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Alpine council weighs tougher water rules but focuses on education ahead of summer
Summary
Councilmembers debated a proposed water-management ordinance that allows fines and shutoffs for repeat violations but also emphasized education and voluntary conservation measures. The city’s water committee said the priority is outreach to residents before enforcement steps are used.
Alpine City Council members debated a proposed water-management ordinance on April 14, pressing staff to balance enforcement tools with resident education as officials prepare for an expected dry summer.
Steven Burrows, chair of the city’s water committee, told the council the committee has met repeatedly and favors an educational approach: "We are discussing those, and we want to make it an educational process to essentially get converts for the need to conserve," Burrows said. He added that the committee has not taken a formal committee vote but that the draft ordinance reflects their discussions.
Councilmembers flagged provisions that would allow the city to escalate from warnings to fines and, ultimately, to cut service after multiple violations. One councilmember described the draft as "a little heavy-handed" and urged staff to add assistance measures — for example, information on rain barrels and water-saving tools — so residents aren’t left only with penalties.
City staff said the ordinance largely reflects a long-standing approach and is drafted in ordinance form so enforcement actions are legally supported. A staff member explained that the first step is a warning, followed by incremental fines and then service disconnection if violations continue. "We need to have the ability," staff said, noting the city has been planning for a tougher water year.
Councilmembers asked staff to pair enforcement provisions with clear outreach and to return with specific education materials, a timeline for messaging, and neighbor-friendly mitigation tools. The council also agreed to allow public comment at the staff presentation when the ordinance returns in final form.
What’s next: Staff will incorporate council direction on outreach and return with a revised ordinance and an implementation plan before voting on adoption.
