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The following was adopted by the City of Clarendon last Tuesday, July 26, 2011, and is now in effect. As of August 3, the city is still in Stage Three of the plan.

DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN

FOR THE

CITY OF CLARENDON, TEXAS

Section I:      Declaration of Policy, Purpose, and Intent

 In order to conserve the available water supply and protect the integrity of water supply facilities, with particular regard for domestic water use, sanitation, and fire protection, and to protect and preserve public health, welfare, and safety and minimize the adverse impacts of water supply shortage or other water supply emergency conditions, the City of Clarendon, Texas hereby adopts the following Drought Contingency Plan.

 Section II:     Public Involvement

 Opportunity for the public and wholesale water customers to provide input into the preparation of the Plan was provided by the City of Clarendon by means of the monthly meetings of the Clarendon City Council.

 Section III:    Wholesale Water Customer Education

 The City of Clarendon will periodically provide water customers with information about the Plan, including information about the conditions under which each stage of the Plan is to be initiated or terminated and the drought response measures to be implemented in each stage. A copy of the drought contingency plan will be furnished to the water authority. Water customers will be periodically informed as to which stage of the plan we are operating under. This will be done in the monthly water bills.

 Section IV:    Coordination with Regional Water Planning Groups

 The service area of the City of Clarendon is located in Region A and the City of Clarendon has provided a copy of the plan to this group.

 Section V:     Authorization

 The Clarendon City Council, or its designee, is hereby authorized and directed to implement the applicable provisions of this Plan upon determination that such implementation is necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare. The Clarendon City Council, or its designee, shall have the authority to initiate or terminate drought or other water supply emergency response measures as described in this Plan.

 Section VI:    Application

 The provisions of this Plan shall apply to all customers utilizing water provided by the City of Clarendon. The terms customer as used in the Plan include individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, and all other legal entities.

 Section VII:   Triggering Criteria for Initiation and Termination of Drought Response Stages

 The City of Clarendon shall rely on the Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority to monitor water supply and demand conditions on a monthly basis and Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority shall determine when conditions warrant initiation or termination of each stage of the Plan. Wholesale customer notification by Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority of the initiation or termination of drought response stages will be made by mail or telephone. The news media will also be informed.

 (a)  Stage 1—Mild Water Shortage Conditions

 Requirements for initiation— Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will recognize that a mild water shortage condition exists when the water storage in the Greenbelt Reservoir reaches an elevation level of 2637.00.

Requirements for Termination—Stage 1 of the plan may be rescinded when all the conditions listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of 30 consecutive days. The Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will notify its wholesale customers and the media of the termination of Stage 1 in the same manner as the notification of initiation of Stage 1 of the Plan.

(b)  Stage 2—Moderate Water Shortage Conditions

 Requirements for initiation— Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will recognize that a moderate water shortage condition exists when the water storage in the Greenbelt Reservoir reaches an elevation level of 2634.00, and the daily flow or demand for water equals or exceeds 7.5mgd.

 Requirements for Termination—Stage 2 of the plan may be rescinded when all the conditions listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of 30 consecutive days. Upon termination of Stage 2, Stage 1 becomes operative. The Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will notify its wholesale customers and the media of the termination of Stage 2 in the same manner as the notification of initiation of Stage 1 of the Plan.

 (c)  Stage 3—Emergency Water Shortage Conditions

Requirements for initiation— Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will recognize that a severe water shortage condition exists when the water storage in the Greenbelt Reservoir reaches an elevation level of 2631.00, and the daily flow or the daily demand for water equals or exceeds 7.5mgd.

 Requirements for Termination—Stage 3 of the plan may be rescinded when all the conditions listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of 30 consecutive days. Upon termination of Stage 3, Stage 2 becomes operative. The Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will notify its wholesale customers and the media of the termination of Stage 2 in the same manner as the notification of initiation of Stage 3 of the Plan.

