FINAL_CaryApex_IBT_DroughtManagementPlan_2015

F INAL
2015 Interbasin Transfer Certificate
Drought Management Plan
Prepared for
Town of Cary Town of Apex
Submitted to
North Carolina Division of Water Resources

July 2015

CH2M HILL North Carolina, Inc.
3120 Highwoods Boulevard
Suite 214 - Magnolia Building
Raleigh, NC 27604
[phone]

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I
Contents
Section Page
1 Drought Management Plan ....................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Water Shortage Response ..................................................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Protection of the Source Basin .............................................................................................. 1-1
1.4 Modifications to Water Shortage Response Plans ................................................................ 1-3
2 References ................................................................................................................................ 2-1
Tables
1 Sample of Daily IBT and Average Day of Calendar Month IBT Calculation ......................................... 1-2
2 Estimated Range of Interbasin Transfer Reduction for the Towns of Cary and Apex Water
Shortage Response Plan Stages .......................................................................................................... 1-3
Appendixes
A Town of Cary Water Shortage Response Plan
B Town of Apex Water Shortage Response Plan

II

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1-1
SECTION 1 Drought Management Plan
1.1 Introduction
On March 12, 2015, the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) granted an
interbasin transfer (IBT) certificate modification to the Towns of Cary and Apex (Towns) with transfer limits
of 31 million gallons per day (mgd) from the Haw River basin to the Neuse River basin, and 2 mgd from the
Haw River basin to the Cape Fear River basin, calculated as a daily average of a calendar month. In addition
to the permitted transfer volume, the IBT certificate included a condition that requires the development of a
Drought Management Plan that specifies how the IBT shall be managed to protect the source river basin
(Haw River basin) during drought conditions or other emergencies that occur within the source river basin.
Currently, the Towns both have Water Shortage Response Plans (WSRPs), as required by North Carolina
General Statute (NCGS) 143-355(l). The rules governing water use during droughts and water emergencies
(15A North Carolina Administrative Code [NCAC] 02E. 0607) stipulate specific items that must be included in
those plans. The Towns’ WSRPs were developed in accordance with the NCAC and the Water Shortage
Response Plan Guidelines (NCDWR, 2009) provided by the Division of Water Resources (NCDWR), and have
been approved by the NCDWR, as well as each Town’s respective Town Council.
In contrast to each Town’s long-term water conservation program, the purpose of the WSRPs is to deal with
short-term or immediate water shortages that may be caused by drought, water quality problems, or
disruptions in facility operations. Both Cary and Apex have codified the authority to enact water shortage
response provisions identified in the WSRPs in their respective Code of Ordinances. The implementation of
the water shortage response provisions applies to the entire utility service area for both Towns, inclusive of
the Haw River basin, Cape Fear River basin, and Neuse River basin.
The following sections of this Drought Management Plan provide a summary of the Towns’ WSRPs and how
the implementation of the WSRPs provides protection of the IBT source river basin (Haw River basin) during
droughts or other emergencies.
1.2 Water Shortage Response
The IBT certificate condition requiring a Drought Management Plan focuses on the protection of the source
river basin; the authority of the Towns to require water use reductions across each Town’s service area as
described in their WSRPs will provide for reduced water withdrawals from Jordan Lake, in the source basin,
during periods of drought or other water emergencies.
The Towns have developed their WSRPs to be consistent with each other, as well as with other Triangle area
water providers. The Cary and Apex WSRPs are included in Appendixes A and B, respectively.
1.3 Protection of the Source Basin
NCGS 143-215.22L(n)(2) states that a Drought Management Plan, as a condition of an IBT certificate, should
specify how the IBT will be managed to protect the source basin during drought conditions with its
mandatory implementation.
1. The Towns’ WSRPs will reduce water withdrawals and IBT from Jordan Lake during drought
conditions, thereby protecting the source basin.
2. The Towns’ level of water use reduction from Jordan Lake will increase, and IBT decrease, in direct
proportion to the severity and duration of drought conditions, thereby protecting the source basin.
The Final Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Towns of Cary, Apex, and Morrisville, and for the Wake
County IBT Certificate Modification showed that the modified IBT certificate would have no significant
DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PLAN
1-2
impact on the source basin, as indicated by potential changes in Jordan Lake levels, Jake Lake water quality,
and water supply pool storage volumes and Cape Fear River flows (CH2M HILL, 2014).
Table 1 provides a comparison of the percentage of the 81-year period of record less than key hydrologic
indicators for 2045 conditions, with and without the approved IBT certificate modification. The results
presented in Table 1 are from hydrologic modeling analyses completed for the Final EA and include the
modeled effect of the implementation of the Towns’ WSRPs during drought conditions.
TABLE 1
Comparison of Percentage of Period of Record Less Than Key Hydrologic Indicators
Model Scenario
2045 Baseline (%)
(Without Approved IBT Certificate
Modification)
2045 Requested IBT (%)
(With Approved IBT Certificate
Modification)
Jordan Lake Level < 210 feet msl 1.6 2.0
Jordan Lake Level < 210 feet msl, Memorial Day
to Labor Day 0.2 0.3
Water Quality Pool <80% total storage volume 15.8 16.4
Water Quality Pool <60% total storage volume 5.9 6.4
Water Quality Pool <40% total storage volume 0.5 0.7
Water Quality Pool <20% total storage volume 0.0 0.0
Water Supply Pool <50% total storage volume 1.6 1.9
Flow at Lillington < 550 cfs 15.6 15.9
Flow at Fayetteville < 600 cfs 6.1 6.3
Source: CH2M HILL, 2014
< = less than
% = percent
cfs = cubic feet per second
msl = mean sea level
The implementation of the Towns’ WSRPs is based on conditions in the Towns’ water supply (and IBT)
source basin (Haw River basin), and will result in reductions in water withdrawals from the Haw River basin
by requiring water use reductions in both the source and receiving river basins (Haw, Neuse, and Cape Fear
River basins). The level of water use reduction will increase in direct proportion to the severity and duration
of drought conditions in the Haw River basin. As water withdrawal decreases, IBT will decrease, although not
in direct proportion, since curtailing irrigation will also decrease the amount of water returned to the source
basin in the form of consumptive use by customers in the Haw River basin.
The Towns’ WSRPs include an estimate of the expected effectiveness of the mandatory water use reductions
for each stage of water shortage response. Similarly, Table 2 provides an estimate of the range of
percentage reductions that might be expected in IBT for each WSRP stage. The ranges are based on the
projected water demand, consumptive use, surface water discharge, and resulting IBT for the 30-year
planning period used for the IBT certificate modification (2045), as well as the expected effect of the time of
DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PLAN
1-3
year when the WSRP is implemented. The ranges reflects the amount of uncertainty inherent in predicting
the potential impact of water use reductions on the multiple factors that go into estimating IBT.
TABLE 2
Estimated Range of Interbasin Transfer Reduction for the Towns of Cary and Apex Water Shortage Response
Plan Stages
WSRP Stage Potential Decrease in IBT from
WSRP Implementation (%)
1 0-5
2 5-20
3 10-25
Emergency/Rationing 20-30

1.4 Modifications to Water Shortage Response Plans
Since the WSRPs are referenced in this Interbasin Transfer Certificate Drought Management Plan, and the
WSRPs are required to be approved by NCDWR and adopted by the Towns’ governing bodies, any NCDWR-
approved updates to the WSRPs will automatically be included in this plan. Additional NCDWR approval of
this plan will not be required.

