HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2026-046
City of The Colony
2026 Water Conservation Plan
Adopted by Resolution of The Colony City Council on July XX, 20XX
pg. 2 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
City of The Colony Water Utilities
Water Production Department
6053 Main Street
The Colony, Texas 75056
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 STATE OF TEXAS REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................ 4
1.2 Organization of the Water Conservation Plan……….………………………………………….6
2.0 WATER CONSERVATION PLANNING GOALS ............................................................... 7
2.1 BENEFITS OF WATER CONSERVATION .......................................................................................... 7
2.2 Review and Update of Plan……………………………………………………………………...7
2.3 THE COLONY’S WATER CONSERVATION PLANNING GOALS ........................................................ 8
2.4 QUANTIFIED FIVE- AND TEN-YEAR GOALS FOR WATER SAVINGS ............................................... 8
3.0 POPULATION FORECASTS AND PER CAPITA WATER USE ...................................... 9
3.1 THE COLONY’S CUSTOMER AND POPULATION FORECAST ............................................................ 9
3.2 LONG-RANGE WATER PLANNING EFFORTS ................................................................................ 10
4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE DWU WATER SYSTEM ........................................................... 11
4.1 WATER SUPPLY SOURCES .......................................................................................................... 11
4.2 TREATED WATER STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS ........................................................ 11
4.3 WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT ............................................................................................ 12
5.0 THE COLONY’S WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM ............................................ 12
5.1 Water Conservation Division Staff 12
5.2 ACCURATE SUPPLY SOURCE METERING..................................................................................... 13
5.3 UNIVERSAL METERING, METER TESTING AND REPAIR, AND PERIODIC METER REPLACEMENT . 13
5.4 LEAK DETECTION, REPAIR, AND CONTROL OF UNACCOUNTED-FOR WATER ............................. 13
5.5 MONITORING AND RECORD MANAGEMENT OF WATER DELIVERIES, SALES AND LOSSES .......... 14
5.6 CONTINUING PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM ............................................................................. 14
5.6.1 Public Awareness Campaign ............................................................................................... 14
5.7 NON-PROMOTIONAL WATER RATE STRUCTURE ......................................................................... 14
5.8 MEANS TO IMPLEMENT AND ENFORCE THE WATER CONSERVATION PLAN ................................ 14
5.9 COORDINATION WITH REGIONAL WATER PLANNING GROUPS ................................................... 15
5.10 DESEGREGATION OF WATER SALES BY CUSTOMER CLASS ........................................................ 15
5.11 PLUMBING CODE ORDINANCES .................................................................................................. 16
5.12 WASTEWATER REUSE AND RECYCLING ..................................................................................... 16
5.12.1 Direct Reuse Projects ........................................................................................................... 16
5.12.2 Indirect Reuse Projects ........................................................................................................ 17
5.13 Reservoir Systems Operations Plan……………………………………………………………17
5.14 METHOD TO MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PLAN ......................................................... 17
5.15 Requirement of Water Conservation Plan for Wholesale Customers 17
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A STANDARD RATE SCHEDULE
APPENDIX B IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
APPENDIX C ORDINANCE FOR LANDSCAPE WATER MANAGEMENT
APPENDIX D CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION
pg. 3 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
Page Intentionally Left Blank
pg. 4 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
Water Conservation Plan
for the City of The Colony Water Utilities
1.0 Introduction
The Colony Water Utilities is a retail provider of water in The Colony that currently serves over 47
thousand people within an 11 square mile service area.
The Colony has actively procured water supplies from Dallas Water Utilities, Plano Water Utilities
and developed well water treatment facilities which make it possible for The Colony to provide
water to its customers. In Calendar Year (CY) 2025, The Colony delivered over 2.2 billion gallons
of treated water. As the population grows demand for service increase and in order to meet demand
The Colony must plan for increasing the available water supply and expanding its transmission,
treatment, and distribution facilities. The Colony considers water conservation an integral part of
this planning process.
The City has had a water conservation program since the late 1990’s. In 2008, The Colony
increased its conservation efforts with the amendment of “Chapter 12 MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AND
SERVICES,” of The Colony Code of Ordinances to include, CONSERVATION MEASURES
RELATING TO LAWN AND LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION.
1.1 State of Texas Requirements
The Texas Administrative Code Title 30, Chapter 288 (30 TAC § 288) requires holders of an existing
permit, certified filing, or certificate of adjudication for the appropriation of surface water in the
amount of 1,000 acre-feet a year or more for municipal, industrial, and other non-irrigation uses to
develop, submit, and implement a water conservation plan and to update it according to a specified
schedule. As such, the City is subject to this requirement. Because the City provides water as a
municipal public water supplier, the City’s Water Conservation Plan must include information
necessary to comply with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements for
each of these designations.1
The requirements of Subchapter A that must be included in the City of The Colony’s Water
Conservation Plan are summarized below.
➢ Minimum Requirements for Municipal Public and Wholesale Water Suppliers
• Utility Profile: Includes information regarding population and customer data, water use data
(including total gallons per capita per day (GPCD) and residential GPCD), water supply
system data, and wastewater system data. (Sections 3 and 4)
• Description of the Wholesaler’s Service Area: Includes population and customer data, water
use data, water supply system data, and wastewater data. (Figure 3-1, Tables 3-1, 3-2)
• Goals: Specific quantified five-year and ten-year targets for water savings to include goals
for water loss programs and goals for municipal and residential use, in GPCD. The goals
pg. 5 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
established by a public water supplier are not enforceable under this subparagraph. (Sections
2.3 and 2.4)
• Accurate Metering Devices: The TCEQ requires metering devices with an accuracy of plus
or minus 5 percent for measuring water diverted from source supply. (Section 5.2)
• Universal Metering, Testing, Repair, and Replacement: The TCEQ requires that there be a
program for universal metering of both customer and public uses of water for meter testing
and repair, and for periodic meter replacement. (Section 5.3)
• Leak Detection, Repair, and Control of Unaccounted for Water: The regulations require
measures to determine and control unaccounted-for water. Measures may include periodic
visual inspections along distribution lines and periodic audits of the water system for illegal
connections or abandoned services. (Sections 5.4 and 5.5)
• Continuing Public Education Program: TCEQ requires a continuing public education and
information program regarding water conservation. (Section 5.6)
• Non-Promotional Rate Structure: Chapter 288 requires a water rate structure that is cost-
based and which does not encourage the excessive use of water. (Section 5.7 and Appendix
A)
• Reservoir Systems Operational Plan: This requirement is to provide a coordinated
operational structure for operation of reservoirs owned by the water supply entity within a
common watershed or river basin in order to optimize available water supplies. (Section
5.13)
• Wholesale Customer Requirements: The water conservation plan must include a
requirement in every water supply contract entered into or renewed after official adoption
of the Water Conservation Plan, and including any contract extension, that each successive
wholesale customer develop and implement a water conservation plan or water conservation
measures using the applicable elements of Title 30 TAC Chapter 288. (Section 5.15)
• A Means of Implementation and Enforcement: The regulations require a means to
implement and enforce the Water Conservation Plan, as evidenced by an ordinance,
resolution, or tariff, and a description of the authority by which the conservation plan is
enforced. (Section 5.8)
• Coordination with Regional Water Planning Groups: The water conservation plan should
document the coordination with the Regional Water Planning Group for the service area of
the public water supplier to demonstrate consistency with the appropriate approved regional
water plan. (Section 5.9)
➢ Additional Requirements for Cities of More than 5,000 People
• Program for Leak Detection, Repair, and Water Loss Accounting: The plan must include a
description of the program of leak detection, repair, and water loss accounting for the water
transmission, storage, delivery, and distribution system. (Sections 5.4 and 5.5)
• Record Management System: The plan must include a record management system to record
water pumped, water deliveries, water sales and water losses which allows for the
desegregation of water sales and uses into the following user classes (residential;
commercial; public and institutional and industrial). (Section 5.5)
pg. 6 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
• Requirements for Wholesale Customers: The plan must include a requirement in every
wholesale water supply contract entered into or renewed after official adoption of the plan
(by either ordinance, resolution, or tariff), and including any contract extension, that each
successive wholesale customer develop and implement a water conservation plan or water
conservation measures using the applicable elements in 30 TAC § 288. If the customer
intends to resell the water, the contract between the initial supplier and customer must
provide that the contract for the resale of the water must have water conservation
requirements so that each successive customer in the resale of the water will be required to
implement water conservation measures in accordance with the provisions of 30 TAC § 288.