(d)  Stage 4—Emergency Water Shortage Conditions

Requirements for initiation— The Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will recognize that a severe water shortage condition exists when the water storage in the Greenbelt Reservoir reaches an elevation level of 2628.00, and the daily flow or the daily demand for water equals or exceeds 7.5mgd. Also in the event of a major line break, or pump or system failures occur, which cause unprecedented loss of capacity to provide water service, or in the case of natural or man-made contamination of the water supply, Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will recognize that a severe water shortage condition exists

 Requirements for Termination—Stage 4 of the plan may be rescinded when all the conditions listed as triggering events have ceased to exist for a period of 30 consecutive days. The Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will notify its wholesale customers and the media of the termination of Stage 4.

Section VIII:  Drought Response Stages

 The Clarendon City Council, or its designee, shall communicate with Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority regarding water supply and demand conditions, and shall determine when mild, moderate, or severe water shortage conditions exist or that emergency conditions exist and shall implement the following actions:

             (a) Stage 1 Response — MILD Water Shortage Conditions

 

1. Goal: achieve a voluntary 10 percent reduction in total water use, or the daily demand for water.

 

1. Demand Management Measures:

 

(a)  The Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will contact wholesale water customers to discuss water supply and demand conditions and will request that wholesale water customers initiate voluntary measures to reduce water use, and initiate Stage 1 of the wholesale customer’s drought contingency plan.

 

(b)  The City of Clarendon will request that all of its water customers practice water conservation and minimize or discontinue water use for non-essential purposes, with the goal of reducing water usage by 10%.

 

            (b) Stage 2 Response– MODERATE Water Shortage Conditions

 

1. Goal: achieve a voluntary 20 percent reduction in total water use, or the daily demand for water.

 

1. Supply Management Measures: The water authority will lower the level in all storage tanks to no more than 75% of capacity, thus reducing the pressure on the wholesale water customer’s system. This in turn would help conserve water.

 

1. Demand Management Measures:

 

(a)  The Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will initiate weekly contact with wholesale water customers to discuss water supply and/or demand conditions.

 

(b)  The Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will request wholesale water customers to initiate mandatory measures to reduce non-essential water use, and to initiate Stage 2 of the wholesale water customer’s drought contingency plan.

 

(c)  The Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will provide a weekly report to news media with information regarding current water supply and demand conditions, projected water supply and demand conditions if drought conditions persist, and consumer information on water conservation measures and practices.

 

(d)  The City of Clarendon will request that all of its water customers practice water conservation and minimize or discontinue water use for non-essential purposes, with the goal of reducing water usage by 20%. It will be strongly recommended that customers:

 

1. Limit outside watering to twice-a-week, and then before 10:00 am and after 7:00 pm. Residential customers with odd-numbered street addresses water on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Residential customers with even-numbered street addresses water on Thursdays and Sundays. Commercial customers water on Tuesdays and Fridays.

 

1. Limit washing of motor vehicles, motorbikes, boats, and other vehicles at home to before 10:00 am or after 7:00 pm on your designated watering day, and then use a bucket and/or a hand-held hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle. Commercial car washes are excepted.

 

1. Avoid filling swimming pools except during the above watering hours.

 

1. Avoid operating ornamental fountains unless necessary to support aquatic life or if equipped with a recirculation system.

 

1. Do not water-wash driveways, sidewalks, and other hard-surfaced areas. Do not wash down buildings or structures except for immediate fire protection.

 

1. Repair all leaks as soon as possible, and report any leaks or unauthorized usage to City Hall. Night and weekend emergency leaks should be reported to the Donley County Sheriff’s Office at 806.874.3533.

 

            (c) Stage 3 Response– SEVERE Water Shortage Conditions

 

1. Goal: achieve a voluntary 30 percent reduction in total water use, or the daily demand for water.

 

1. Supply Management Measures: The water authority would lower the level in all storage tanks to no more than 50% of capacity, thus reducing the pressure on the wholesale water customer’s system. This in turn would help conserve an even greater amount of water.

