During the Tuesday, March 5, meeting of the Altus City Council, it was approved to restrict the outside use of water in the City of Altus to every other day. The Emergency Ordinance was approved to compensate for severe drought conditions.
The City Council approved Emergency Ordinance 2013-4, with modifications, initiating a Stage 2 Water Conservation Plan. City of Altus Chief of Operations Bob Stephenson reports that the Tom Steed and Altus-Lugert reservoirs are at record lows. Stephenson indicated that according to the Emergency Ordinance, the City of Altus would be at a Stage 3 because Tom Steed is at 40% or less of its full capacity. If conditions don’t improve by April 15, the City will enter a Stage 3 mandatory restriction to one day per week.
During a “Stage 2 Drought Warning,” businesses and residents north of the Bradford/Falcon Road divider can use outside water on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Those south of the divider can use outside water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Several revisions will be made to the Ordinance regarding specific uses and restrictions for sprinkler systems and swimming pools, but enforcement or the ordinance is in effect.
Penalties, if found guilty, start at a fine of $25 plus court costs, up to $750 fine plus court costs for multiple offenses. Offenders could also have their water meters pulled until all fees and fines are paid, plus they could have to re-apply for water service and additional application fees and deposits could be required. City Attorney Catherine Coke said that a surcharge could also be added to the customers bill. To read the complete ordiance, visit the City of Altus’ website: www.cityofaltus.org
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