(Section 5.15)
• Additional Conservation Strategies: TCEQ Rules also list additional optional but not
required conservation strategies which may be adopted by suppliers. The following optional
strategies are included in this plan:
o Conservation-Oriented Water Rates. (Section 5.7 and Appendix A) and water rate
structures such as uniform or increasing block rate schedules, and/or seasonal rates,
but not flat rate or decreasing block rates;
o Ordinances, Plumbing Codes and/or Rules on Water Conservation Fixtures.
(Section 5.11)
o Reuse and/or Recycling of Wastewater and/or Gray Water. (Sections 5.12 through
5.12.1 and 5.12.2)
o Ordinance and/or Programs for Landscape Water Management (Appendix C).
o Method for Monitoring the Effectiveness of the Plan. Section (5.14)
This Water Conservation Plan sets forth a program of long-term measures under which the City of
The Colony can improve the overall efficiency of water use and conserve its water resources. Short-
term measures which respond to specific water management conditions (i.e., periods of drought,
unusually high-water demands, unforeseen equipment or system failure, or contamination of a water
supply source) are described in the City of The Colony Drought Contingency Plan.
1.2 Organization of the Water Conservation Plan
The following information and procedures are provided in this plan:
• Section 2.0, Water Conservation Planning Goals, describes the benefits of water
conservation, DWU's water conservation planning goals, and the specific, water demand
reduction goals established by DWU for this Water Conservation Plan, including quantified
five- and ten-year water loss and GPCD reduction goals.
• Section 3.0, Population and Per Capita Water Demand Forecasts, identifies DWU's
wholesale customers, provides populations and per capita water demand projections, and
discusses the impact wholesale customers will have on future water demand.
• Section 4.0, Description of The Colony’s Water System, describes water supply sources
Purchase and Groundwater treatment plants, treated water storage and distribution
systems, and wastewater treatment plants.
• Section 5.0, Colony’s Water Conservation Program, describes City's existing water
conservation program and enhancements as well as new conservation measures that are likely
to be implemented.
pg. 7 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
• Appendices A through D, provide Standard Water Rates Schedule, Implementation
Schedule, Irrigation Ordinance City Council Resolution Adopting the 2024 Water
Conservation Plan.
2.0 Water Conservation Planning Goals
The objective of this Water Conservation Plan is to achieve efficient use of water through practices
and measures that reduce water consumption and water losses and increase water reuse. Meeting
this objective will allow the use of available water supplies and existing infrastructure to be extended
into the future.
2.1 Benefits of Water Conservation
A well-designed Water Conservation Plan will not deprive the community of essential water uses;
rather, it will provide a blueprint for efficient water use. The benefits of water conservation not only
include those derived from avoided costs, but also others that may not be as easily enumerated in
terms of dollars yet hold significant importance to the City in terms of value. Benefits of water
conservation include:
• Delays the need to develop expensive future water supplies. Costs associated with
developing new water supplies (or purchasing new water) are numerous. These can include
capital costs for construction of pumping facilities, pipelines, water wells, water storage,
and related facilities; costs of obtaining permits; and operational costs such as labor, energy,
and chemicals.
• Extends the life of existing water supplies and infrastructure. Pressures within the water
system will increase in localized areas in order to meet increasing customer demands.
Increased pressures within an aging infrastructure will mean more leaks from the system.
When water demands are maintained or reduced through conservation, higher system
pressure is avoided.
• Reduces peak requirements. A water system is sized to meet its customers’ peak demands.
When these peak demands are reduced through water conservation, a portion of the system’s
capacity is freed-up for other water customers. This, in effect, increases the base capacity
of the system.
• Lowers capital and operating costs of the existing system. The need for expanding the water
treatment and distribution system is delayed or avoided. Operational costs, such as power
and chemicals, are also reduced.
Other benefits include the generation of positive environmental effects, improving customer
goodwill and promoting a positive image for The City of The Colony.
2.2 Review and Update of the Plan
As required by TCEQ rules, the City will review this water conservation plan every five years,
beginning in 2029 to maintain schedule with requirements. The plan will be updated as appropriate
based on new or updated information. As the plan is reviewed and subsequently updated, a copy of
the revised water conservation plan will be submitted to TCEQ, the TWDB, and the
RGWPG/RCWPG for their records.
pg. 8 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
2.3 The City’s Water Conservation Planning Goals
Listed below are many of the planning goals considered important during the water conservation
planning process:
• Reduce seasonal peak demands
• Reduce water loss and waste
• Decrease consumption measured as gallons per capita per day (GPCD)
• Maintain quality of life
• Allow continued economic growth and development
• Maintain a heightened public awareness of water conservation in The Colony
• “Lead by example” by upgrading city facilities with water efficient fixtures, landscapes, and
irrigation systems wherever possible
• Facilitate regional conservation efforts among neighboring municipalities
• Establish the foundation for continuation of water savings targets for the following five-
year period
• Remain consistent with the Region C Water Plan
• Incorporate, to the extent practicable, measures identified in the Texas Water Development
Board’s (TWDB) best management practices (BMP) Guide.
2.4 Quantified Five- and Ten-Year Goals for Water Savings
Specific elements of the Water Conservation Plan, including planned initiatives, are described in
Section 5.0. The development of the planned initiatives involved the identification and examination
of numerous conservation strategies. These strategies were derived from several sources, including
state agency directives, regional water planning groups, water conservation literature, water
conservation programs used by other municipalities, and the City’s existing Water Master Plan.
Targeted water savings are based on the planned BMPs, historical water use patterns, literature
values, and experience with other utilities. Savings include the combined efforts of all program
elements and the components thereof.
The “Total” GPCD five and ten-year targets (Table 2-1)
▪ Residential per capita water use. Including single-family and multi-family residential uses,
the five-year rolling average per capita water use in 2025 was 82 GPCD.
Table 2-1: City of The Colony Five- and Ten-Year Goals for Water Savings
Historic 5-yr
Average Baseline 5-yr Goal for Year
2031
10-yr Goal for Year
2036
Total GPCD 132 132 129 130
Residential GPCD 82 82 76 78
Water Loss GPCD 10 10 12 11
Water Loss
(Percentage)
7.00% 7.00% 6.00%
6.00%
pg. 9 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
3.0 Population Forecasts and Per Capita Water Use
3.1 Customer and Population Forecast
The City of The Colony supplies retail treated municipal water to The Colony. The estimated
population for 2025 was 47,305. A map of the City’s service area, is shown in (Figure 3-1).
The total treated water populations served for the past five years, is illustrated in (Table 3-1)
Table 3-1: Population Served (Retail Customers)
Year 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Total
Population 45,520 45,900 46,380 46,787 47,305
Figure 3-1: Water Utility Service Area
pg. 10 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
3.2 Long-Range Water Planning Efforts
The City conducts long-range water planning efforts on a regular basis in order to maintain a
reliable supply that meets the demand of the service area. The Long Range Water Supply Plan
(LRWSP), currently underway includes revised population, per capita consumption, and total
demand projections. The population projections are presented in (Table 3-2).
Table 3-2: Population Projections for the City of The Colony
Year 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2080
Population 51,162
58,214
64,305
67,600
67,600
67,600
pg. 11 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
4.0 Description of The Colony Water System
The City has supplied water to meet the needs of The Colony since 1985. Through a complex system
of Transmission Lines, Treatment, and Distribution Facilities and Recycled water projects, existing
are also components of the City water system.
4.1 Water Supply Sources
The City has five water wells, strategically located in the system. The systems design corresponds
to the city’s overall water treatment system infrastructure, which includes the Office Creek Pump
Station where purchased water from Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) and well water from the City’s
water well are stored before being delivered to the distribution system. The Wynnwood Pump
Station is located in the (Tribute) area. Plano Water Utility supplies water to The Colony along
Windhaven PKWY East of the BNSF railroad. All together The Colony has a total of five Pump
Stations and a series of water wells. Water wells are located at Pump Station #1 at 5033 Clover
Valley with two water wells, Pump Station #2 located at 6809 Main St. with one water well, Pump
Station #3 located at 5572 North Colony with one water well and Office Creek Pump Station located
at 4180 Main St. The Five Star Sports Complex has one water well used for irrigation.