 

1. Demand Management Measures:

 

      All requirements of Stage 2 shall remain in effect during Stage 3 except:

 

(a)  The Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will contact wholesale water customers to discuss water supply and demand conditions and will request that wholesale water customers initiate additional voluntary measures to reduce water use, and initiate Stage 3 of the wholesale customer’s drought contingency plan.

 

(b)  The Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will provide a weekly report to news media with information regarding current water supply and demand conditions, projected water supply and demand conditions if drought conditions persist, and consumer information on water conservation measures and practices.

 

(c)  The City of Clarendon will request that all of its water customers practice water conservation and minimize or discontinue water use for non-essential purposes, with the goal of reducing water usage by 30%. Under threat of penalty for violation, the following water use restrictions shall apply to all persons:

 

1. Limit outside watering to twice-a-week, and then before 10:00 am and after 7:00 pm. Residential customers with odd-numbered street addresses water on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Residential customers with even-numbered street addresses water on Thursdays and Sundays. Commercial customers water on Tuesdays and Fridays.

 

1. Limit washing of motor vehicles, motorbikes, boats, and other vehicles at home to before 10:00 am or after 7:00 pm on your designated watering day, and then use a bucket and/or a hand-held hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle. Commercial car washes are excepted.

 

1. Avoid filling swimming pools except during the above watering hours.

 

1. Avoid operating ornamental fountains unless necessary to support aquatic life or if equipped with a recirculation system.

 

1. Do not water-wash driveways, sidewalks, and other hard-surfaced areas. Do not wash down buildings or structures except for immediate fire protection.

 

1. Repair all leaks as soon as possible, and report any leaks or unauthorized usage to City Hall. Night and weekend emergency leaks should be reported to the Donley County Sheriff’s Office at 806.874.3533.

 

            (d) Stage 4 Response —  EMERGENCY Water Shortage Conditions

 

Whenever emergency water shortage conditions exist as defined in Section VII of the Plan, the Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority will:

 

1. Assess the severity of the problem and identify the actions needed and time required to solve the problem.

 

1. Inform the utility director or the other responsible official of each wholesale water customer by telephone or in person and suggest actions, as appropriate, to alleviate problems, until service is restored.

 

1. The City of Clarendon will request that all of its water customers practice water conservation and discontinue water use for non-essential purposes, with the goal of reducing water usage by more than 30%. All requirements of Stage 3 shall remain in effect during Stage 4 except for responses listed below. Under threat of penalty for violation, the following water use restrictions shall apply to all persons:

 

1. Irrigation of landscaped areas shall be limited to designated watering days between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and between 8 p.m. and 12:00 midnight and shall be by means of hand-held hoses, hand-held buckets, drip irrigation, or permanently installed automatic sprinkler system only. The use of hose-end sprinklers is prohibited at all times. Residential customers with odd-numbered street addresses water on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Residential customers with even-numbered street addresses water on Thursdays and Sundays. Commercial customers water on Tuesdays and Fridays.

 

1. Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, airplane or other vehicle not occurring on the premises of a commercial car wash and commercial service stations and not in the immediate interest of public health, safety, and welfare is prohibited.  Further, such vehicle washing at commercial car washes and commercial service stations shall occur only between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and between 6:00 p.m. and 10 p.m.

 

1. Avoid filling swimming pools except during the above watering hours.

 

1. Avoid operating ornamental fountains unless necessary to support aquatic life or if equipped with a recirculation system.

 

1. Do not water-wash driveways, sidewalks, and other hard-surfaced areas. Do not wash down buildings or structures except for immediate fire protection.

 

1. Repair all leaks as soon as possible, and report any leaks or unauthorized usage to City Hall. Night and weekend emergency leaks should be reported to the Donley County Sheriff’s Office at 806.874.3533.

