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Council hears pressurized‑irrigation plan: green/yellow/red alerts, enforcement and cross‑contamination cautions
Summary
Staff presented a 2026 pressurized‑irrigation (PI) plan—green/yellow/red alerts tied to pond levels and Yankee runoff—with outreach (Yopify) and staged enforcement. Staff warned about cross‑contamination risks from improper PI conversions and said a shallow well can supplement the system at cost.
City staff presented a pressurized‑irrigation (PI) conservation plan for 2026 that uses a color alert system (green/yellow/red) to communicate watering allowances and conservation urgency tied to pond levels and incoming runoff. The plan emphasizes proactive messaging via the city's Yopify system (texts, email, mailers) and local signage, plus a three‑step enforcement process: friendly phone calls, targeted Yopify messages and a formal three‑letter code‑enforcement sequence that could lead to fees or hearings if violations persist.
Staff warned of cross‑contamination hazards if residents alter systems improperly or install pumps without code‑approved backflow prevention, noting such incidents can risk culinary water safety and trigger boil orders. A 4‑bay well can be used to supplement supply but would carry pumping costs; staff recommended any surcharge be applied only to PI users. Council discussed tightening watering hours for broader culinary restrictions (no watering 10 a.m.–6 p.m.) and asked staff to bring an action item amending the ordinance if needed. Staff reported ongoing meter installs and mainline repairs to improve system reliability and will return with data to support alert status changes.