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2-1
SECTION 2 References
CH2M HILL. 2014. Final Environmental Assessment for the Towns of Cary, Apex and Morrisville and Water
County Interbasin Transfer Certificate Modification.
North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC). 2015. 15A NCAC 02E.0607: Publicly and Privately Owned Water
System Water Shortage Response Planning Requirements.
http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2015a%20-
%20environment%20and%20natural%20resources/chapter%2002%20-
%20environmental%20management/subchapter%20e/15a%20ncac%2002e%20.0607.pdf. Accessed April 10,
2015.
North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWR). 2009. Water Shortage Response Plan Guidelines. May 1.
http://www.ncwater.org/Water_Supply_Planning/Water_Shortage_Response_Plans/documents/wsrp_guid
elines.pdf. Accessed April 10, 2015.
North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC). 2015. Certificate Authorizing the Towns of
Cary and Apex to Transfer Water from the Haw River Basin to the Neuse and Cape Fear River Basins.
http://www.ncwater.org/files/ibt/CaryApex/IBT_Modification_Certificate_signed.pdf.
North Carolina General Statute (NCGS). 2015. NCGS 143-355(l): Local Water Supply Plans.
http://www.ncwater.org/rules_policies_and_regulations/Planning/gs143-355lm.pdf. Accessed April 10,
2015.
Town of Apex. 2015. Code of Ordinances.
https://www.municode.com/library/nc/apex/codes/code_of_ordinances. Accessed April 10, 2015.
Town of Apex. 2009. Water Shortage Response Plan. Prepared with CH2M HILL.
Town of Cary. 2015. Code of Ordinances.
http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/North%20Carolina/cary_nc/codeofordinancestownofcarynorthca
rolina?f=templates$fn=default.htm$3.0$vid=amlegal:cary_nc. Accessed April 10, 2015.
Town of Cary. 2010. Water Shortage Response Plan. January 21.
https://www.townofcary.org/Departments/waterresources/waterconservation/Water_Shortage_Response
_Plan.htm. Accessed May 15, 2015.

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Appendix A Town of Cary Water Shortage Response Plan

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Water Shortage Response Plan Page 1 of 9 Effective 8/13/2015

Town of Cary
Water Shortage Response Plan

Prepared by: Leila Goodwin, P.E., Water Resources Manager and Marie Cefalo, Water
Resources Outreach Supervisor
Supersedes: 1/21/2010
Adopted by Council: 8/13/2015
Effective: 8/13/2015

Purpose: To establish measures and procedures for reducing potable water use during
times of water shortage.

In 1996 the Town established a comprehensive water conservation program designed
to effectively manage Cary’s long term water resources. The established goals for the
program are to support the high quality of life in Cary by providing safe, reliable water
service, while reducing per capita use of potable water, conserve a limited natural
resource, and reduce the costs of infrastructure expansion. To achieve these goals the
comprehensive water conservation program includes regulatory, educational, and
financial incentive components. The regulatory component primarily consists of three
year-round water conservation ordinances: Section 36-80, Water Service Provided by
Town Includes only Alternate Day Outdoor Irrigation; Section 36-83, Waste While
Watering Ordinance, 36-84 Rain Sensor Ordinance. There are also irrigation system
design requirements included in the Land Development Ordinance. The fundamental
educational initiatives are administered through the Town’s Web pages, the annual
Summer Campaign and the Block Leader Program. The primary financial incentive is
the Town’s tiered rate structure.
In contrast to Cary’s long-term water conservation program, the purpose of this Water
Shortage Response Plan (WSRP) is to deal with short-term or immediate water
shortage, which may be caused by things such as drought, water quality problems, or
disruptions in facility operations. The Town of Cary has been required by the state to
have a WSRP since 2001 by both our Jordan Lake Allocation water supply contract and
our 2001 interbasin transfer (IBT) certificate, and our 2015 IBT certificate requires Cary
and Apex to have a Drought Management Plan. As of July 1, 2009, all public and
privately owned water systems subject to GS 143-355 (l) are required to have an
approved WSRP as part of their Local Water Supply Plans (LWSP). Rules governing
water use during droughts and water emergencies (15A NCAC 02E. 0607) stipulate
specific items that must be included in those plans. This WSRP was developed in
accordance with the Water Shortage Response Plan Guidelines provided by the
Division of Water Resources (January 2009) and supports the Drought Management
Plan required by our 2015 IBT certificate.
I. Authorization
The Cary Town Manager, and in his or her absence the Deputy or an Assistant Town
Manager, is authorized by Section 36-81 of the Town Code of Ordinances to declare a
Water Shortage and to enact water shortage response provisions. References in this

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document to the Town Manager apply to the Deputy or Assistant Town Managers in the
Town Manager’s absence.
II. Notification
Once a Water Shortage has been declared, and whenever the Water Shortage
Response Stage (defined in Section IV below) changes, the following notifications will
be made:
1. A notice of the effective date of the declaration and the current water use reduction
state will be posted at Town Hall.
2. The Town Manager (or designee) notifies the Mayor, Town Council, neighboring
municipal contract water recipients, and town government departments.
3. The Public Information Director (or designee) will contact the media. The media,
including television, print, internet, and radio, will inform the public. Contact
information for the Water Resources Department will be provided for additional
information needed by the public.
4. The Public Information Director (or designee) will update the Town’s Web site with
the Water Shortage status.
5. The Water Resources Director (or designee) will contact Finance Customer Service,
Public Works and Utilities Customer Service and the Water Distribution System
Operator, and distribute a general e-mail so Town employees can help provide
accurate information to the public.
6. Finance Customer Service will contact major water customers (both irrigation and
water accounts) and inform them of the implemented measures.
7. The Water Distribution System Operator will contact the police communications
center, and coordinate with bulk users.
8. The Town will directly notify both residential and non-residential customers of water
restrictions via mail and/or e-mail when a water shortage is declared and when a
new more restrictive stage is implemented. In addition, Town staff will email the
information to irrigation contractors listed on a notification list maintained by Water
Resources staff.
9. Water Resources staff will provide Public Works field employees with handouts to
give customers who ask them questions as they work throughout the community.
During drought periods when declaration of a water shortage appears likely, the Town
will keep customers informed of the potential for declaring a water shortage, and will
provide information to customers via public service announcements and the Web site
about measures they can take to reduce water use and, potentially, avoid a water
shortage situation.

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III. Drought Contingency Plans for Non-residential Customers
Non-residential customers are encouraged to prepare for a water shortage by
determining the measures they would implement to meet the requirements of the Water
Shortage Response stages described in Section IV. This can be accomplished by
developing a Drought Contingency Plan during normal water supply conditions before
there is a water shortage situation. Customers who use relatively large amounts of
potable water and/or use potable water for public health purposes (e.g., hospitals or
assisted living facilities) are especially encouraged to develop a Drought Contingency
Plan well in advance of a potential water shortage situation. Resources available for
assistance with developing a plan include the NC Department of Environment and
Natural Resources , which published the “Water Efficiency Manual for Commercial,
Industrial and Institutional Facilities” in May 2009, and Waste Reduction Partners in the
Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service. The manual and more
information are available at www.p2pays.org.
If, after developing a Drought Contingency Plan, a customer believes that meeting the
default water use reduction requirements will compromise public health and safety or
cause extreme hardship, the customer can submit a Drought Contingency Plan as
described below to the Town’s Water Resources Outreach Supervisor (or designee) for
approval. An approved Drought Contingency Plan can then be used – and must be
followed – in lieu of meeting the default requirements included in Section IV for non-
residential customers.
To be considered for approval a Drought Contingency Plan must include:
1. Estimated amount of potable water use per day, during both an average winter
month and an average summer month, for different purposes including drinking
water, basic sanitation, process water, irrigation, and other major uses specific to the
customer
2. Description of any alternate water sources available
3. Description of existing high-efficiency fixtures, technologies, hardware, management
practices, or other measures in use to reduce water use.
4. Measures that would be taken during each Water Shortage Response stage in order
to meet the requirements in Section IV.
5. Description of the impact to the customer or to the public (e.g. reduced production,
reduction of business hours, employee impacts, structural damage, etc.) of meeting
the water use reduction requirements.
6. Proposed alternative measures to be taken during each Water Shortage Response
stage, and the resulting expected reduction in water use for the categories listed in
item 1, under both average winter and average summer conditions.
Non-residential customers with an approved Drought Contingency Plan must resubmit
their plan for approval every five years, or sooner if there is a significant change in water
use or other conditions which would alter the plan’s effectiveness.