 

 

 

 

 

Section IX:    Pro Rata Water Allocation

 

In the event that the triggering criteria specified in Section VII of the plan for Stage 4—Emergency Water Shortage Conditions have been met, the Board of Directors of the Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority has the authority to initiate allocation of water supplies on a pro rata basis in accordance with the Texas Code Section 11.039 and according to the following water allocation policies and procedures:

 

A wholesale customer’s monthly allocation shall be a percentage of the customer’s water usage baseline. The percentage will be set by resolution of the Board of Directors of the Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority based on the General Manager’s assessment of the severity of the water shortage condition and the need to curtail water deliveries and may be adjusted periodically by resolution of the Board of Directors of the Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority as conditions warrant. Once pro rata allocation is in effect, water deliveries to each wholesale customer shall be limited to the allocation for each month.

 

A monthly water usage allocation shall be established by the Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority for each wholesale customer. The wholesale customer’s water usage baseline will be computed on the average water usage by month for the 5 prior years as shown below.

 

 The Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority shall provide notice, by certified mail, to each wholesale customer informing them of their monthly water usage allocations and shall notify the news media and the Executive Director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) upon initiation of pro rata water allocation.

 

 

Example Calculation of Monthly Allocation (Total Treated Water from GMIWA)

 

Monthly totals shown in thousands of gallons.

	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	SUM	AVG	%	Monthly
									Allocation
Jan	7,706.4	7,802.5	8,954.1	9,089.4	7,637.9	41,190.3	8,238.1	70	5,766.6
Feb	7,806.7	6,949.0	9,263.1	7,514.2	5,459.8	36,992.8	7,398.6	70	5,179.0
Mar	8,351.3	6,347.2	9,753.7	6,662.4	5,498.6	36,613.2	7,322.6	70	5,125.8
Apr	10,867.8	5,369.6	10,174.9	6,614.5	5,052.4	38,079.2	7,615.8	70	5,331.1
May	10,665.9	4,739.5	10,356.4	6,174.0	8,386.0	40,321.8	8,064.4	70	5,645.1
Jun	16,090.8	5,116.8	10,663.6	10,981.2	11,187.0	54,039.4	10,807.9	70	7,565.5
July	16,324.5	7,918.8	10,490.1	15,731.0	10,792.5	61,256.9	12,251.4	70	8,576.0
Aug	10,102.6	10,113.0	9,989.2	9,587.9	9,572.2	49,364.9	9,873.0	70	6,911.1
Sep	7,759.8	7,985.1	7,333.6	12,131.7	7,863.1	43,073.3	8,614.7	70	6,030.3
Oct	6,661.0	8,299.8	7,676.0	12,088.8	8,719.1	43,444.7	8,688.9	70	6,082.3
Nov	7,567.1	7,636.1	7,737.8	12,462.0	8,982.4	44,385.4	8,877.1	70	6,214.0
Dec	8,000.9	9,211.6	8,239.0	9,906.7	10,063.7	45,421.9	9,084.4	70	6,359.1
TOT	117,904.8	87,489.0	110,631.5	118,943.8	99,214.7

During any period when pro rata allocation of available water is in effect, The City of Clarendon may be required to pay Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority the following surcharges on excess water deliveries:

 

(a)  1 ¼ times the normal charge per thousand gallons for water deliveries in excess of the monthly allocation up through 5 percent above the monthly allocation.

 

(b)  1 ½ times the normal water charge per acre-foot for water diversions and/or deliveries in excess of the monthly allocation from 5 percent through 10 percent above the monthly allocation.

 

(c)  1 ¾ times the normal water charge per acre-foot for water diversions and/or deliveries in excess of the monthly allocation from 10 percent through 15 percent above the monthly allocation.

 

(d)  2 times the normal water charge per acre-foot for water diversions and/or deliveries more than 15 percent above the monthly allocation.

 

(e)  The above surcharges shall be cumulative.

 

 

Section X:     Water Allocation Response

 

In the event that the Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority imposes water allocation to its wholesale customers, all Stage 4 Responses remain in effect except those listed below. The City of Clarendon will, under threat of penalty for violation, prohibit all non-essential water use by all customers. The following uses of water are defined as non-essential and are prohibited:

 

1. Washing of any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, or other hard-surfaced areas;

 

1. Use of water to wash down buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire protection;

 

1. Use of water for dust control;

 

1. Flushing gutters or permitting water to run or accumulate in any gutter or street; and

 

1. Failure to repair a controllable leak(s) within a reasonable period after having been given notice directing the repair of such leak(s).

