32 APPENDIX D WATER CONSERVATION PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES

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