§ 13.20.010. Water conservation and water restrictions

A.

The City of Hobbs hereby establishes a designated period of City wide water conservation that begins on each May 15th and continues through September 15th of each year. The following water conservation measures shall be in effect for all consumers connected to the City's water distribution system. No domestic or commercial water shall be used for garden, lawn, or other exterior watering or sprinkling application, except from the water mains of and upon the premises having an even street address on even calendar days and having an odd street address on odd calendar days. In the case of corner buildings having both odd and even address numbers, and any other ambiguity, the address listed on the consumer's account with the City's utilities department shall control.

B.

During the water conservation period from May 15th through September 15th of each year, all outdoor watering of grass, trees, plants, or other vegetation shall occur only during one of the following designated watering periods each day and only on the corresponding odd or even calendar day for each address:

1.

Between the hours of four a.m. and eight a.m.; or

2.

Between the hours of seven p.m. and eleven p.m.

C.

On the 31st day of months having thirty-one (31) days, no watering shall be allowed.

D.

Such water restrictions shall not apply to water usage applied primarily in the course and conduct of a business activity, provided a special permit is duly applied for in writing describing in detail the purpose, amount, manner and location for the water use. Water may only then be used in the amount, manner, and location as described in the special permit that is issued to such business entity by the City of Hobbs Utilities Director or his or her designee. Such special permits shall be effective for no more than thirty (30) days and may be rescinded at any time for severe water restriction purposes.

E.

During water restriction periods, upon written application for a special permit, the City of Hobbs Utilities Director or his or her designee may issue a special permit for daily watering for twenty-one (21) days for new seed, or ten (10) days for new sod, or for a time determined appropriate for other exceptional requirements, permitting daily watering during designated hours. Such special permits may be rescinded at any time for severe water restriction purposes.

F.

In the event that conditions exist that adversely affect the availability of water due to climatic conditions, plant breakdown, capacity of the treatment plant(s), low water supply, or otherwise, the City Manager, or acting City Manager in his or her absence, may declare a water emergency and establish further restrictions or prohibitions for any water application or usage. If the City Manager takes such action, the action shall be placed upon the agenda of the City Commission not later than the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Commission for approval, amendment, or disapproval. If approved or approved as modified, such approval shall be made by Commission resolution specifically setting forth the provisions of the restrictions in full. The City Manager shall take steps as seems most effective to inform the public.

G.

The City Commission may from time to time adopt and revise policies and plans with regard to water conservation, water restrictions, and water waste in addition to the regulations set forth in this chapter and other City ordinances, policies and resolutions. Copies of such policies and plans may be found on file in the office of the City Clerk.

( Ord. No. 1079 , 11-3-2014)