 

 

 

IN THE EVENT THAT GREENBELT MUNICIPAL AND INDUSTRIAL WATER AUTHORITY INITIATES WATER ALLOCATIONS, The City of Clarendon will initiate, in the current billing cycle, water allocations to each of its customers at the same level as imposed by Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority.

 

RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS: The City of Clarendon will compute, for each residential account, the usage baseline for each monthly period for the prior five (5) years. The City of Clarendon will initiate the same allocation imposed by Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority. The City of Clarendon will provide notice, by regular mail, to each customer informing them of their monthly water usage allocations. During any period when pro rata allocation of available water is in effect, The City of Clarendon will assess the following surcharge on excess water deliveries:

 

 

Two (2) times the normal water charge per thousand gallons for water deliveries over and above the monthly allocation.

 

No City of Clarendon water customer will be allotted less than 2000 gallons per month.

 

Disputes regarding allotment levels will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Such questions or disputes should be directed, in writing or in person, to City Hall.

 

Water allocations are non-transferable.

 

 

COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS: The City of Clarendon will compute, for each commercial account, the usage baseline for each monthly period for the prior five (5) years. The City of Clarendon will initiate the same allocation imposed by Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority. The City of Clarendon will provide notice, by regular mail, to each customer informing them of their monthly water usage allocations. During any period when pro rata allocation of available water is in effect, The City of Clarendon will assess the following surcharges on excess water deliveries:

 

Two (2) times the normal water charge per thousand gallons for water deliveries over and above the monthly allocation.

 

No City of Clarendon water customer will be allotted less than 2000 gallons per month.

 

Disputes regarding allotment levels will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Such questions or disputes should be directed, in writing or in person, to City Hall.

 

      Water allocations are non-transferable.

Section XI:    Enforcement

 

1. 1.    No person shall knowingly or intentionally allow the use of water from the City of Clarendon for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, governmental, or any other purpose in a manner contrary to any provision of this Plan, or in an amount in excess of that permitted by the drought response stage in effect at the time pursuant to action taken by the Clarendon City Administrator, in accordance with provisions of this Plan.
2. 2.    Any person who violates this Plan is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). Each day that one or more of the provisions in this Plan is violated shall constitute a separate offense. If a person is convicted of three or more distinct violations of this Plan, the Clarendon City Administrator shall, upon due notice to the customer, be authorized to discontinue water service to the premises where such violations occur.  Services discontinued under such circumstances shall be restored only upon payment of a re-connection charge, hereby established at $1000.00, and any other costs incurred by the City of Clarendon in discontinuing service.  In addition, suitable assurance must be given to the Clarendon City Administrator that the same action shall not be repeated while the Plan is in effect.  Compliance with this plan may also be sought through injunctive relief in the district court.

 

1. 3.    Any person, including a person classified as a water customer of the City of Clarendon or the Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority, in apparent control of the property where a violation occurs or originates shall be presumed to be the violator, and proof that the violation occurred on the person’s property shall constitute a rebuttable presumption that the person in apparent control of the property committed the violation, but any such person shall have the right to show that he/she did not commit the violation.  Parents shall be presumed to be responsible for violations of their minor children and proof that a violation, committed by a child, occurred on property within the parents’ control shall constitute a rebuttable presumption that the parent committed the violation.

