A. The city council finds and determines that because of the prevailing conditions in the state, and the declared policy of the state, it is necessary and appropriate for the city to adopt, implement, and enforce a water conservation program to reduce the quantity of water used by persons within the city to ensure that there is sufficient water for human consumption, sanitation, and fire protection. The city council further finds and determines that during periods of drought, water shortages, and water shortage emergencies the general welfare requires that the city maximize the beneficial use of its available water resources to the extent that it is capable, and that the waste or unreasonable use, or unreasonable method of use, of water shall be prevented and the conservation of water is to be extended with the view to the reasonable and beneficial use thereof in the interests of the people of the city and for the public health, safety, and welfare.

B. This chapter establishes water conservation and drought response measures and regulations to be implemented during declared water conservation stages.

C. This chapter establishes five stages of water conservation and drought response measures to be implemented by the city, with increasing restrictions on water use in response to decreasing water supplies and worsening drought conditions.

D. The purposes of the water conservation provisions of this chapter are to:

E. This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate, annul, impair or in any way interfere with the free use of property by covenant, deed, or other private agreement or with restrictive covenants running with the land to which the city provides water services.

F. Nothing in this chapter is intended to affect or limit the ability of the city to respond to an emergency, including an emergency that affects the ability of the city to supply water. (Ord. 643 §2, 2014; Ord. 583, 2009).