ALBUQUERQUE BERNALILLO COUNTY
WATER UTILITY AUTHORITY
BILL NO. __R-21-5____
RESOLUTION
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Declaring a Drought Stage One: Drought Watch for Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority Service Area Until September 30, 2021
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WHEREAS, Albuquerque experienced the fifth warmest year on record and the fourth driest year on record in 2020; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service is predicting higher than average
temperatures and lower than average precipitation for the Middle Rio Grande region for
the next three months; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service is predicting persistence of the
drought at least through May 31, 2021; and
WHEREAS, an updated Drought Management Strategy was approved by the
Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority (Water Authority) as part of the Conservation Plan in March 2018; and
WHEREAS, the Drought Management Strategy is intended to reduce water use
during a drought consistent with the goals and objectives of Water 2120; and
WHEREAS, the Drought Management Strategy provides for establishing four
levels of drought entitled the Drought Advisory, Drought Watch, Drought Warning, and
Drought Emergency; and
WHEREAS, the Technical Customer Advisory Committee met on March 4, 2021 and was updated on the strategy proposed in this resolution and is in support of proceeding with Drought Stage 1: Drought Watch; and
WHEREAS, implementing additional drought management measures will assist
in reducing water usage during the current drought.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE WATER AUTHORITY THAT:
Section 1. Drought Watch Declaration. The Water Authority hereby declares a
Drought Watch and directs the Executive Director to implement the following measures
immediately:
A. Increase Public Awareness; and
B. Double Fees for Wasting Water; and
C. Offer DroughtSmart Classes with a $20 rebate.
Section 2. Increase Public Awareness. Until such time as the Drought Watch
expires or is lifted, the Water Authority shall provide an increased public awareness
campaign on drought severity, water use and conservation utilizing TV, radio, outdoor
advertising, bill inserts and social media. In addition, drought information shall be
incorporated into all levels of the education program.
Section 3. Drought Water Waste Fees. The existing water waste fees shall be
doubled. The Water Authority may increase the number of water waste enforcement
staff during this period.
Section 4. DroughtSmart Class. Beginning in March 2021 and continuing
throughout the irrigation season or until the Drought Watch is lifted whichever comes
first, the Water Authority shall offer classes on how to conserve during the drought.
Customers who attend the class will receive a one-time $20 credit on their water bill.
These rebates will be managed within the existing rebate program costs.
Section 5. Water Usage and Drought Update. As long as the Drought Watch
remains in effect, the Executive Director and staff shall report to the Board at each Board meeting on the status of water usage, precipitation and drought predictions.
Section 6. The Drought Watch shall remain in effect until repealed by the Water
Authority or until September 30, 2021.