 

1. 4.    Any employee of the Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority, Sheriff’s Deputy, or City of Clarendon employee (such as a Code Compliance Officer) designated by the Clarendon City Administrator, may issue a citation to a person he/she reasonably believes to be in violation of this Ordinance. The citation shall be prepared in duplicate and shall contain the name and address of the alleged violator, if known, the offense charged, and shall direct him/her to appear before the Clarendon Municipal Judge on the date shown on the citation for which the date shall not be more than 5 days from the date the citation was issued. The alleged violator shall be served a copy of the citation.  Service of the citation shall be complete upon delivery of the citation to the alleged violator, to an agent or employee of a violator, or to a person over 14 years of age who is a member of the violator’s immediate family or is a resident of the violator’s residence. The alleged violator shall appear in Clarendon Municipal Court to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty for the violation of this Plan.  If the alleged violator fails to appear in Clarendon Municipal Court, a warrant for his/her arrest may be issued. A summons to appear may be issued in lieu of an arrest warrant.  These cases shall be expedited and given preferential setting in Clarendon Municipal Court before all other cases.

 

 

Section XII:   Variances

 

The City of Clarendon retains the right to petition The Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority for a variance to the pro rata allocation of water, within the guidelines as specified in the Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority Drought Contingency Plan.

 

The Clarendon City Council may, in writing, grant a temporary variance to the water use prohibition policies provided by this plan if it is determined that failure to grant such variances would cause an emergency condition adversely affecting the public health, welfare, or safety and if one or more of the following conditions are met:

 

(a)  Compliance with this plan cannot be technically accomplished during the duration of the water supply shortage or other condition for which the plan is in effect.

 

(b)  Alternative methods can be implemented which will achieve the same level of reduction in water use.

 

Persons requesting an exemption from the provisions of this Plan shall file a petition for variance with the Clarendon City Administrator within 10 days after Stage 4 Conditions have been announced. All petitions for variance shall be reviewed by the Clarendon City Council, and shall include the following:

 

(a)  Name and address of the petitioner(s).

 

(b)  Detailed statement with supporting data and information as to how the Stage 4 Prohibition of Water Use under the Policies and Procedures established in this Plan adversely affects the petitioner or what damage or harm will occur to the petitioner or others if petitioner complies with this ordinance.

 

(c)  Description of the relief requested.

 

(d)  Period of time for which the variance is sought.

 

(e)  Alternative measures the petitioner is taking or proposes to take to meet the intent of this Plan and the compliance date.

 

(f)   Other pertinent information.

 

Variances granted by the Clarendon City Council shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

(a)  Variances granted shall contain a timetable for compliance.

 

(b)  Variances granted shall expire when the Plan is no longer in effect, unless the petitioner has failed to meet specified requirements.

 

No variance shall be retroactive or otherwise justify any violation of this Plan occurring prior to the issuance of the variance.

 

 

Section XII:   Severability

 

It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council of the City of Clarendon that the sections, paragraphs, clauses, and phrases of this plan are severable and, if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section of this Plan shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and sections of this Plan, since the same would not have been enacted by the City Council of the City of Clarendon without the incorporation into this Plan of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section.

 

END OF DOCUMENT

AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) is asking its customers to avoid using unnecessary lighting or electric appliances – and to limit use of air conditioning today.

The request is being made because of extremely high temperatures throughout the region, increased demand for electricity and problems with power plants and the electric system.

“At this point, we anticipate being able to meet the demand. However, the availability of power from our generating units or from other utilities, as well as other electric system conditions, could change in these extreme weather conditions, so we are asking for our customers’ cooperation,” said Venita McCellon-Allen, SWEPCO president and chief operating officer. “We know that cutting back on electrical use, especially air conditioning, can be inconvenient and uncomfortable. But when everyone does something to help out, our combined efforts can help reduce overall demand for electricity and ease this emergency situation.”

SWEPCO is reducing power to certain industrial customers whose agreements with the utility allow curtailments. The company has already reduced power use at its own facilities. If the situation worsens and demand is about to exceed the available supply of power on its lines, SWEPCO is prepared to implement its emergency load reduction plan. This procedure temporarily interrupts power to parts of the company’s service area to avoid a major “blackout.” SWEPCO would rotate the areas affected by the “controlled outages” so customers are not without service for more than two hours whenever possible. The temporary outages should not affect critical public health and public safety facilities.

