CSWR-TEXAS DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN

Jul 08, 2021

Texan public water systems are required by state law to have a Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) that dictates how their customers may use water based on the time of year and intensity of drought conditions. These water usage restrictions are divided into five Stages (Mild, Moderate, Severe, Critical, and Emergency). Each Stage has its own parameters, or “Triggers”, that cause them.

The restrictions of a given Stage build upon the last, limiting or prohibiting water usage in activities such as landscaping, washing motor vehicles, filling swimming pools, and more. Upon determining the appropriate Stage of the DCP, CSWR-Texas will notify the public by direct customer communication and website announcements for (Mild, Moderate, Severe, Critical, and Emergency) water shortage conditions.

Why Groundwater is an Essential Resource
Groundwater is a priceless resource used in everyday life including personal consumption, household use, industry, and farming. The purpose of this policy is to conserve the available water supply in relation to water supply shortages or other water supply emergency conditions. This document establishes the minimum acceptable DCP practices for the water purveyor.

Water uses regulated or prohibited under this DCP are considered to be non-essential and continuation of such uses during times of water shortage or other emergency water supply conditions are deemed to constitute a waste of water which subjects the offender(s) to penalties. As your Water Purveyor, CSWR Texas is authorized to enforce the DCP by citing customers with violation notices and can discontinue water service to any customers who violate the DCP three (3) or more times.

Exemptions for DCP
Customers may petition for an Exemption from the DCP if having access to water restricted would result in “an emergency condition adversely affecting the health, sanitation, or fire protection for the public or the person requesting [the exemption].”

Persons requesting an exemption from the provisions of this plan shall file a petition for variance with Central States Water Resources through our website or by emailing support@cswrtexasuoc.com within three (3) business days after the plan or a particular drought response stage has been invoked.

All petitions for variances shall be reviewed by Central States Water Resources and shall include the following information:

  • Name and address of the petitioner(s).
  • Purpose of water use.
  • Specific provision(s) of the plan from which the petitioner is requesting relief.
  • Description of the relief requested.
  • Period of time for which the variance is sought.
  • Detailed statement as to how the specific provision of the plan adversely affects the petitioner or what damage or harm will occur to the petitioner or others if petitioner complies with this plan.
  • Alternative water use restrictions or other measures the petitioner is taking or proposes to take to meet the intent of this plan and the compliance date.
  • Other pertinent information.

Upon review of the request for an exemption waiver, the customer will be provided a letter either approving or denying the variance. This policy shall have full force and effect from and after its date of passage. Visit here to learn more about CSWR-Texas’ Drought Contingency Plan (DCP).