Table 4-1: Summary of Available Water Supply Sources
Source Amount
Authorized
(MGD)
Firm Yield
Available
(MGD)
Contract Dallas Water
Utility 7 10
Plano Water Utility 4 4
Well Trinity Aquifer 9 9
Paluxy Aquifer .259 .259
Other N/A
Non Potable Well
(Irrigation)
Paluxy Aquifer .288 .288
4.2 Treated Water Storage and Distribution Systems
The city distribution system is divided into three pressure zones Central, Northwest Wynnwood
Peninsula (Tribute), Southeast (Austin Ranch) with several intermediate areas of service supplied
via inline boosters and pressure reducing valves. Each pressure zone includes one or more ground
or elevated storage tanks that are designed to act both as pressure equalizers and fire protection
storage within the area.
Treated water is pumped into the distribution system from one of the 5 pump stations. Transfers
from pump stations are accomplished by means of “high service” pumps that are located at the
stations in the distribution system. These “high service” pumps are supplied directly from the pump
station clear wells or ground storage tanks. There are a combined total of 5 pump stations, 4 clear
wells, 3 ground storage reservoirs, and 4 elevated storage tanks in the distribution system.
pg. 12 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
The clear wells have a combined storage capacity of 2.4 MG; the ground storage tanks 7 MG and
elevated storage tanks 3 MG, respectively. The combined storage capacity of the system is
approximately 12.4 MG.
The water distribution system consists of approximately 206 linear miles of water mains and 6.4
miles of hydrant laterals lines The capacity of the treated water distribution system is constantly
being upgraded and reassessed to improve the ability of the distribution system to meet customers’
needs and to replace aging infrastructure.
4.3 Wastewater Treatment Plants
The City of The Colony operates one wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) – Stewart Creek WWTP
- that serves The City of The Colony. The WWTP has an annual average flow permitted capacity of
4.5MGD with a 13.5 MGD 2-hour peak. A general description of the plant is as follows:
• Stewart Creek WWTP is currently rated at 4.5 MGD capacity and is located 3 miles North
of SH121 in The City of The Colony. It consists of one split well influent pump station, one
primary head works with two parallel fine screens and two parallel grit chambers, three
parallel biological aeration treatment trains, three parallel secondary clarifiers, four parallel
cloth disk filters, two parallel channels with four modules each of Ultra Violet disinfection
lamps, and one reuse holding tank with four reuse pumps. Sludge from the Stewart Creek
WWTP is dewatered on 2 two-meter belt presses and the final solids disposed of in a landfill.
• Stewart Creek WWTP Collection System consists approximately of 325 linear miles of
wastewater mains and force mains and 14 wastewater lift stations.
5.0 The Colony’s Water Conservation Program
The City of The Colony has a history of providing guidance in the area of water conservation to the
public. This section provides a description of the city’s existing water conservation program and the
enhancements or new conservation measures that are planned to achieve or exceed the City’s stated
water conservation goal.
5.1 Water Conservation Staff
The Colony currently maintains several staff in multiple departments who work together. Water,
Wastewater, Utility Billing and Communications, department staff members are tasked with
analyzing and tracking, records, Best Management Practices (BMPs), providing customer water
assessments, administering education programs and information, and facilitating programs.
Effective August 16, 2018, the State requires that:
Retail public water suppliers that provide potable water to 3,300 or more connections shall designate a person
as the water conservation coordinator responsible for implementing the water conservation plan; and identify,
in writing, the water conservation coordinator, including the contact information for that person, to the
executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board. 30 TAC§288.30(10)(B)
Please refer to the Departments Page on the City website https://www.thecolonytx.gov/
https://www.thecolonytx.gov/256/Water-Distribution-Water-Production page for the current water
conservation manager (designated coordinator) and their contact information.
pg. 13 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
5.2 Accurate Supply Source Metering
The City has a comprehensive program to meter water diverted from supply sources within the water
system. All untreated water diversions to the City of The Colony Well Water Treatment Plants are
metered using Propeller and Mag meters located at the plants. The meters are calibrated annually in
accordance with those standards to an accuracy of plus or minus 5% accuracy per TCEQ
requirements.
Treated purchased water is metered by Dallas Water Utilities using Venturi meters with rate-of-flow
controllers (ROFCs). Purchased water is metered by the City of Plano using Compound meters.
Raw well and treated water pumped into and from storage tanks is metered using Mag meters,
Propeller meters. All purchase and well water metered is included in City of The Colony’s Annual
Supplied and Pumped Water Report.
5.3 Universal Metering, Meter Testing and Repair, and Periodic Meter
Replacement
Universal Metering - The current City ordinance requires metering of all connections, except closed
fire systems with alarms. Individual metering is required at all single-family residential locations.
Most multifamily residential locations, such as apartments and condominiums, have individual
metering for each building or designated water user. Some commercial businesses are combined
through a single master meter as well.
Treated purchased water is metered by Dallas Water Utilities using Venturi meters with rate-of-flow
controllers (ROFCs). Purchased water is metered by the City of Plano using Compound meters.
Raw well and treated water pumped into and from storage tanks is metered using Mag meters,
Propeller meters. All purchase and well water metered is included in City of The Colony’s Annual
Supplied and Pumped Water Report.
Meter Testing and Repair – Meters are tested and calibrated in accordance with AWWA standards
to accuracy within plus or minus 5 percent. The city maintains a program to pull, test, and replace
any meters determined to be functioning outside of these parameters.
Periodic Meter Replacement – Most residential meters are replaced after 1 million gallons. Repair
or replacement of larger general service meters is generally provided at five -year intervals with
annual testing.
5.4 Leak Detection, Repair, and Control of Unaccounted-for Water
The City has an extensive leak detection and repair program and is committed to maintaining the
integrity of the system. Currently, the city has an annual budget of $3.1 million for maintenance and
upkeep of the distribution system. The majority of the budget is used for personnel, equipment, and
materials. Currently approximately 24 employees are employed to operate the distribution system.
Most leaks, illegal connections, or abandoned services are discovered through the visual observation
of field crews or are reported by the public. In 2025, staff investigated over 1,190 leaks.
The Leak Detection Program has the goal of surveying the entire water system and improving the
integrity of the water system. The goal is to survey all pipelines annually. Staff members utilize leak
detection equipment, including leak listening devices, meter pressure checks and periodic water
audits for illegal connections or abandoned services. Pressure checks are also performed on fire
pg. 14 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
hydrants during flushing and routine exercising. Additionally, pump stations and elevated tanks
levels and system pressures are continuously monitored via the Supervisor Control and Data
Acquisition System (SCADA).
5.5 Monitoring and Record Management of Water Deliveries, Sales and Losses
The City regularly monitors all water flows and sales to both treated and untreated water customers.
All critical data, such as raw well water to WTPs, treated water pumped to distribution, and
unaccounted-for water losses are available on a regular basis, as needed. All water sources and
service connection accounts are individually metered and read on a regular basis to facilitate accurate
comparisons and analysis.
5.6 Continuing Public Education Program
The City recognizes that water conservation is a significant benefit to individuals and communities
in terms of long-term water supply availability and costs. The most readily available and lowest
cost method of promoting water conservation is to inform retail water users about ways to save
water in homes and businesses, in landscaping and lawn uses, and in recreational uses. The City
currently provides the information to public in the following manner.
5.6.1 Public Awareness Campaign
The city provides the public with water conservation pamphlets containing information on simple
easy to follow ways to save water and Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans have
been made available to the public. Additionally, this information is available at kiosks throughout
City Facilities, including the lobby of City Hall and Public Library. Conservation information and
City events and environmental program functions that involve the general public is distributed to
new customers Public information is also available on the City website and other public media
outlets supported by the City. In addition the City conducts educational tours at our facilities to
local students. During the tours students are involved in conversations on water conservation tips
and receive written information that can be practiced at home.
