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RESOLUTION NO. R-1213-103: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, ADOPTING THE CITY OF NORMAN WATER CONSERVATION PLAN 2011, AS AMENDED.
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BACKGROUND: In 2001, Norman's 2001 Strategic Water Supply Plan was adopted by Council. The City developed a 'Water Conservation Plan' in 2002. The Water Conservation Plan outlined a short history of Norman's water system, an inventory of Norman's water sources, customer uses, rates, system loss and fundamental water conservation measures. The Water Conservation Plan was updated in 2006 and again in 2011.
Council adopted the current plan, the Water Conservation Plan 2011, including the Drought Contingency Plan, (the "Plan") on May 31st, 2011. The conservation stages adopted in that plan have been used primarily to reduce water usage during the peak season (summer). Most recently, the City used the plan's guidance to institute Stage 2 Moderate (Mandatory) Conservation effective January 14, 2013. Norman is entering the third year of the most significant drought in this area in 30 years. According to the Drought Impact Center, almost 95% of Oklahoma is in Category D3 (Extreme) or Category D4 (Exceptional) drought conditions. Norman is currently categorized has having Extreme Drought Conditions. The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center expects the current drought to continue or worsen through at least the Spring of 2013. Currently, the water level in Lake Thunderbird is 7 ½ feet below the normal pool elevation and is on track to meet and exceed the historical record low level set in 2006. Approximately 2/3 of Norman's water supply originates from Lake Thunderbird. The Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District (COMCD) manages the lake as a long term water supply source for Norman, Midwest City and Del City, and because of the ongoing drought conditions, has imposed a mandatory 10% reduction in the water Norman can get from Lake Thunderbird. COMCD has indicated an additional mandatory 10% reduction may be imposed if the drought continues as predicted. The proposed amendments to the Plan were presented to the Oversight Committee during its February meeting. Additionally, the proposed amendments were discussed with the Environmental Control Advisory Board (ECAB) and a proactive approach as proposed was favored.
DISCUSSION: The proposed amendments to the Plan add additional triggers for Stage 2, Moderate (Mandatory) Conservation and Stage 3, Severe (Mandatory) Conservation in Section 10 of the Plan. As amended, Stage 2 conservation measures could be implemented if Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District (COMCD) reduced our allocation from Lake Thunderbird by 10%. It could also be instituted if the water level in Lake Thunderbird dropped to 1032.0 acre feet or below. With the proposed amendments, Stage 3 conservation measures could be instituted if COMCD imposed a reduction greater than 10% in our allocation from Lake Thunderbird. Stage 3 measures could also be instituted if the water level in Lake Thunderbird dropped to 1029.0 acre feet or below. Finally, Stage 3 measures could be instituted if Stage 2 conservation measures have been instituted and not consistently resulted in a 10% reduction in demand and the drought is not expected to end in the near future. Resolution No. R-1213-103 would adopt the Plan as amended.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends adoption of Resolution No. R-1213-103.