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IV. Water Shortage Response Stages
Four water shortage response stages, intended to achieve system-wide water use
reduction, are described below and summarized in Table 1. Before Stage 1 is
implemented, the Town will communicate to each customer a summary of the
customer’s historical water use, their normal indoor winter water use, and information on
how much water can be saved with different water use reduction measures.
Non-residential customers who have an approved Drought Contingency Plan must
reduce water use during each stage as specified in their plans.
Stage 1
Spray irrigation using potable water is limited to one (1) day per week for all purposes
except the maintenance of athletic fields. No new turf watering exemption permits will
be issued and any existing permits for watering periods that begin later than 14 days
after the effective date of Stage 1 will be rescinded. Hand watering, drip irrigation, and
subsurface irrigation are still allowed. Other outdoor water uses such as pressure
washing, car washing, and keeping swimming pools filled are allowed, although
customers are strongly encouraged to minimize such uses.
Stage 2
Spray irrigation using potable water is not allowed for any purpose except the
maintenance of athletic fields. No new turf watering exemption permits will be issued,
and any previously issued exemption permits for watering periods that have not expired
will be rescinded. Hand watering, drip irrigation, and subsurface irrigation are still
allowed. Other outdoor water uses such as pressure washing, car washing, and keeping
swimming pools filled are allowed, although customers are strongly encouraged to
minimize such uses.
Stage 3
No outdoor water use with potable water is allowed, including but not limited to: spray
irrigation, hand watering, drip irrigation, and subsurface irrigation, ornamental fountains,
car washing, pressure washing, and keeping swimming pools filled. No new turf
watering exemption permits will be issued and any previously issued permits for
watering periods that have not expired will be rescinded. Firefighting and utility system
maintenance are the only allowable outdoor water uses.
All customers are required to limit their monthly water use to average winter monthly
use. This amount will be provided to each customer by the Water Resources
Department, based on the water use history for his or her account, well in advance of
Stage 3 implementation. If historical monthly use was radically different than expected
normal winter indoor use (e.g., a customer was away for an extended period) staff may
modify the monthly limit. The approach will be the same for residential and non-
residential customers.
Rationing
In this stage, the goal is to ensure there is drinking water available to protect public
health (e.g., health care, drinking water, basic sanitation). Customers are encouraged

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to use the minimum amount of water needed for public health protection. No outdoor
water use with potable water is allowed, including but not limited to: spray irrigation,
hand watering, drip irrigation, and subsurface irrigation, ornamental fountains, car
washing, pressure washing, and keeping swimming pools filled. As in Stage 3, no new
turf watering exemption permits will be issued and any previously issued permits for
watering periods that have not expired will be rescinded. Firefighting and utility system
maintenance are the only allowable outdoor water uses.
All customers are required to reduce their normal winter water use, as defined above in
Stage 3, by 15%.
Table 1: Water Shortage Response Stage Summary
Year-round
Water
Conservation
Program
Water Shortage Response Stages
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Rationing
Outdoor Spray
Irrigation
Three days per
week
One day per
week
None None None
Hand watering, drip
irrigation, subsurface
irrigation, athletic
field maintenance
Allowed Allowed Allowed None None
Other outdoor water
use such as pressure
washing, car washing,
filling/topping off
swimming pools
Allowed Allowed Allowed None None
New Turf Watering
Exception Permits
Allowed No new permits
issued, permits
beginning more
than 14 days
after stage 1 date
rescinded
None None None
Indoor Water Use
Restrictions 1
None None None Limited to
normal indoor
winter use
Reduce
normal
winter use
by 15%
1 Non-residential customers with an approved Drought Contingency Plan will follow the steps in their
Plans.

V. Water Shortage Response Triggers for Chronic Conditions
Triggers are conditions which, when reached, cause a water shortage response stage
to be implemented. Triggers are based on the ability to meet water demands and are
influenced by several components of the Town’s water supply system: the water source
(Jordan Lake and/or purchase from others), raw water intake and pipeline, treatment
plant, storage tanks, and distribution system. Town staff and the Town Manager

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continually evaluate the status of all these components to determine if a water shortage
condition exists or is approaching.
The triggers that would initiate a water shortage declaration from the Town Manager,
and cause changes in the Water Shortage Response Stages as conditions worsen or
improve, are based on the number of days of water supply available to meet potable
water demands. The days of water supply remaining is calculated by dividing the
working supply volume by the moving 30-day average daily demand. The working
supply volume is defined as the amount currently stored, and accessible without
permitting or capital improvements, in the combined Cary/Apex, Morrisville, and Wake
County (for RTP South) Jordan Lake water supply storage allocations. The moving 30-
day average daily demand is the total demand from customers in the Towns of Apex,
Cary and Morrisville, and RTP South.
Days of Supply Remaining = Working Supply Volume
Moving 30-Day Average of Daily Demand

Table 2 describes the triggers for entering the increasing stages of Water Shortage
Response as conditions worsen and the Days of Supply Remaining declines. The
Water Resources Director (or designee) will advise the Town Manager, in writing, when
a trigger has been reached for a water shortage response stage. The Manager (or
designee) shall then implement the appropriate water shortage response stage by
issuing a declaration to take effect within 10 days of the date when the trigger was
reached. The Town Manager may, based on other factors (described below), declare a
Water Shortage or implement stages before a trigger is reached (sooner than Table 2
would indicate) if Days of Supply are declining or other conditions are worsening.
Table 2: Water Shortage Response Triggers for Declining Days of Supply Remaining
Stage Triggers When Days of Supply Remaining is Declining
(Water Shortage
declared)

Stage 1
Days of Supply Remaining is 120 days or less
Stage 1 to Stage 2
Stage 1 has been in place for 28 continuous days
AND
Days of Supply Remaining is 90 days or less
Stage 2 to Stage 3 Days of Supply Remaining is 60 days or less
Stage 3 to
Rationing Days of Supply Remaining is 30 days or less

Table 3 describes the triggers for moving out of Water Shortage Response stages as
conditions improve and the Days of Supply Remaining increases. The Water
Resources Director shall advise the Manager, in writing, when a trigger has been
reached for decreasing a water shortage response stage or ending a water shortage
declaration. Based on the written notification that a trigger has been reached, the
Manager, in his discretion, may issue a declaration decreasing the water shortage
response stage or ending a water shortage declaration. Based on other factors

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(described below), the Manager may elect to move out of a stage after a trigger is
reached (slower than Table 3 would indicate).
Table 3: Water Shortage Response Triggers for Increasing Days of Supply Remaining
Stage Triggers When Days of Supply Remaining is Increasing
Rationing to Stage 3 Days of Supply Remaining has been at least 60 days for at least 14
continuous days
Stage 3 to Stage 2 Days of Supply Remaining has been at least 90 days for at least 14
continuous days
Stage 2 to Stage 1 Days of Supply Remaining has been at least 120 days for at least 14
continuous days
Water Shortage
ended
Jordan Lake Water Supply allocation has been 100% full for at least 14
continuous days