5.7 Non-promotional Water Rate Structure
The City has a conservation-oriented rate structure for customers. Under the increasing block rate
structure, customers are billed a water meter service charge which increases with the size of their
meters. Customers are also billed for water usage, and increasing usage results in a higher unit cost
for water. Connecting higher rates to increased consumption discourages customers from wasting
water. A copy of the City’s rates is provided in Appendix A.
5.8 Means to Implement and Enforce the Water Conservation Plan
The City administers and implements various components of the Water Conservation Program
within the City of The Colony as authorized by the City Code of Ordnance, Chapter 12, Municipal
Utility and Services. The enforcement of the water rate structure and metering is automatic. Water
conservation lawn and landscape restrictions are enforced by the Department of Code Compliance.
Water contracts with wholesale suppliers require the City to develop a water conservation plan to
ensure that available supplies are used efficiently.
pg. 15 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
5.9 Coordination with Regional Water Planning Groups
The City will provide a copy of this Water Conservation Plan to the Region C Water Planning Group.
As a retail water supplier in the region, The City will work with the Regional Water Planning Group
to improve efficient utilization of existing water resources and/or develop new resources which meet
the needs of the region.
5.10 Desegregation of Water Sales by Customer Class
The City separates water customers into three general account classes:
• Residential – The Residential class includes single-family residences.
• Commercial – The Commercial class includes master metered multi-family housing, master
metered apartments, and master metered mobile homes, office buildings, restaurants, hotels,
and other commercial and light industrial customers.
• Institutional – The Institutional class consists of city buildings, parks, fire stations, libraries,
churches and Schools
Based on historic average retail water sold within the City of Colony from 2019 -2025, Commercial
and Residential customers account for the majority percentage of water consumption (See Figures
5-0.1 and 5-0.2).
5-year annual average water consumption % by account class, 2019 to 2025
pg. 16 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
5-year annual average water consumption by account class, 2019 to 2025
5.11 Plumbing Code Ordinances
The State of Texas has placed maximum flow rate requirements on plumbing fixtures. As of January
1, 2014, the law requires maximum average flow rates of (1.28) gallons per flush (gpf) for toilets
and (0.5) gpf for urinals. Effective February 2024, the City of The Colony amended the plumbing
code by adopting the 2021 Edition of the International Plumbing Code Council, Inc. with specified
exceptions. The city code at a minimum complies with State of Texas requirements.
5.12 Wastewater Reuse and Recycling
The Colony has developed water recycling projects and plans for additional projects, as described
in the following sections: direct reuse projects, indirect reuse projects, and contracts for return flows
into reservoirs. Table 5-1 presents a summary of direct and indirect recycled water projects.
Table 5-1: Summary of The Colony Recycled Water Projects
Project Supply
(MG)
Direct Recycle Projects
Landscape irrigation (parks, Golf Courses) 302.360
Indirect Recycle Augmentation
Return Flow to Reservoir 6,082.010
Total 6,384.370
5.12.1 Direct Reuse Projects
The Colony provides recycled water from the WWTP to the Stone Briar Country Club golf courses
for irrigation. The golf courses currently uses up to 1.8 MG.
pg. 17 City of The Colony Water Conservation Plan
5.12.2 Indirect Reuse Projects
The Colony releases treated wastewater back into the Lake Lewisville reservoir after it has been
processed through the plant.
5.13 Reservoir Systems Operations Plan
The City of purchases water from Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) and North Texas Municipal
Water District (NTMWD) through a Contract with the City of Plano. DWU and NTMWD have a
system operation plan.
5.14 Method to Monitor the Effectiveness of the Plan
The effectiveness and efficiency of the water conservation program will be monitored on an ongoing
basis by city staff. Staff determines the extent of water conservation by compiling implementation
data, monitoring water consumption, modeling water demand, and tracking water conservation
costs.
Annual Report on Water Conservation Activities – 30 TAC § 288 requires that each entity that is
required to submit a water conservation plan to the TWDB or the TCEQ shall file an annual report
to the TWDB on the entity's progress in implementing each of the minimum requirements in their
water conservation plan. The Colony submitted the first of these yearly reports on April 26, 2010.
This report will be submitted in accordance with the requirement.
5.15 Requirement of Water Conservation Plan for Wholesale Customers
Every contract for the wholesale sale of water that is entered into, renewed, or extended after the
adoption of this Water Conservation Plan will include a requirement that the wholesale customer
and any wholesale customers of that wholesale customer devel op and implement a water
conservation plan meeting the requirements of Title 30, Part 1, Chapter 288, Subchapter A, Rule
288.2 of the Texas Administrative Code. The requirement will also extend to each successive
wholesale customer in the resale of the water. Each customer shall submit its water conservation
plan or water conservation measures to the City of The Colony for review. Each customer shall also
submit any changes or amendments to its water conservation plan or water conservation measures
to the City of The Colony for review.
APPENDIX A: STANDARD RATE SCHEDULE
UTILITY FUND
Utility Fees
Connect fee/application fee $20
Water service See attached water rate schedule
Wastewater service See attached sewer rate schedule
Veteran and Active Duty Water and Sewer Discount Water & Sewer dollar amount reduced by 10% (enrollment required)
SRF Loan $2.92/mo
Drainage utility fees $4.00/mo for each account - residential
$5.00/ERU/mo for each account - non-residential
Disconnect/reconnect fees $20
Reconnect fees - after hours $50
Disconnect fees - after hours $50
Transfer fees $25
Administration fees (e.g. credit references, research on their
accounts
$20
Check for leaks - allowed 3 free checks for a 6 month period,
thereafter $25 each check
$25
Residential deposit water & sanitation for homeowners
$75 or higher based on past history
Residential deposit water & sanitation for renters
$150 or higher based on past history
Residential deposit water & sanitation for seniors 60 and over
Deposit waived - or higher based on past history
Commercial deposit water & sanitation Average of the past 12 months billings of the premises or comparable
Commercial irrigation deposit $1,000
Commercial master meter surcharge $12.47/unit (after first unit)
Hydrant meter deposit - water $2,000
NSF checks $25
Penalties - late payment 15%
Delinquent accounts
Extension agreements available prior to day of disconnect. If extension
agreement is failed, no further extensions for a period of 12 months.
Limit of 2 extensions per calendar year. Must have pay history with less than 4
late payments during the preceding 12 months. Accounts with less than 12
months of payment history must have no more than 1 late payment in order to
qualify for an extension.
Cash/Credit/Money Order Only
Online or Automated Phone payment for Utility account $1.25/transaction
Set meter trip charge for ill-equipped area $30
Same day connection fee $20
Missed reading fee $30
WATER RATES
2025-2026
Inside City Outside City
Meter size (inches Rate Meter size (inches Rate
5/8 23.47 5/8 35.21
3/4 31.12 3/4 46.70
1 44.13 1 66.18
1 1/2 85.64 1 1/2 128.44
2 142.72 2 214.13
3 220.64 3 330.86
4 343.77 4 515.64
6 773.48 6 1,160.18
8 1,740.34 8 2,610.47
10 3,915.77 10 5,873.62
Commodity rate (per thousand gallons) Commodity rate (per thousand gallons)
2,001 - 15,000 5.31 2,001 - 15,000 7.97
15,001 - 25,000 6.63 15,001 - 25,000 9.91
25,001 - 40,000 7.08 25,001 - 40,000 10.55
40,001 and over 7.71 40,001 and over 11.57
Zone 5 Water Rates
2,001 - 15,000 7.37 2,001 - 15,000 10.13
15,001 - 25,000 8.68 15,001 - 25,000 11.95
25,001 - 40,000 9.14 25,001 - 40,000 12.61
40,001 and over 9.76 40,001 and over 13.62
SEWER RATES
2025-2026
Inside City Outside City
Meter size (inches Rate Meter size (inches Rate
5/8 22.74 5/8 34.12
3/4 27.61 3/4 41.47
1 37.41 1 56.13
1 1/2 61.91 1 1/2 92.86
2 91.23 2 136.91
3 159.82 3 239.73
4 257.72 4 386.61
6 659.82 6 989.72
8 1,689.10 8 2,533.64
10 4,324.11 10 6,486.13
Commodity rate (per thousand gallons) Commodity rate (per thousand gallons)
Residential (over 2,000 gal) 4.78 Residential (over 2,000 gal) 7.16
Commercial (over 2,000 gal) 6.45 Commercial (over 2,000 gal) 9.65
APENDIX B: IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
Category Water Conservation Practice Already Implemented 2029 2034
Utility BMPs Record Management System ✓
Accurate metering of treated water deliveries ✓
Accurate metering of customer and public uses and meter testing, repair and
replacement ✓
Determination and control of water loss ✓
Non-promotional water rate structure ✓
Continuing Public
Education Promote City's water conservation measures ✓
Include inserts on water conservation with water bills at least twice per year ✓
Encourage Local media coverage of water conservation issues and its
importance ✓
Distribute water conservation brochures at public buildings ✓
Leak Detection, Repair &
Pressure Control Reduce repair time on leaks, especially long running small to medium size leaks ✓
Conduct regular inspections and soundings of all water main fittings and
connections ✓
Install temporary leak noise detectors and loggers as needed ✓
Water Waste Prohibition Landscape water management ordinance ✓
Water Conservation Best Management Practices Implementation Schedule
APPENDIX C: ORDINANCE FOR LANDSCAPE WATER MANAGEMENT
ARTICLE XI. IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
Sec. 12-200. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this ordinance, have the following meanings, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise.