“Your assistance by voluntarily reducing your use of electricity – especially during the peak hours between 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. — should allow SWEPCO to continue to provide uninterrupted service to its customers,” said McCellon-Allen.

Here are some actions that customers can take to help ease the emergency situation:

• Set your thermostat at 80 degrees and make similar adjustments to window units

• Use portable or ceiling fans to circulate air and reduce the amount of air conditioning needed

• Turn off unnecessary lights

• Use washers, dryers and ovens later in the day so the heat and humidity they create will put less strain on your air conditioning.

Greenbelt Water Authority officially remains in Stage Three of its drought contingency plan as of Wednesday, August 3, and Clarendon and Hedley both have mandatory Stage Three restrictions in place.

The depth of Greenbelt Lake was recorded as 47.97 feet Tuesday morning, August 2, which is 0.03feet below the trigger for the next drought level. Stage Four will not begin until the water authority gives public notice in newspapers of its member cities, and Greenbelt General Manger Bobbie Kidd said that might happen in a week or two.

Restrictions implemented by Greenbelt member cities are having an effect, Kidd said.

“Childress is using about 1.5 million gallons a day,
and they were using about 2 million gallons,” Kidd said. “Clarendon is doing really good. They used 376,000 gallons on Monday, and in June they had some days that were 500,000 to 600,000 gallons. Hedley has cut back good, too.”

Kidd said the authority will assess the situation very carefully before declaring Stage Four and asking cities to do more to reduce water consumption.

The lake continues to suffer from a lack of rain and temperatures that persist in the triple digits.

Clarendon’s Cooperative Observer for the National Weather Service, Tommie Saye, says the city had 28 days in July that were 100°F or higher. The city has received 1.72 inches of rain since January 1.

Clarendon’s Rules
The Clarendon Board of Aldermen voted 2-1 last Tuesday, July 26, to adopt a new Drought Contingency Plan and establishes a maximum penalty of $500 for violating water restrictions in Stages Three or Four of the plan. The new rules also call for water service to discontinued if a person is found to have violated the restrictions three or more times, and the reconnection fee will be $1,000. Aldermen Ann Huey and Tommy Hill voted for the guidelines, and Alderman Terry Noble voted against the measure.
Clarendon’s restrictions for Stage Three, which became mandatory as of this Wednesday, August 3, are as follows:
1. Limit outside watering to twice-a-week, and then before 10:00 am and after 7:00 pm. Residential customers with odd-numbered street addresses water on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Residential customers with even-numbered street addresses water on Thursdays and Sundays. Commercial customers water on Tuesdays and Fridays.
2. Limit washing of motor vehicles, motorbikes, boats, and other vehicles at home to before 10:00 am or after 7:00 pm on your designated watering day, and then use a bucket and/or a hand-held hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle. Commercial car washes are excepted.
3. Avoid filling swimming pools except during the above watering hours.
4. Avoid operating ornamental fountains unless necessary to support aquatic life or if equipped with a recirculation system.
5. Do not water-wash driveways, sidewalks, and other hard-surfaced areas. Do not wash down buildings or structures except for immediate fire protection.
6. Repair all leaks as soon as possible, and report any leaks or unauthorized usage to City Hall. Night and weekend emergency leaks should be reported to the Donley County Sheriff’s Office at 806.874.3533.
The entire text of Clarendon’s new Drought Contingency Plan will be made available this week on ClarendonLive.com

Hedley’s Rules
The Hedley Board of Aldermen will meet Thursday night, August 4, to discuss possible changes to that city’s regulations. Current Stage Three mandatory restrictions in Hedley are:
1. Outside watering utilizing sprinklers or irrigation systems will only be allowed on Monday and Thursday, However, no watering will be allowed between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Hand watering only will be allowed on Sundays.
2. No washing of vehicles, boats, RV’s or driveways is allowed.
3. Customers with livestock tubs must maintain the float systems in good repair to alleviate any overflow.
4. Swimming pools must be maintained to reduce evaporation and water loss due to flushing.
5. All commercial and other known high water users are asked to reduce usage and prevent waste.
6. Watch for leaks and notify personnel at Hedley City Hall immediately if one is found.
7. Violators will be given one verbal warning. After the warning has been given a fine of $50 will be charged to your water bill every

All citizens are urged to comply with their municipality’s guidelines and even rural residents and those with private wells should exercise all possible conservation measures while the current conditions persist. And above all, pray for rain.