Other factors considered may include but not be limited to:
 Jordan Lake elevation.
 US Army Corps of Engineers’ operation of Jordan Lake in drought contingency
mode.
 Indications of short or long-term water quality concerns regarding Jordan Lake or
other sources.
 Level of interbasin transfers relative to the Cary/Apex interbasin transfer certificate
amount.
 Drought Advisory issued by the NC Drought Management Advisory Council.
 Sudden loss of supplemental water supplies during periods of high demand.
VI. Water Shortage Triggers and Response for Acute Conditions
Events such as contamination, equipment or facility failure, or line breaks require a swift
and immediate response. Examples of conditions that may result in an immediate water
shortage include:
 The occurrence of a major water transmission main break, fire, or any other
emergency that would require high volumes of water, such that demand could
exceed supply.
 Accidental or intentional contamination of the water system.
 Mechanical failure in the water treatment plant or distribution system.
 Inability to distribute water through part of the system.
The following Standard Operating Procedures identify protocols Town staff follows when
these circumstances arise:
OPS #007, De-chlorination Procedure for Water Distribution System Flushing and Main
Break or Reclaimed Water System Main Break

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OPS #008, Water Main and Service Line Breaks
OPS #010, Water Transmission Main Shut Down
OPS #015, Water Main Break by Contractor
OPS #017, Fecal Coliform-E.coli/Contamination Response
In addition, an Emergency Response Plan, kept confidential for security purposes,
identifies detailed procedures to follow should an emergency of that magnitude happen.
Upon recommendation of the Water Resources Director, the Town Manager may
declare a water shortage and implement any water shortage response stages or other
measures as he or she deems appropriate for any such immediate water shortage
situation.
VII. Enforcement
Compliance with the requirements of the Water Shortage Response Plan is required by
the Water Shortage Ordinance (Section 36-81). Penalties are specified annually in the
Budget Ordinance (Operating Budget Fee Schedule, Water Resources).
The Town has Water Conservation Technicians who regularly enforce our year-round
water conservation ordinances, which address outdoor water use and water waste.
During a water shortage, these staff members will continue their enforcement of outdoor
water use restrictions, and other staff members may also be used as needed to achieve
the desired system-wide water use reductions. During a water shortage, in contrast to
during normal times, there will be no warnings before fines are issued for non-
compliance with outdoor water use restrictions, and the fines are higher than during
normal times. However, the fine for a first-time violation will be deferred and either 1)
waived at the end of the water shortage if there is not a second violation or 2) added to
the fine for a second violation if that occurs.
Reductions in indoor water use are not required in Stages 1 and 2, but the amount of
reductions that may be occurring voluntarily will be evaluated using water usage data.
Compliance with the required indoor water use reductions in Stage 3 and Rationing will
be monitored, and Town staff will audit water use as conditions warrant and/or if
expected overall system water use is not decreasing as needed.
VIII. Variance Protocols
The Town recognizes that the requirements for water use reduction in Table 1 may
have significantly more impact on some customers than on others and in some cases
could affect public health and safety. To be considered for a variance, customers may
submit a letter requesting the variance to the Water Resources Director. The letter
must include an explanation of why the requirements in Table 1 are not appropriate,
cause extreme hardship, or affect health and safety. The letter should include proposed
water use reductions for each stage and an explanation of why they are more
appropriate.
A decision to approve or deny variance requests will be based upon consideration of
criteria including, but not limited to: impact on water demand, expected duration of water
shortage, alternative source options, social and economic importance of water use,

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purpose of water use (i.e., necessary use of drinking water) and the prevention of
structural damage.
IX. Expected Effectiveness
The effectiveness of the Town of Cary Water Shortage Response Plan will be
determined by measuring system-wide water use reduction. Variables other than water
use restrictions that may impact reduction goals will be considered. Some of these
include frequency of plan activation, any problem periods without activation, total
number of violation citations, desired reductions attained and evaluation of demand
reductions compared to historical data. Table 4 indicates the potential expected
reduction from usage levels that were documented using 2007 customer billing records.
If demands differ from 2007 usage levels, the percentages would differ.
Table 4: Expected Water Use Reductions
Water Shortage
Response Stage
Expected Approximate Reductions Relative to Normal Water Use
May through October November through April
Stage 1 13% 6%
Stage 2 32% 10%
Stage 3 38% 17%
Rationing 46% 29%

X. Revision
The WSRP will be reviewed if there are new circumstances affecting water supply and
demand, and following any Water Shortage declaration. The WSRP will be updated if
indicated after a review, or at a minimum every five years as required by the provisions
of GS 143-355 (l) and when our Local Water Supply Plan is updated. The Town of Cary
Water Resources Director (or designee) is responsible for initiating all WSRP updates.
XI. Public Comment
This WSRP was prepared based on public input received via an on-line survey
(available for one month; 91 participants), emailed comments, and at an Open House
held April 29, 2009. Subsequent revisions of the Water Shortage Response Plan will go
through the normal processes for approval at regular meetings of the Town Council.
The proposed WSRP revisions will be publicized as part of the meeting agendas.

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Appendix B Town of Apex Water Shortage Response Plan

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Town of Apex
Water Shortage Response Plan

June 2009

Prepared by:
Jessica Bolin, PE
John Cratch

and

II
Table of Contents

Section 1 - Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1-1
Section 2 - Water Supply Assessment ......................................................................................... 2-1
Section 3 - Water Shortage Response Plan ................................................................................. 3-1
3.1 Authority of Plan .............................................................................................................. 3-1
3.2 Plan Activation and Notification Protocol ................................................................... 3-2
3.3 Water Shortage Stages ..................................................................................................... 3-2
3.4 Water Shortage Triggers ................................................................................................. 3-4
3.4.1 Jordan Lake Water Supply Storage Allocation ........................................................ 3-4
3.4.2 Other Factors ................................................................................................................. 3-6
3.5 Enforcement ...................................................................................................................... 3-6
3.6 Variances ........................................................................................................................... 3-6
3.7 Plan Evaluation ................................................................................................................ 3-7
3.8 Plan Revisions ................................................................................................................... 3-7
3.9 Conservation Measures ................................................................................................... 3-8
3.10 Public Comment ............................................................................................................... 3-8

List of Tables
Table 3-1 Water Shortage Response Stage Summary................................................................. 3-4
Table 3-2 Water Shortage Response Triggers for Declining Days of Supply
Remaining ...................................................................................................................... 3-5
Table 3-3 Water Shortage Response Triggers for Increasing Days of Supply
Remaining ...................................................................................................................... 3-5
Table 3-4 Expected Water Use Reductions .................................................................................. 3-7

Attachments
Attachment 1 Town of Apex 2007 Water Usage
Attachment 2 Town of Apex 2008 Water Usage

Appendix

A Water Conservation Ordinance, Effective February 2, 1999,
Amended February 2010

1-1
SECTION 1
Introduction
The purpose of this Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP) is to provide a framework for
making water supply and conservation decisions during times when water supplies in the
region may be low either due to drought conditions, water quality problems, or disruptions
in facility operations. This Plan supplements the Town of Apex’s Water Conservation
Ordinance (Appendix A), which became effective February 2, 1999 and was amended in
February 2010.
The Town of Apex has been required by the State to have a WSRP since 2001 by both our
Jordan Lake Allocation water supply contract and our interbasin transfer certificate. More
recently, as of July 1, 2009 all public and privately owned water systems subject to GS 143-
355 (I) are required to have an approved WSRP as part of their Local Water Supply Plan
(LWSP). Rules governing water use during droughts and water emergencies (15A NCAC
02E.0607) require specific items that must be included in those plans. This WSRP was
developed in accordance with the Water Shortage Response Plan Guidelines provided by the
Division of Water Resources (DWR) (January 2009).