Air gap shall mean a complete physical separation between the free flowing discharge end of a potable
water supply pipeline and an open or non -pressure receiving vessel.
Atmospheric vacuum breaker shall mean an assembly containing an air inlet valve, a check seat, and an air
inlet port. The flow of water into the body causes the air inlet valve to close the air inlet port. When the flow of
water stops the air inlet valve falls and forms a check aga inst back-siphonage. At the same time it opens the air
inlet port allowing air to enter and satisfy the vacuum. Also known as an atmospheric vacuum breaker back -
siphonage prevention assembly.
Backflow prevention shall mean the mechanical prevention of reverse flow, or back siphonage, of nonpotable
water from an irrigation system into the potable water source.
Backflow prevention assembly shall mean any assembly used to prevent backflow into a potable water
system. The type of assembly used is based on the existing or potential degree of health hazard and backflow
condition.
Completion of irrigation system installation shall mean when the landscape irrigation system has been
installed, all minimum standards met, all tests performed, and the irrigator is satisfied that the system is operating
correctly.
Consulting shall mean the act of providing advice, guidance, review or recommendations related to
landscape irrigation systems.
Cross-connection shall mean an actual or potential connection between a potable water source and an
irrigation system that may contain contaminates or pollutants or any source of water that has been treated to a
lesser degree in the treatment process.
Design shall mean the act of determining the various elements of a landscape irrigation system that will
include, but not be limited to, elements such as collecting site specific information, defining the scope of the
project, defining plant watering needs, selecting and laying out emission devices, locating system components,
conducting hydraulics calculations, identifying any local regulatory requirements, or scheduling irrigation work at a
site. Completion of the various components will result in an irrigation plan.
Design pressure shall mean the pressure that is required for an emission device to operate properly. Design
pressure is calculated by adding the operating pressure necessary at an emission device to the total of all pressure
losses accumulated from an emission device to the water source.
Double check valve shall mean an assembly that is composed of two independently acting, approved check
valves, including tightly closed resilient seated shutoff valves attached at each end of the assembly and fitted with
properly located resilient seated test cocks. Also kn own as a double check valve backflow prevention assembly.
Emission device shall mean any device that is contained within an irrigation system and that is used to apply
water. Common emission devices in an irrigation system include, but are not limited to, spray and rotary sprinkler
heads, and drip irrigation emitters.
Employed shall mean engaged or hired to provide consulting services or perform any activity relating to the
sale, design, installation, maintenance, alteration, repair, or service to irrigation systems. A person is employed if
that person is in an employer-employee relationship as defined by Internal Revenue Code, 26 United States Code
Service, § 3212(d) based on the behavioral control, financial control, and the type of relationship involved in
performing employment-related tasks.
Head-to-head spacing shall mean the spacing of spray or rotary heads equal to the manufacturer's published
radius of the head.
Health hazard shall mean a cross-connection or potential cross-connection with an irrigation system that
involves any substance that may, if introduced into the potable water supply, cause death or illness, spread
disease, or have a high probability of causing such effects.
Hydraulics shall mean the science of dynamic and static water; the mathematical computation of
determining pressure losses and pressure requirements of an irrigation system.
Inspector shall mean a licensed plumbing inspector, water district operator, other governmental entity, or
irrigation inspector who inspects irrigation systems and performs other enforcement duties for a municipality or
water district as an employee or as a contractor.
Installer shall mean a person who actually connects an irrigation system to a private or public raw or potable
water supply system or any water supply, who is licensed according to Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, chapter
30 (relating to Occupational Licenses and Registrations).
Irrigation inspector shall mean a person who inspects irrigation systems and performs other enforcement
duties for a municipality or water district as an employee or as a contractor and is required to be licensed under
Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, chapter 30 (relating to Occupational Licenses and Registrations).
Irrigation plan shall mean a scaled drawing of a landscape irrigation system which lists required information,
the scope of the project, and represents the changes made in the installation of the irrigation system.
Irrigation services shall mean selling, designing, installing, maintaining, altering, repairing, servicing,
permitting, providing consulting services regarding, or connecting an irrigation system to a water supply.
Irrigation system shall mean an assembly of component parts that is permanently installed for the controlled
distribution and conservation of water to irrigate any type of landscape vegetation in any location, and/or to
reduce dust or control erosion. This term does not include a system that is used on or by an agricultural operation
as defined by Texas Agricultural Code, § 251.002.
Irrigation technician shall mean a person who works under the supervision of a licensed irrigator to install,
maintain, alter, repair, service or supervise installation of an irrigation system, including the connection of such
system in or to a private or public, raw or potable water supply system or any water supply, and who is required to
be licensed under Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, chapter 30 (relating to Occupational Licenses and
Registrations).
Irrigation zone shall mean a subdivision of an irrigation system with a matched precipitation rate based on
plant material type (such as turf, shrubs, or trees), microclimate factors (such as sun/shade ratio), topographic
features (such as slope) and soil conditions (such as sand, loam, clay, or combination) or for hydrological control.
Irrigator means a person who sells, designs, offers consultations regarding, installs, maintains, alters, repairs,
services or supervises the installation of an irrigation system, including the connection of such system to a private
or public, raw or potable water supply system or any water supply, and who is required to be licensed under Title
30, Texas Administrative Code, chapter 30.
Irrigator-in-charge shall mean the irrigator responsible for all irrigation work performed by an exempt
business owner, including, but not limited to obtaining permits, developing design plans, supervising the work of
other irrigators or irrigation technicians, and installing, selling, maintaining, altering, repairing, or servicing a
landscape irrigation system.
Landscape irrigation shall mean the science of applying the necessary amount of water to promote or sustain
healthy growth of plant material or turf.
License shall mean an occupational license that is issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
under Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, chapter 30 to an individual that authorizes the individual to engage in
an activity that is covered by Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, chapter 30.
Mainline shall mean a pipe within an irrigation system that delivers water from the water source to the
individual zone valves.
Maintenance checklist shall mean a document made available to the irrigation system's owner or owner's
representative that contains information regarding the operation and maintenance of the irrigation system,
including, but not limited to: checking and repairing the irrigatio n system, setting the automatic controller,
checking the rain or moisture sensor, cleaning filters, pruning grass and plants away from irrigation emitters, using
and operating the irrigation system, the precipitation rates of each irrigation zone within th e system, any water
conservation measures currently in effect from the water purveyor, the name of the water purveyor, a suggested
seasonal or monthly watering schedule based on current evapotranspiration data for the geographic region, and
the minimum water requirements for the plant material in each zone based on the soil type and plant material
where the system is installed.
Major maintenance, alteration, repair, or service shall mean any activity that involves opening to the
atmosphere the irrigation main line at any point prior to the discharge side of any irrigation zone control valve.
This includes, but is not limited to, repairing or connecting into a main supply pipe, replacing a zone control valve,
or repairing a zone control valve in a manner that opens the system to the atmosphere.
Master valve shall mean a remote control valve located after the backflow prevention device that controls
the flow of water to the irrigation system mainline.