The Clarendon Enterprise received three first place honors in the West Texas Press Association’s 2010 Better Newspaper Contest last Saturday, July 30.

Results of the contest were announced during the WTPA’s 81st annual convention in Granbury.

The Enterprise won first place in Photography with a photo by Kari Lindsey of a local boy riding a donkey at last year’s July Fourth rodeo and with a photo of a lightning bolt by Anndria Newhouse. Judges at Tarleton State University called the donkey ride picture an “excellent action shot” which captured the rider’s expression. The lightning strike was called “unique” and described as “not usually seen by most people.”
Newhouse’s lightning photo also captured first place awards at the Panhandle Press and Texas Press contests earlier this year.

Roger Estlack received first place for Editorial Writing with articles on the topics of citizen participation in local government and the community teamwork needed to bring back the Mulkey Theatre.
The Enterprise’s 2010 pioneer edition of The Donley County Leader, featuring events surrounding the 1910 hanging of G.R. Miller also received a first place award.

Enterprise ads by Julie Shields for Cornell’s Country Store were recognized with a second place finish.
The Enterprise competed in Division D for small weeklies. The Albany News was recognized as the top paper in that division for the second year in a row, beating the Enterprise by 25 points.

Attending the convention and accepting the awards on the Enterprise’s behalf were Roger and Ashlee Estlack.

Neglecting your pets or livestock can cost you big and possibly land you in jail, and county and city officials are trying to combat what seems to be a rising problem of cruelty to animals.

Donley County Attorney Landon Lambert blames the ongoing drought and bad economic conditions for people not taking care of their animals properly.

“In the last two to three weeks, I’ve had two cases come in – one with a horse and another with a dog,” Lambert said. “We’re going to prosecute these cases, but we also want to set up alternatives so this doesn’t happen.”

Clarendon City Hall and the county attorney’s office are trying to raise awareness to prevent animals from being neglected and also want to offer solutions to citizens who may be simply unable to afford to care for their pets.

City Administrator Lambert Little said his office is working on a possible incentive to have people spay or neuter their pets but the measure will have to go before the Board of Aldermen.

“Right now the only thing we can do is euthanize,” Little said.

The county attorney and city administrator encourage people who aren’t able to take care of their animals to find new homes for them through services in Amarillo.

“If it’s livestock they should sell the animals or contact family members to take them,” Lambert said. “The Humane Society out of Amarillo will take horses, but I prefer placement with family as a first choice.”

Both city and county officials encourage people to contact the Amarillo SPCA at 806-622-0555 or to contact the Animal Rescue Shelter, Inc., in Amarillo, which is specifically a “no kill” shelter, at 806-622-1082.

Lambert says animal cruelty is a Class A Misdemeanor that carries a maximum fine of $4,000, up to a year in jail, and restitution for expenses incurred in rescuing the animal.

The county attorney said a Clarendon man was recently fined $1,000 and put on probation for two years for charges of Animal Cruelty. Brandon Goodwin was arrested in May after city and county personnel were dispatched to his home on Carhart Street where they found a small female dog hanging dead from a fence. Officials said two other dogs had no food or water and were covered with ticks, and one was so tangled around a post that it only had about two feet of moving area.

“When my guys come into City Hall with tears in their eyes, you know it’s bad,” Little said.

City Hall says dogs are not permitted to be chained up unless someone is there to watch them, and they must have 150 square feet of playing space per animal. City rules also state that pets cannot run at large in the city, must have a rabies shot tag issued by the city, and must be provided food, water, and shelter. Pets picked up by the city have ten days of adoption time before getting euthanized