2-1
SECTION 2
Water Supply Assessment
The Town of Apex and the Town of Cary have a joint allocation of the water supply storage
volume in the Jordan Lake water supply pool. Only 61 percent of the Jordan Lake estimated
100 million gallons per day (MGD) safe yield has been allocated. The rest of the water
supply pool is currently unallocated. Of the allocated 61 MGD, 32 MGD of the water supply
pool (on an average annual basis), is allocated to the Towns of Apex and Cary. The Town of
Apex portion of this allocation is 8.5 MGD.
Two graphs shown as Attachments 1 and 2 at the end of this document illustrate historical
water usage for the Town of Apex by month for the calendar years 2007 and 2008.
The Towns of Apex and Cary currently share a raw water intake at Jordan Lake. The water
is treated at the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Plant (WTP). The Town of Apex also has
letter agreements with the Town of Holly Springs and Harnett County from which it could
receive emergency water supplies of approximately 1 MGD of finished water.
Interconnections exist with the water distribution systems of Raleigh, Holly Springs,
Harnett County, and Cary, which is also connected to Durham. These interconnections
provide the Town with access to several back-up supplies in the event of a failure that may
require the repair of pipelines. Although formal emergency agreements are not in place
with all of these communities, the interconnections do provide the Town with the flexibility
to respond to drought periods and other water supply emergencies.

3-1
SECTION 3
Water Shortage Response Plan
The purpose of this Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP) is to deal with short-term water
shortage, which may be caused by drought, water quality problems, or disruptions in
facility operations. The North Carolina Division of Water Resources (DWR) Water Shortage
Response Handbook for North Carolina Water Supply Systems (2003) requires that municipalities
develop a Water Shortage Response Plan/Program that includes the following components:

1. Adopt an ordinance to provide authority to enact system measures to reduce demand in
the case of an emergency;
2. Develop a method to evaluate ability to meet demand;
3. Develop procedures for implementing appropriate water use restriction stages;
4. Identify person(s) responsible for implementing the water shortage response protocols;
5. Develop a method to notify system employees and the customers of the shortage;
6. Develop a method to measure the supply and demand and identify the conditions that
trigger more or less restrictive measures;
7. Identify the levels of required response and actions to be taken;
8. Identify the enforcement and variances of the water shortage plan;
9. Develop a method for the Town to review and comment on the water shortage response
protocols, revision of the protocols, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of the
protocols.
Each of these components has been implemented by the Town of Apex and is described in
the following sections.
3.1 Authority of Plan
DWR recommends that every municipality adopt an ordinance to “provide for the
declaration of a water shortage and specify voluntary and mandatory conservation
measures to be imposed at each level of water shortage severity.”

The Town Manager has the authority to implement measures outlined in the water
conservation ordinance to address potential water shortages, including Section 12-101,
Continuing Water Conservation Measures which includes the odd/even outdoor irrigation
schedule; and Section 12-102, Stages of Conservation Measures in Response to Water Shortage. In
the Town Manager’s absence, the Assistant Town Manager has vested authority to
implement such measures. The Town Manager and/or the Assistant Town Manager will
initiate water shortage response Stages 1, 2, 3, and Emergency/Rationing according to
various factors affecting water supply and demand. Bruce Radford, Town Manager, can be
contacted at 249-3301 and Mike Wilson, Assistant Town Manager, can be contacted at 249-
3302.
SECTION 3 – WATER SHORTAGE RESPONSE PLAN
3-2
3.2 Plan Activation and Notification Protocol
Once the potential for a water shortage has been declared, the following plan
implementation and communication steps are taken. Mandatory measures will remain in
effect until declared otherwise by the Town Manager, and updates to the plan over the
duration of the water shortage will be provided in the sequence outlined below.
1. The Town Manager (or designee) notifies the Mayor, Town Council, neighboring
municipal contract water recipients (if any), and Town employees.
2. The Public Information Officer (PIO) will contact the media (if the PIO is
unavailable, media contacts will be made by the Town Manager’s designee). The
media, including television, newspaper, and radio, will inform the public. The phone
number of the Public Works & Utilities Department (919-249-3427) will be provided
for additional information if needed by the public. Informational mailings will be
distributed to residents via monthly utility bills. In addition, the Town’s website,
www.apexnc.org, will be updated with the latest information.
3. Public Works & Utilities staff will coordinate with Finance Department Customer
Service so Town employees can help provide accurate information to the public and
to get a list of major water customers.
4. Staff will call major water customers (both irrigation and water accounts) and inform
them of the implemented measures.
5. Staff will contact the Fire Department and coordinate with bulk users.
6. Staff will supply fliers for distribution by field employees to place on customers’
doors or provide to customers that need more information.

3.3 Water Shortage Stages
Apex’s water shortage response consists of four stages as summarized in Table 3-1. The
stages have been designed and are defined to represent an increasing level of severity of
water shortage, subsequently triggering an increasing level of response to reduce the Town
of Apex water demands. The Stages are triggered when the water supply and/or the
demand changes. The Town’s ability to meet demand is dependent on several components
of the water supply system: the water source (Jordan Lake and/or purchase from others),
raw water intake and pipeline, treatment plant, storage tanks, and distribution system. The
Town continually monitors its water demand and supply, especially during times of
drought conditions.

SECTION 3 – WATER SHORTAGE RESPONSE PLAN

3-3
Stage 1
Spray irrigation using potable water is limited to one (1) day per week for all purposes
except the maintenance of athletic fields. No new turf watering exemption permits will be
issued and any existing permits for watering periods that begin later than 14 days after the
effective date of Stage 1 will be rescinded. Hand watering, drip irrigation, and subsurface
irrigation are still allowed. Other outdoor water uses such as pressure washing, car
washing, and keeping swimming pools filled are allowed, although customers are strongly
encouraged to minimize such uses.

Stage 2
Spray irrigation using potable water is not allowed for any purpose except the maintenance
of athletic fields. No new turf watering exemption permits will be issued, and any
previously issued exemption permits for watering periods that have not expired will be
rescinded. Hand watering, drip irrigation, and subsurface irrigation are still allowed. Other
outdoor water uses such as pressure washing, car washing, and keeping swimming pools
filled are allowed, although customers are strongly encouraged to minimize such uses.

Stage 3
No outdoor water use with potable water is allowed, including but not limited to: spray
irrigation, hand watering, drip irrigation, and subsurface irrigation, ornamental fountains,
car washing, pressure washing, and keeping swimming pools filled. No new turf watering
exemption permits will be issued and any previously issued permits for watering periods
that have not expired will be rescinded. Firefighting and utility system maintenance are the
only allowable outdoor water uses.

Emergency/Rationing
In this stage, the goal is to ensure there is drinking water available to protect public health
(e.g., health care, drinking water, basic sanitation). Customers are encouraged to use the
minimum amount of water needed for public health protection. No outdoor water use with
potable water is allowed, including but not limited to: spray irrigation, hand watering, drip
irrigation, and subsurface irrigation, ornamental fountains, car washing, pressure washing,
and keeping swimming pools filled. As in Stage 3, no new turf watering exemption permits
will be issued and any previously issued permits for watering periods that have not expired
will be rescinded. Firefighting and utility system maintenance are the only allowable
outdoor water uses.