Matched precipitation rate shall mean the condition in which all sprinkler heads within an irrigation zone
apply water at the same rate.
New installation shall mean an irrigation system installed at a location where one did not previously exist.
Pass-through contract shall mean a written contract between a contractor or builder and a licensed irrigator
or exempt business owner to perform part or all of the irrigation services relating to an irrigation system.
Potable water shall mean water that is suitable for human consumption.
Pressure vacuum breaker shall mean an assembly containing an independently operating internally loaded
check valve and an independently operating loaded air inlet valve located on the discharge side of the check valve.
Also known as a pressure vacuum breaker back-siphonage prevention assembly.
Reclaimed water shall mean domestic or municipal wastewater which has been treated to a quality suitable
for beneficial use, such as landscape irrigation.
Records of landscape irrigation activities shall mean the irrigation plans, contracts, warranty information,
invoices, copies of permits, and other documents that relate to the installation, maintenance, alteration, repair, or
service of a landscape irrigation system.
Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly shall mean an assembly containing two
independently acting approved check valves together with a hydraulically operating mechanically independent
pressure differential relief valve located between the two check valves and below the first check valve.
Static water pressure shall mean the pressure of water when it is not moving.
Supervision shall mean the on-the-job oversight and direction by a licensed irrigator who is fulfilling his or her
professional responsibility to the client and/or employer in compliance with local or state requirements. Also a
licensed installer working under the direction of a licensed irrigator or beginning January 1, 2009, an irrigation
technician who is working under the direction of a licensed irrigator to install, maintain, alter, repair or service an
irrigation system.
Water conservation shall mean the design, installation, service, and operation of an irrigation system in a
manner that prevents the waste of water, promotes the most efficient use of water, and applies the least amount
of water that is required to maintain healthy individu al plant material or turf, reduce dust, and control erosion.
Zone flow shall mean a measurement, in gallons per minute or gallons per hour, of the actual flow of water
through a zone valve, calculated by individually opening each zone valve and obtaining a valid reading after the
pressure has stabilized. For design purposes, the zone flow is the total flow of all nozzles in the zone at a specific
pressure.
Zone valve shall mean an automatic valve that controls a single zone of a landscape irrigation system.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 3, 12-1-2008)
Sec. 12-201. Valid license required.
Any person who connects an irrigation system to the water supply within the city or the city's extraterritorial
jurisdiction, commonly referred to as the ETJ, must hold a valid license, as defined by Title 30, Texas Administrative
Code, chapter 30 and required by chapter 1903 of the Texas Occupations Code, or as defined by chapter 365, Title
22 of the Texas Administrative Code and required by chapter 1301 of the Texas Occupations Code, except a
property owner is not required to be licensed in accordance with Texas Occupations Code, Title 12, §
1903.002(c)(1) if he or she is performing irrigation work in a building or on a premises owned or occupied by the
person as the person's homestead. A home owner or property owner who installs an irrigation system must meet
the standards contained in Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, chapter 344 regarding spacing, water pressure,
spraying water over impervious materials, rain or moisture shut -off devices or other technology, backflow
prevention and isolation valves. The city may, at any point, adopt more stringent requirements for a home or
property owner who installs an irrigation system. See Texas Occupations Code § 1903.002 for other exemptions to
the licensing requirement.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 2, 12-1-2008)
Sec. 12-202. Permit required.
Any person installing an irrigation system within the territorial limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city
is required to obtain a permit from the city, except as follows:
(1) An irrigation system that is an on-site sewage disposal system, as defined by § 355.002, Health and
Safety Code; or
(2) An irrigation system used on or by an agricultural operation as defined by § 251.002, Agriculture Code.
Any plan approved for a permit must be in compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 2, 12-1-2008)
Sec. 12-203. Backflow prevention methods and devices.
(a) Any irrigation system that is connected to the potable water supply must be connected through a backflow
prevention method approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The backflow
prevention device must be approved by the American Society of Sanitary Engineers; or the Foundation for
Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, University of Southern California; or the most recently
adopted International Plumbing Code; or any other laboratory that has equivalent capabilities for bot h the
laboratory and field evaluation of backflow prevention assemblies. The backflow prevention device must be
installed in accordance with the laboratory approval standards or if the approval does not include specific
installation information, the manufacturer's current published recommendations.
(b) If conditions that present a health hazard exist, one of the following methods must be used to prevent
backflow:
(1) An air gap may be used if:
a. There is an unobstructed physical separation; and
b. The distance from the lowest point of the water supply outlet to the flood rim of the fixture or
assembly into which the outlet discharges is at least one inch or twice the diameter of the water
supply outlet, whichever is greater.
(2) Reduced pressure principal backflow prevention assemblies may be used if:
a. The device is installed at a minimum of 12 inches above ground in a location that will ensure that
the assembly will not be submerged; and
b. Drainage is provided for any water that may be discharged through the assembly relief valve.
(3) Pressure vacuum breakers may be used if:
a. No back-pressure condition will occur; and
b. The device is installed at a minimum of 12 inches above any downstream piping and the highest
downstream opening. Pop-up sprinklers are measured from the retracted position from the top
of the sprinkler.
(4) Atmospheric vacuum breakers may be used if:
a. No back-pressure will be present;
b. There are no shutoff valves downstream from the atmospheric vacuum breaker;
c. The device is installed at a minimum of six inches above any downstream piping and the highest
downstream opening. Pop-up sprinklers are measured from the retracted position from the top
of the sprinkler;
d. There is no continuous pressure on the supply side of the atmospheric vacuum breaker for more
than 12 hours in any 24-hour period; and
e. A separate atmospheric vacuum breaker is installed on the discharge side of each irrigation
control valve, between the valve and all the emission devices that the valve controls.
(c) Backflow prevention devices used in applications designated as health hazards must be tested upon
installation and annually thereafter.
(d) If there are no conditions that present a health hazard, double check valve backflow prevention assemblies
may be used to prevent backflow if the device is tested upon installation and test cocks are used for testing
only.
(e) If a double check valve is installed below ground:
(1) Test cocks must be plugged, except when the double check valve is being tested;
(2) Test cock plugs must be threaded, water-tight, and made of non-ferrous material;
(3) There must be a clearance between any fill material and the bottom of the double check valve to allow
space for testing and repair; and
(4) There must be space on the side of the double check valve to test and repair the double check valve.
(f) If an existing irrigation system without a backflow-prevention assembly requires major maintenance,
alteration, repair, or service, the system must be connected to the potable water supply through an
approved, properly installed backflow prevention method before any major maintenance, alteration, repair,
or service is performed.
(g) If an irrigation system is connected to a potable water supply through a double check valve, pressure vacuum
breaker, or reduced pressure principal backflow assembly and includes an automatic master valve on the
system, the automatic master valve must be installed on the discharge side of the backflow prevention
assembly.
(h) The irrigator shall ensure the backflow prevention device is tested by a licensed backflow prevention
assembly tester prior to being placed in service and the test results provided to the local water purveyor and
the irrigation system's owner or owner's representative within ten business days of testing of the backflow
prevention device.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 2, 12-1-2008)
Sec. 12-204. Specific conditions and cross-connection control.
(a) Before any chemical is added to an irrigation system connected to the potable water supply, the irrigation
system must be connected through a reduced pressure principal backflow prevention assembly or air gap.
(b) Connection of any additional water source to an irrigation system that is connected to the potable water
supply can only be done if the irrigation system is connected to the potable water supply through a reduced -
pressure principal backflow prevention assembly or an air gap.
(c) Irrigation system components with chemical additives induced by aspiration, injection, or emission system
connected to any potable water supply must be connected through a reduced pressure principal backflow
device.
(d) If an irrigation system is designed or installed on a property that is served by an on -site sewage facility, as
defined in Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, chapter 285, then:
(1) All irrigation piping and valves must meet the separation distances from the on-site sewage facilities
system as required for a private water line in Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, § 285.91(10);
(2) Any connections using a private or public potable water source that is not the city's potable water
system must be connected to the water source through a reduced pressure principal backflow
prevention assembly as defined in Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, § 344.50; and
(3) any water from the irrigation system that is applied to the surface of the area utilized by the on -site
sewage facility system must be controlled on a separate irrigation zone or zones so as to allow
complete control of any irrigation to that area so that there will not be excess water that would
prevent the on-site sewage facilities system from operating effectively.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 2, 12-1-2008)
Sec. 12-205. Water conservation.
