Weed Municipal Code Art. IX Water Shortage Contingency Plan

This article establishes progressive water shortage response stages to ensure adequate water supply for essential uses during periods of limited availability.

(Ord. No. 489-2025, § 1, 1-8-2026)

The city manager, in consultation with the public works director, is authorized to declare or rescind drought stages I through IV based on water supply conditions, system demand, infrastructure limitations, or other relevant factors. Notice shall be provided to the city council and the public.

(Ord. No. 489-2025, § 1, 1-8-2026)

A. Stage I - Water Awareness (Normal Conditions).

1. Public education on conservation.

2. Voluntary reductions in water use.

3. Leak repair encouraged within five days.

4. Irrigation recommended between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

B. Stage II - Water Alert (Moderate Shortage).

1. Irrigation Schedule:

i. Odd addresses: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.

ii. Even addresses: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday.

iii. No irrigation Monday.

2. Irrigation hours restricted to 8:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m.

3. Water waste prohibited in accordance with article VIII of this chapter.

4. Leaks must be repaired within seventy-two hours of discovery or notification thereof, unless an alternative arrangement or timeline has been approved by the city.

C. Stage III - Water Warning (Severe Shortage).

1. Irrigation limited to two days per week.

i. Odd addresses: Tuesday, Saturday.

ii. Even addresses: Wednesday, Sunday.

2. Construction water prohibited unless authorized by the city in advance.

3. Decorative fountains and ponds allowed only if recirculating and required to maintain animal life.

4. Leaks must be repaired within forty-eight hours of discovery or notification thereof, unless an alternative arrangement or timeline has been approved by the city.

D. Stage IV - Water Emergency (Critical Shortage).

1. Irrigation is limited to one day per week.

2. No draining/refilling pools except for safety, public health, or structural integrity.

3. Landscape irrigation is limited to drip irrigation for trees and perennials only.

4. Leaks must be repaired within twenty-four hours of discovery or notification thereof, unless an alternative arrangement or timeline has been approved by the city.

5. Commercial irrigation is prohibited except for fire protection.

(Ord. No. 489-2025, § 1, 1-8-2026)

The city manager may grant temporary exceptions where strict application of this article would cause unreasonable hardship, provided the customer demonstrates good cause and implements compensating conservation measures.

(Ord. No. 489-2025, § 1, 1-8-2026)

In addition to any and all other enforcement remedies available to the city, violations of this article may result in administrative fines and penalties as provided under Chapter 1.20 and Title 19 of this code.

(Ord. No. 489-2025, § 1, 1-8-2026)