SECTION 3 – WATER SHORTAGE RESPONSE PLAN
3-4
Table 3-1: Water Shortage Response Stage Summary
Year-round
Water
Conservation
Program
Water Shortage Response Stages
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Emergency/
Rationing
Outdoor Spray
Irrigation
Three days per
week
One day per
week
None None None
Hand watering, drip
irrigation, subsurface
irrigation, athletic field
maintenance
Allowed Allowed Allowed None None
Other outdoor water
use such as pressure
washing, car washing,
filling swimming pools
Allowed Allowed Allowed None None
New Turf Watering
Exception Permits
Allowed No new permits
issued, permits
beginning more
than 14 days after
Stage 1 date
rescinded
None None None

3.4 Water Shortage Triggers
The goal of having staged trigger points is to provide the Town the ability to reduce their
demands during times of water shortages and thereby extend the timeframe between
reaching successive trigger points. Triggers are based on the ability to meet water demands
and are influenced by several components of the Town’s water supply system: the water
source, raw water intake and pipeline, treatment plant, storage tanks, and the distribution
system. Town staff continually evaluates the status of these components to determine if a
water shortage condition exists or is approaching. The primary trigger is the water supply
storage in Jordan.
3.4.1 Jordan Lake Water Supply Storage Allocation
Apex and Cary have a joint allocation of the water supply storage volume in the Jordan
Lake water supply pool. Apex Public Works & Utilities staff communicates regularly with
the Cary Public Works & Utilities staff regarding available water supply, especially during
drought conditions.
The Town of Cary is responsible for tracking the amount of water in storage for the
Apex/Cary allocation on a daily basis using daily and monthly water demand estimates,
SECTION 3 – WATER SHORTAGE RESPONSE PLAN

3-5
and daily lake inflows obtained from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Cary
staff uses these storage estimates to predict a worst case scenario of the number of days of
water supply that remains. This worst case scenario does not take into account any inflow
to Jordan Lake; in other words, it is assumed that there is zero inflow to the lake. The
number of days of remaining water supply is calculated by dividing the storage volume in
the jointly allocated water supply pool by the average water demand for the previous 30
days. From these values, Apex staff determines the number of days of storage available to
the Town based on the Town’s percentage of the allocation and the recent demand profile.
DWR has recommended guidelines for monitoring the available water supply and when
necessary, implementing a minimum of three stages of water shortage response: voluntary,
mandatory, and emergency. As described previously, the Town of Apex has four water
shortage stages: Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and Emergency/Rationing. Table 3-2 shows
Apex’s four water shortage stages and the associated number of days of remaining storage
which act as the triggers to implement each stage. Table 3-3 shows the water supply
response triggers for increasing days of supply remaining; this table would be used when
coming out of a drought situation.

Table 3-2: Water Shortage Response Triggers for Declining Days of Supply Remaining
Stage Triggers When Days of Supply Remaining is Declining
(Water Shortage
declared)

Stage 1
Days of Supply Remaining 120 days or less
Stage 1 to Stage 2 Stage 1 has been in place for 28 continuous days
AND
Days of Supply Remaining 90 days or less
Stage 2 to Stage 3 Days of Supply Remaining 60 days or less
Stage 3 to
Emergency/
Rationing
Days of Supply Remaining 30 days or less

Table 3-3: Water Shortage Response Triggers for Increasing Days of Supply Remaining
Stage Triggers When Days of Supply Remaining is Increasing
Emergency/
Rationing to
Stage 3
Days of Supply Remaining has been at least 60 days for at least 14
continuous days
Stage 3 to Stage 2 Days of Supply Remaining has been at least 90 days for at least 14
continuous days
Stage 2 to Stage 1 Days of Supply Remaining has been at least 120 days for at least 14
continuous days
Water Shortage
ended
Jordan Lake Water Supply allocation is 100% full for at least 14
continuous days
SECTION 3 – WATER SHORTAGE RESPONSE PLAN
3-6

The triggers shown in Tables 3-2 and 3-3 serve as guidelines and are used by the Town of
Apex in combination with an assessment of the other factors that influence water supply
and demand as described in this section to determine the timing of implementation of the
appropriate water shortage stages during periods of water shortage.
3.4.2 Other Factors
The Town recognizes that there are several other factors to be considered when evaluating
the potential for water shortage conditions. These factors include:
1. Jordan Lake Elevation. The lake elevation is influenced most by the amount of inflow to
the lake from upstream and the amount of water released from the dam to the Cape Fear
River downstream. Apex Public Works & Utilities staff communicates regularly with
the Cary Public Works & Utilities staff regarding lake elevation, especially during
drought conditions. The Town of Cary is responsible for monitoring the lake levels and
how the elevation compares to the elevations of the raw water intakes in Jordan Lake.
The elevation of the top pipe of the primary raw water intake is at 208.3 feet mean sea
level, while the elevation of the top pipe of the lower intake is 204.25 feet mean sea level.
Extension devices have been fabricated to allow adjustments to the elevation of either
intake.
2. A sudden loss of supplemental water supplies during periods of high demand;
3. The occurrence of a major water transmission main break, fire, or any other emergency
that would require high volumes of water, such that demand could exceed supply;
4. An indication of short or long-term water quality concerns regarding Jordan Lake or
other sources;
5. An accidental or intentional contamination of the water system;
6. The level of interbasin transfers relative to Apex and Cary’s interbasin transfer (IBT)
certificate amount;
7. A drought advisory issued by the NC Drought Management Advisory Council;
8. A mechanical failure at the WTP or within the distribution system.
3.5 Enforcement
If there is a violation of any provision of the water conservation ordinance including the
mandatory water conservation measures, the violator is subject to a penalty of up to
$1,000.00 per violation per day. A warning is issued for a first offense. Subsequent
violations will be subject to the penalty fee. The Town may also choose to discontinue water
service if necessary due to continuing violations. Citizens are encouraged to report
violators to the Town Public Works & Utilities Department.
3.6 Variances
The Town recognizes that the requirements for water use reduction in Table 3-1 may have
significantly more impact on some customers than on others and in some cases could affect
public health and safety. To be considered for a variance, customers may submit a letter
requesting the variance to the Public Works & Utilities Director at PO Box 250, Apex, NC
SECTION 3 – WATER SHORTAGE RESPONSE PLAN

3-7
27502. The letter must include an explanation of why the requirements in Table 3-1 are not
appropriate, cause extreme hardship, or affect health and safety. If a variance from either
the Stage 3 or Emergency/Rationing requirements is requested, the letter should include
proposed water use reductions and an explanation of why they are more appropriate.
A decision by the Public Works & Utilities director or designee to approve or deny variance
requests can be expected within two weeks and will be based upon consideration of criteria
including but not limited to: impact on water demand, expected duration of water shortage,
alternative source options, social and economic importance, purpose of water use (i.e.,
necessary use of drinking water) and the prevention of structural damage.
3.7 Plan Evaluation
The Town of Apex is committed to providing a safe and reliable water supply to its citizens.
The Town understands that an effective WSRP is necessary to reduce system demands
during a water shortage situation. After a plan implementation, the Town will evaluate the
effectiveness of the trigger thresholds to prolong the Town’s water supply and the efficiency
of conservation to reduce water demands. The effectiveness of the protocols will be
measured by the frequency of their activation, the number of violation citations, and if
desired reductions were attained. Table 3-4 indicates the potential expected reduction from
normal use for each stages, depending on the time of year.
Table 3-4: Expected Water Use Reductions*
Water Shortage
Response Stage
Expected Approximate Reductions Relative to Normal Water Use
May through October November through April
Stage 1 13% 6%
Stage 2 32% 10%
Stage 3 38% 17%
Emergency/Rationing 46% 29%
*Town of Cary staff developed these numbers based on 2007 customer billing records.
3.8 Plan Revisions
Water Shortage Response Plans should be updated regularly in response to changing
conditions within the community. Circumstances warranting an updated plan may include
new development, water supply demands, or changes in the number or types of available
water supplies. A work group of Town staff will review procedures after each emergency
reduction stage and will recommend necessary improvements to the Town Manager.