All irrigation systems shall be designed, installed, maintained, altered, repaired, serviced, and operated in a
manner that will promote water conservation as defined in the definitions section of this article.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 2, 12-1-2008)
Sec. 12-206. Irrigation plan design: minimum standards.
(a) An irrigator shall prepare an irrigation plan for each site where a new irrigation system will be installed. An
approved irrigation plan must be on the job site at all times during the installation of the irrigation system. A
drawing showing the actual installation of the system is due to each irrigation system owner after all new
irrigation system installations. During the installation of the irrigation system, variances fro m the original
plan may be authorized by the licensed irrigator if the variance from the plan does not:
(1) Diminish the operational integrity of the irrigation system;
(2) Violate any requirements of this ordinance; and
(3) Go unnoted in red on the irrigation plan.
(b) The irrigation plan must include complete coverage of the area to be irrigated. If a system does not provide
complete coverage of the area to be irrigated, it must be noted on the irrigation plan.
(c) All irrigation plans used for construction must be drawn to scale. The plan must include, at a minimum, the
following information:
(1) The irrigator's seal, signature, and date of signing;
(2) All major physical features and the boundaries of the areas to be watered;
(3) A North arrow;
(4) A legend;
(5) The zone flow measurement for each zone;
(6) Location and type of each:
a. Controller; and
b. Sensor (for example, but not limited to, rain, moisture, wind, flow, or freeze);
(7) Location, type, and size of each:
a. Water source, such as, but not limited to a water meter and point(s) of connection;
b. Backflow prevention device;
c. Water emission device, including, but not limited to, spray heads, rotary sprinkler heads, quick -
couplers, bubblers, drip, or micro-sprays;
d. Valve, including but not limited to, zone valves, master valves, and isolation valves;
e. Pressure regulation component; and
f. main line and lateral piping.
(8) The scale used;
(9) The design pressure; and
(10) Any additional information deemed necessary by the building official.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 2, 12-1-2008)
Sec. 12-207. Design and installation: minimum requirements.
(a) No irrigation design or installation shall require the use of any component, including the water meter, in a
way which exceeds the manufacturer's published performance limitations for the component.
(b) Spacing.
(1) The maximum spacing between emission devices must not exceed the manufacturer's published radius
or spacing of the device(s). The radius or spacing is determined by referring to the manufacturer's
published specifications for a specific emission device at a specific operating pressure.
(2) New irrigation systems shall not utilize above-ground spray emission devices in landscapes that are less
than 48 inches not including the impervious surfaces in either length or width and which contain
impervious pedestrian or vehicular traffic surfaces along two or more perimeters. If pop-up sprays or
rotary sprinkler heads are used in a new irrigation system, the sprinkler heads should direct flow away
from any adjacent surface and shall not be installed closer than four inches from a hardscape, such as,
but not limited to, a building foundation, fence, concrete, asphalt, pavers, or stones set with mortar.
(3) Narrow paved walkways, jogging paths, golf cart paths or other small areas located in cemeteries,
parks, golf courses or other public areas may be exempted from this requirement if the runoff drains
into a landscaped area.
(c) Water pressure. Emission devices must be installed to operate at the minimum and not above the maximum
sprinkler head pressure as published by the manufacturer for the nozzle and head spacing that is used.
Methods to achieve the water pressure requirements include, but are not limited to, flow control valves, a
pressure regulator, or pressure compensating spray heads.
(d) Piping. Piping in irrigation systems must be designed and installed so that the flow of water in the pipe will
not exceed a velocity of five feet per second for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe.
(e) Irrigation zones. Irrigation systems shall have separate zones based on plant material type, microclimate
factors, topographic features, soil conditions, and hydrological requirements.
(f) Matched precipitation rate. Zones must be designed and installed so that all of the emission devices in that
zone irrigate at the same precipitation rate.
(g) Irrigation systems shall not spray water over surfaces made of concrete, asphalt, brick, wood, stones set with
mortar, or any other impervious material, such as, but not limited to, walls, fences, sidewalks, streets, etc.
(h) Master valve. When provided, a master valve shall be installed on the discharge side of the backflow
prevention device on all new installations.
(i) PVC pipe primer solvent. All new irrigation systems that are installed using PVC pipe and fittings shall be
primed with a colored primer prior to applying the PVC cement in accordance with the International
Plumbing Code (section 605).
(j) Rain or moisture shut-off devices or other technology. All new automatically controlled irrigation systems
must include sensors or other technology designed to inhibit or interrupt operation of the irrigation system
during periods of moisture or rainfall. Rain or moisture shut -off technology must be installed according to
the manufacturer's published recommendations. Repairs to existing automatic irrigation systems that
require replacement of an existing controller must include a sensor or other technology designed to inhibit
or interrupt operation of the irrigation system during periods of moisture or rainfall.
(k) Isolation valve. All new irrigation systems must include an isolation valve between the water meter and the
backflow prevention device.
(l) Depth coverage of piping. Piping in all irrigation systems must be installed according to the
manufacturer's published specifications for depth coverage of piping.
(1) If the manufacturer has not published specifications for depth coverage of piping, the piping must be
installed to provide minimum depth coverage of six inches of select backfill, between the top of the
pipe and the natural grade of the topsoil. All portions of the irrigation system that fail to meet this
standard must be noted on the irrigation plan. If the area being irrigated has rock at a depth of six
inches or less, select backfill may be mounded over the pipe. Mounding must be noted on the irrigation
plan and discussed with the irrigation system owner or owner's representative to address any safety
issues.
(2) If a utility, man-made structure, or roots create an unavoidable obstacle, which makes the six-inch
depth coverage requirement impractical, the piping shall be installed to provide a minimum of two
inches of select backfill between the top of the pipe and the natural grade of the topsoil.
(3) All trenches and holes created during installation of an irrigation system must be backfilled and
compacted to the original grade.
(m) Wiring irrigation systems.
(1) Underground electrical wiring used to connect an automatic controller to any electrical component of
the irrigation system must be listed by Underwriters Laboratories as acceptable for burial
underground.
(2) Electrical wiring that connects any electrical components of an irrigation system must be sized
according to the manufacturer's recommendation.
(3) Electrical wire splices which may be exposed to moisture must be waterproof as certified by the wire
splice manufacturer.
(4) Underground electrical wiring that connects an automatic controller to any electrical component of the
irrigation system must be buried with a minimum of six inches of select backfill.
(n) Water contained within the piping of an irrigation system is deemed to be non -potable. No drinking or
domestic water usage, such as, but not limited to, filling swimming pools or decorative fountains, shall be
connected to an irrigation system. If a hose bib (an outdoor water faucet that has hose threads on the spout)
is connected to an irrigation system for the purpose of providing supplemental water to an area, the hose bib
must be installed using a quick coupler key on a quick coupler installed in a covered purple valve box and the
hose bib and any hoses connected to the bib must be labeled "non potable, not safe for drinking." An
isolation valve must be installed upstream of a quick coupler connecting a hose bib to an irrigation system.
(o) Beginning January 1, 2010, either a licensed irrigator or a licensed irrigation technician shall be on -site at all
times while the landscape irrigation system is being installed. When an irrigator is not onsite, the irrigator
shall be responsible for ensuring that a licensed irrigation technician is on-site to supervise the installation of
the irrigation system.