This plan will also be subject for review following any water shortage declaration. If
indicated by these reviews or at a minimum of every five years as required by the
provisions of GS 143-355 (1) the WSRP will be updated and submitted to DWR for review.
An opportunity for public comment will be provided for any update of the WSRP before
presentation to the Town Council for approval. The Town of Apex Public Works & Utilities
Director (or designee) is responsible for initiating all WSRP updates.
SECTION 3 – WATER SHORTAGE RESPONSE PLAN
3-8
3.9 Conservation Measures
The Town of Apex has multiple conservation measures that apply year-round even when
there is no water shortage. The measures are in place in an effort to responsibly manage the
valuable resource and to extend the Town’s water supply during times of approaching
drought conditions. The measures are listed below and explained in detail in Apex’s Water
Conservation Ordinance (Appendix A):
1. Mandatory year-round odd/even outdoor watering,
2. Prohibited operating conduct for irrigations systems;
3. Requiring rain sensors;
4. Operation of the rain sensors;
5. Irrigation surcharge;
6. Avoiding improper connections;
7. Improper connections;
8. Prohibiting unauthorized use.
In addition to the year-round measures outlined in the water conservation ordinance, the
Town also has water conservation education and incentive based measures that assist the
Town’s goal of responsible resource management. These education and incentive based
year-round conservation components are as follows:
1. Water Conservation webpage – The Town’s website contains information on
household water conservation tips, an educational outline on the year-round
irrigation restrictions, and frequently asked questions related to the water
conservation ordinance.
2. Water Conservation pamphlet – The pamphlet is provided to all citizens on an as
needed basis and details water conservation information including the schedule for
the odd/even irrigation schedule requirements, ways to save water, current water
restrictions, as well as contact information to call for questions on water conservation
or on concerns in reference to significant water losses at a residence or from public
water infrastructure.
3. Rain barrels – The Town provides citizens the ability to purchase rain barrels at cost
at the Public Work & Utilities Department. The ability to conveniently purchase rain
barrels provides citizens with an incentive for water conservation by using the rain
barrels for landscape watering and is an educational opportunity for the community.
3.10 Public Comment
The public will be given several opportunities for plan review and comment. A draft plan
will be posted on the Town’s website at www.apexnc.org at least 30 days prior to the
adoption vote by Town Council. A public meeting will be held at Apex Town Hall prior to
this adoption vote in order to document verbal comments on the plan. Notices for these
opportunities will be sent out in customer utility bill mailings.

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APPENDIX A
Water Conservation Ordinance, Effective February
2, 1999, Amended (Draft) April 2009

APPENDIX A – WATER CONSERVATION ORDIANCE, EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 2 1999, AMENDED AUGUST 7, 2007

A-1
TOWN OF APEX CODE OF ORDINANCES
Chapter 12 MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AND SERVICES*
ARTICLE III. WATER AND SEWERS
DIVISION 5. WATER CONSERVATION*
__________
*Editor's note: An Ordinance adopted Feb. 2, 1999, deleted §§ 12-100--12-104 in their entirety and replaced them
with similar provisions to read as herein set out. Former §§ 12-100--12-104 derived from the 1973 Code and an
Ord. of July 24, 1986.
__________
Sec. 12-100. Definitions.
Customer means any person in whose name the Town maintains an account for water use, or
who is responsible for payment of water passing through a particular meter. All customers
are responsible for any use of water that passes through the meter for which they have an
account or are otherwise responsible and are deemed to be users hereunder.
Hand watering means any form of irrigation that is connected to the Town's public water
supply system and held in hand during irrigation use.
Impervious surface means any surface which cannot be penetrated by water or which causes
water to run off the surface, including streets, driveways, and sidewalks.
Irrigation means the act of applying water to the outdoor landscape through means such as
moveable sprinklers, installed watering systems, hoses, or other devices.
Irrigation system means a device or combination of devices that transmit or apply Town
water or any mixture containing Town water to residential or commercial lawns, landscapes
or green space.
Person means any individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, or other
entity.
Public Works and Utilities Director means the Town department head in charge of the Public
Works &Utilities department.
Rain sensor means a device that measures rainfall and overrides the irrigation cycle of an
irrigation system, thus turning it off, when a predetermined amount of rain has fallen. To
meet the requirements of this division, a rain sensor shall be adjusted to shut off irrigation
systems when one-fourth inch (1/4”) of rain has fallen.
Town Manager means the Town Manager or his designee.
Town water means all water available to the Town for treatment and any treated water
introduced by the Town into its potable water distribution system. Not included in this
definition is any treated wastewater effluent reclaimed for reuse in irrigation or other
approved uses.
Trigger means conditions defined in the Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP) which will
cause a water shortage to be declared or ended, or cause water shortage response stages to
be increased or decreased in severity.
Water shortage exists when the Town cannot satisfy the ordinary demands and requirements
of water consumers served by the Town without depleting the water supply to a level that
jeopardizes the continued availability of water for human consumption, sanitation, and fire
protection.
Water system means the system of pipes, valves, meters, tanks, pumps, and treatment
facilities owned and operated by the Town of Apex for the purpose of collecting, treating,
and distributing Town water.
(Ord. of 2-2-99, § 1; Ord. No. 07-0807-09, § 1, 8-7-07)
Cross references: Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1-3.
APPENDIX A – WATER CONSERVATION ORDIANCE, EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 2 1999, AMENDED AUGUST 7, 2007
A-2

Sec. 12-101. Continuing water conservation measures.

The water conservation measures enumerated in this section shall apply to all Town water
customers, Town water users, and other persons at all times whether or not a water shortage
exists.
(1) Mandatory year-round odd/even watering schedule. Properties with odd-numbered
addresses may water lawns and/or landscapes only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Properties with even numbered addresses may water lawns and/or landscapes only on
Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. No lawns and/or landscapes shall be watered on
Monday. Watering with a hand-held hose is permitted every day.
Exemption: Property owners may obtain a 45 day New Landscape Permit from the Public
Works Department for the purpose of establishing new plantings. New plantings for the
purpose of this permit are defined as large commercial plantings or the installation of new
sod or seed to a bare area of more than 50% of the grassed or proposed grassed area of a
residential yard. Such a permit may not be granted for over-seeding of established grass.
The permit will become effective at the requested start date and expire 45 days later.
(2) Prohibited conduct in operating irrigation systems. No person shall operate or maintain an
irrigation system in a manner that:
a. Allows water from emitting devices to fall on impervious surfaces to the extent that water
runs off the property being irrigated onto public streets or property; or
b. Allows water from emitting devices to fall on any surface such that water accumulates to
the extent that it runs off the property being irrigated onto public streets or property.
(3) Rain sensors required. Rain sensors are required on all automatic irrigation systems. The
sensors shall be installed in appropriate locations in order to prevent irrigation during
periods of rainfall.
(4) Operation of rain sensors. Rain sensors shall be adjusted and set so that for each rainfall
event, the sensors shut off the irrigation system after one-fourth inch (1/4”) of rainfall has
occurred. Rain sensors shall be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and in
a location that provides full exposure to rainfall. Rain sensors shall be maintained in proper
working condition.
(5) Irrigation surcharge. The charges for water used for irrigation shall be computed by
multiplying the customer's otherwise applicable water rate by a multiplier established by
the Town Council and revised from time to time.
(6) Damage to system. No person shall damage, cut, break, obstruct, alter, interfere with, or
tamper with any water pipe, water main, hydrant sewer pipe, water tank, water meter,
water meter box, or any other part of the water system without the express written
permission of the Town.
(7) Improper connections. No person shall make a connection to any portion of the water
system in a manner that violates the North Carolina State Building Code or the Rules
Governing Public Water Systems promulgated by the State of North Carolina or any agency
thereof.
(8) Unauthorized use. No person shall consume, use, or otherwise take water from the water
system without first obtaining permission from the Town and making arrangements to pay
the applicable fees for the water.
(Ord. of 2-2-99, § 1; Ord. No. 07-0807-09, § 2, 8-7-07)
APPENDIX A – WATER CONSERVATION ORDIANCE, EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 2 1999, AMENDED AUGUST 7, 2007

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Sec. 12-102. Stages of conservation measures in response to water shortage.

The mandatory odd/even watering schedule shall be enforced year-round. To avoid or
lessen the impact of a water shortage, the Town Manager will institute Stages 1, 2, 3 and
Emergency/Rationing by written declaration, which shall be effective upon being signed
and posted on the Town bulletin board and a copy placed with the Town clerk.

The Town Manager shall base his action upon a review of all factors that affect the Town's
water supply including, but not limited to, current water supply, stream flow, lake level,
seasonal effect on water supply, and current consumption rates. The water shortage
response triggers for declining days of supply as well as increasing days of supply will be
followed as outlined in the Town’s Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP). The following
table illustrates the irrigation restrictions associated with each stage of mandatory water
conservation.

STAGE 1 STAGE 2 STAGE 3 EMERGENCY/
RATIONING
SPRAY
IRRIGATION
1 DAY/WEEK NOT
ALLOWED
NOT
ALLOWED
NOT
ALLOWED
HAND WATERING ALLOWED ALLOWED NOT
ALLOWED
NOT
ALLOWED
DRIP IRRIGATION1 ALLOWED ALLOWED NOT
ALLOWED
NOT
ALLOWED
SUBSURFACE
IRRIGATION2
ALLOWED ALLOWED NOT
ALLOWED
NOT
ALLOWED
ATHLETIC FIELD
IRRIGATION
ALLOWED ALLOWED NOT
ALLOWED
NOT
ALLOWED
NEW TURF
WATERING
EXEMPTION3
NO NEW
PERMITS
NO NEW
PERMITS
NO NEW
PERMITS
NO NEW
PERMITS
1. Drip irrigation is the slow, even application of low-pressure water to soil and plants using plastic tubing
placed directly at the root zone.
2. Subsurface irrigation is irrigation that occurs underground, down as far as 9-12” to effectively irrigate the
root zone with much less potential for evaporation than traditional spray irrigation systems.
3. Exemptions granted prior to the declaration of a water shortage would continue to be honored until the 45-
day period has expired.

(1) Stage 1. In Stage 1, the Town shall publicize and request the public to comply with the
following conservation measures:
a. Spray irrigation is limited to once per week. Hand watering is permitted every day.
Athletic field irrigation is permitted.
APPENDIX A – WATER CONSERVATION ORDIANCE, EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 2 1999, AMENDED AUGUST 7, 2007
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b. No new 45-day landscape permits shall be issued. Permits already issued during a Stage
1 declaration would continue to be honored until the 45-day period has expired.
c. Reuse household water when possible, (within State gray water laws).
d. Limit vehicle washing to the minimum.
e. Refrain from washing down outside areas such as sidewalks, patios, etc.
f. Use shower for bathing rather than bathtub, and limit shower to no more than four
minutes.
g. Limit flushing of toilets by multiple usages.
h. Refrain from leaving faucets running while shaving or while rinsing dishes.
i. Limit the use of clothes washers and dishwashers and when used, to operate fully loaded.
j. Install water-flow restrictive devices in showerheads.
k. Use disposable and biodegradable dishes.
l. Install water-saving devices such as bricks, plastics, bottles or commercial units in toilet
tanks.
m. Limit hours of operation of water-cooled air conditioners.

(2) Stage2. In Stage 2, the Town shall continue all recommendations of Stage 1 and the
following measures shall be mandatory:
a. Spray irrigation is not allowed. Hand watering is permitted.
b. Filling of newly constructed or drained swimming or wading pools shall require the
approval of the Public Works &Utilities director. Makeup water is allowed for maintaining
the operation of swimming or wading pools.
c. No introducing water into any ornamental fountain, pool or pond or other structure
making similar use of water.
d. No using water from public or private fire hydrants for any purposes other than fire
suppression or other public emergency.
e. Watering for dust control or compaction shall require the approval of the Public Works &
Utilities director.
f. No using water for any unnecessary purpose or intentionally wasting water.

(3) Stage 3. In Stage 3, all the provisions of Stages 1 and 2 apply and, in addition, the
following measures shall be mandatory:
a. Spray irrigation is not allowed. Hand watering is not allowed. The irrigation of athletic
fields is not allowed.
b. No nonessential use of water for commercial or public use, and the use of single service
plates and utensils is encouraged and recommended in restaurants.
c. No washing down outside areas such as streets, driveways, service station aprons,
parking lots, office buildings, exterior of existing or newly constructed homes or
apartments, sidewalks, or patios, or use of water for other similar purposes.
d. Washing of vehicles is not permitted.

(4) Emergency/Rationing Stage. In this stage, all the provisions of Stages 1 through 3 apply
and, in addition, the following measures are mandatory:
a. No using water outside of structures for any use other than emergencies involving fire.
Fire protection will be maintained, but where possible, tank trucks shall use raw water.
b. All industrial uses of water are prohibited.
APPENDIX A – WATER CONSERVATION ORDIANCE, EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 2 1999, AMENDED AUGUST 7, 2007

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c. All other uses of water will be limited to those uses necessary to meet essential health and
safety needs of customers.
d. No introducing water into swimming pools.
(Ord. of 2-2-99, § 1; Ord. of 3-20-00, § 1; Ord. No. 07-0807-09, § 3, 8-7-07)
Sec. 12-103. Violation, enforcement, and penalties.
(a) Violations. It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any provision of this division
including any mandatory water conservation measure.
(b) Criminal penalties. Violations of this section shall not be a crime under G.S. 14-4, or other
law.
(c) Civil penalties. Any person who violates this division is subject to a civil penalty of up to
$1,000.00 per violation per day for so long as the violation exits. Violations and penalties
shall be determined by the Public Works & Utilities director. In determining the amount of a
civil penalty, the Public Works & Utilities director shall take into account all relevant
circumstances, including, but not limited to, the extent of harm caused by the violation, the
magnitude and duration of the violation, efforts to correct the violation, the compliance
history of the parties against whom the violation is assessed, the cost of enforcement to the
Town, whether the violation was willful or intentional and any other factor as justice
requires. The Town shall serve a written citation on the violator, and the customer if
different, by personal delivery or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.
The citation shall describe the violation and shall specify the amount of the civil penalty
levied. If a person fails to pay a civil penalty within ten days after receiving written notice
of violation, then the Town may recover the penalty through a civil action in the nature of
debt, including all further accruing penalties for continuing violations.
(d) Continuing violation. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute an additional
and separate violation.
(e) Discontinuance of service. The Town may discontinue service to a customer upon a
determination by the Public Works & Utilities director that the customer violated a
provision of this division. Prior to discontinuance, the Public Works & Utilities director
shall give the customer written notice of the violation and an opportunity to contest the
discontinuance within 48 hours.
(f) Multiple remedies. The Town may seek to enforce this division through any appropriate
equitable or legal action or through any combination of these or the foregoing remedies.
(g) Appeal. A person who is assessed civil penalties or whose service is discontinued may
appeal to the board of adjustment by serving written notice to the Town clerk within ten
days of the service of citation or notice of discontinuance. An order of discontinuance is not
stayed pending appeal to the board of adjustment.
(Ord. of 2-2-99, § 1; Ord. No. 07-0807-09, § 4, 8-7-07)
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Sec. 12-104. Reserved.