(p) Completion of irrigation system installation. Upon completion of the irrigation system, the irrigator or
irrigation technician who provided supervision for the on-site installation shall be required to complete four
items:
(1) a final "walk through" with the irrigation system's owner or the owner's representative to explain the
operation of the system;
(2) The maintenance checklist on which the irrigator or irrigation technician shall obtain the signature of
the irrigation system's owner or owner's representative and shall sign, date, and seal the checklist. If
the irrigation system's owner or owner's representative is unwilling or unable to sign the maintenance
checklist, the irrigator shall note the time and date of the refusal on the irrigation system's owner or
owner's representative's signature line. The irrigation system owner or owner's representative will be
given the original maintenance checklist and a duplicate copy of the maintenance checklist shall be
maintained by the irrigator. The items on the maintenance checklist shall include but are not limited to:
a. The manufacturer's manual for the automatic controller, if the system is automatic;
b. A seasonal (spring, summer, fall, winter) watering schedule based on either current/real time
evapotranspiration or monthly historical reference evapotranspiration (historical ET) data,
monthly effective rainfall estimates, plant landscape coefficient factors, and site factors;
c. A list of components, such as the nozzle, or pump filters, and other such components; that
require maintenance and the recommended frequency for the service; and
d. The statement, "This irrigation system has been installed in accordance with all applicable state
and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations or orders. I have tested the system and determined
that it has been installed according to the irrigation plan and is properly adjusted for the most
efficient application of water at this time."
(3) A permanent sticker which contains the irrigator's name, license number, company name, telephone
number and the dates of the warranty period shall be affixed to each automatic controller installed by
the irrigator or irrigation technician. If the irrigation system is manual, the sticker shall be affixed to the
original maintenance checklist. The information contained on the sticker must be printed with
waterproof ink and include:
(4) The irrigation plan indicating the actual installation of the system must be provided to the irrigation
system's owner or owner representative.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 2, 12-1-2008)
Sec. 12-209. Maintenance, alteration, repair, or service of irrigation systems.
(a) The licensed irrigator is responsible for all work that the irrigator performed during the maintenance,
alteration, repair, or service of an irrigation system during the warranty period. The irrigator or business
owner is not responsible for the professional negligence of any other irrigator who subsequently conducts
any irrigation service on the same irrigation system.
(b) All trenches and holes created during the maintenance, alteration, repair, or service of an irrigation system
must be returned to the original grade with compacted select backfill.
(c) Colored PVC pipe primer solvent must be used on all pipes and fittings used in the maintenance, alteration,
repair, or service of an irrigation system in accordance with the adopted plumbing code of the city.
(d) When maintenance, alteration, repair or service of an irrigation system involves excavation work at the
water meter or backflow prevention device, an isolation valve shall be installed, if an isolation valve is not
present.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 2, 12-1-2008)
Sec. 12-210. Advertisement requirements.
(a) All vehicles used in the performance of irrigation installation, maintenance, alteration, repair, or service must
display the irrigator's license number in the form of "LI # _______." in a contrasting color of block letters at
least two inches high, on both sides of the vehicle.
(b) All forms of written and electronic advertisements for irrigation services must display the irrigator's license
number in the form of "LI # _______." Any form of advertisement, including business cards, and estimates
which displays an entity's or individual's name other than that of the licensed irrigator must also display the
name of the licensed irrigator and the licensed irrigator's license number. Trailers that advertise irrigation
services must display the irrigator's license number.
(c) The name, mailing address, and telephone number of the commission must be prominently displayed on a
legible sign and displayed in plain view for the purpose of addressing complaints at the permanent structure
where irrigation business is primarily conducted and irrigation records are kept.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 2, 12-1-2008)
Sec. 12-211. Contracts.
(a) All contracts to install an irrigation system must be in writing and signed by each party and must specify the
irrigator's name, license number, business address, current business telephone numbers, the date that each
party signed the agreement, the total agreed price, and must contain the statement, "Irrigation in Texas is
regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), MC -178, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas
78711-3087. TCEQ's website is: www. tceq.state.tx.us." All contracts must include the irrigator's seal,
signature, and date.
(b) All written estimates, proposals, bids, and invoices relating to the installation or repair of an irrigation
system(s) must include the irrigator's name, license number, business address, current business telephone
number(s), and the statement: "Irrigation in Texas is regulated by the Texas Commission On Environmental
Quality (TCEQ) (MC-178), P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. TCEQ's web site is:
www.tceq.state.tx.us."
(c) An individual who agrees by contract to provide irrigation services as defined in Title 30, Texas
Administrative Code, § 344.30 (relating to License Required) shall hold an irrigator license issued under Title
30, Texas Administrative Code, chapter 30 (relating to Occupational Licenses and Registrations) unless the
contract is a pass-through contract as defined in Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, § 344.1(36) (relating to
definitions). If a pass-through contract includes irrigation services, then the irrigation portion of the contract
can only be performed by a licensed irrigator. If an irrigator installs a system pursuant to a pass -through
contract, the irrigator shall still be responsible for providing the irrigation system's owner or through
contract, the irrigator shall still be responsible for providing the irrigation system's owner or owner's
representative a copy of the warranty and all other documents required under this chapter. A pass -through
contract must identify by name and license number the irrigator that will perform the work and must provide
a mechanism for contacting the irrigator for irrigation system warranty work.
(d) The contract must include a statement that provides the dates that the warranty is valid.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 2, 12-1-2008)
Sec. 12-212. Warranties for systems.
(a) On all installations of new irrigation systems, an irrigator shall present the irrigation system's owner or
owner's representative with a written warranty covering materials and labor furnished in the new
installation of the irrigation system. The irrigator shall be responsible for adhering to terms of the warranty.
If the irrigator's warranty is less than the manufacturer's warranty for the system components, then the
irrigator shall provide the irrigation system's owner or the owner's representative with applicable
information regarding the manufacturer's warranty period. The warranty must include the irrigator's seal,
signature, and date. If the warranty is part of an irrigator's contract, a separate warranty document is not
required.
(b) An irrigator's written warranty on new irrigation systems must specify the irrigator's name, business address,
and business telephone number(s), must contain the signature of the irrigation system's owner or owner's
representative confirming receipt of the warranty and must include the statement: "Irrigation in Texas is
regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), MC -178, P.O. Box 130897, Austin,
Texas 78711-3087. TCEQ's website is: www.tceq.state.tx.us."
(c) On all maintenance, alterations, repairs, or service to existing irrigation systems, an irrigator shall present the
irrigation system's owner or owner's representative a written document that identifies the materials
furnished in the maintenance, alteration, repair, or service. If a warranty is provided, the irrigator shall abide
by the terms. The warranty document must include the irrigator's name and business contact information.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 2, 12-1-2008)
Sec. 12-213. Duties and responsibilities of city irrigation inspectors.
A licensed irrigation inspector shall enforce the ordinance of the city, and shall be responsible for:
(1) Verifying that the appropriate permits have been obtained for an irrigation system and that the
irrigator and installer or irrigation technician, if applicable, are licensed;
(2) Inspecting the irrigation system or receipt of third party compliance letter;
(3) Determining that the irrigation system complies with the requirements of this chapter;
(4) Determining that the appropriate backflow prevention device was installed, tested, and test results
provided to the city;
(5) Investigating complaints related to irrigation system installation, maintenance, alteration, repairs, or
service of an irrigation system and advertisement of irrigation services; and
(6) Maintaining records according to this chapter.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 2, 12-1-2008)
Sec. 12-214. Items not covered by this article.
Any item not covered by their article and required by law shall be governed by the Texas Occupations Code,
the Texas Water Code, Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, and any other applicable state statute or Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality rule.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 2, 12-1-2008)
Sec. 12-215. Fees.
The city council may establish by resolution fees for obtaining and renewing an irrigation permit. These fees
will be in amounts sufficient to cover the city's costs in issuing and renewing the permits, including, but not limited
to, staff time and other overhead costs.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 2, 12-1-2008)
Sec. 12-216. Enforcement.
(a) The city shall have the power to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter as may be
required by governing law. Any person, firm, corporation or agent who shall violate a provision of
this code, or fails to comply therewith, or with any of the requirements thereof, is subject to suit for
injunctive relief as well as prosecution for criminal violations. Any violation of the article codified in
this chapter is declared to be a nuisance.
(b) Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed
guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction in the municipal court of the city shall be punished by
a fine not to exceed the sum of $500.00 for each offense. Every day a violation occurs shall
constitute a separate offense.
(c) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as a waiver of the city's right to bring a civil action to
enforce the provisions of this chapter and to seek remedies as allowed by law, including, but not
limited to the following:
(1) Injunctive relief to prevent specific conduct that violates the ordinance or to require specific
conduct that is necessary for compliance with the article; and
(2) Other available relief.
(Ord. No. 08-1784, § 2, 12-1-2008)
APPENDIX D: CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION