Mesa del slips to Stage 3, ACC hearing inconclusive

Yes Virginia, we are still in a severe drought

Lest anyone think the wet winter will increase this summer's water supply, Mesa Del Caballo was placed on Stage 3 water use restrictions Thursday, May 20.

In a related development, the results of a hearing before the Arizona Corporation Commission on Tuesday were inconclusive. Water provider Brooke Utilities and the Mesa del Caballo Water Committee were proposing an interim surcharge for water hauling and a revised curtailment tariff.

With those changes on hold at least until June, the existing definitions and resrictions are in effect, to wit:

Stage 3 Definition:

Stage 3 exists when Company's storage level or well production is less than 70 percent but at least 60 percent of capacity for at least 24 hours.

Stage 3 Mandatory Conservation Requirements:

Under Stage 3, Payson Water is required to inform you a mandatory restriction to employ water conservation measures and reduce daily consumption is in effect. Failure to comply will result in disconnection of water service and enforcement fines.

The following uses of water shall be prohibited:

Irrigation of outdoor lawns, trees, shrubs, or any plant life is prohibited
Washing of any vehicle is prohibited
The use of water for dust control or any outdoor cleaning uses is prohibited
The use of drip or misting systems of any kind is prohibited
The filling of any swimming pool, spas, fountains or ornamentals pools is prohibited
The use of construction water is prohibited
Restaurant patrons shall be served water only upon request
Any other water intensive activity is prohibited
The company may not operate standpipe service, install new service lines or meters connections under stage 3 conditions.

Applicable Enforcement Fines

Once notice of mandatory conservation has been provided, the failure of a customer to comply within one (1) business day or two (2) calendar days of receipt of such notice will result in an immediate disconnection of water service pursuant to Arizona Administrative Code R14-2-410(B)(1)(d). The reconnection fee for violation of a Stage 3 curtailment notice shall be:

1st offense: $150.00
2nd offense: $300.00
3rd offense: $600.00

A suggestion.  Mesa del is typically the canary in the coal mine.  If restrictions are in place in Mesa del, they are sure to follow elsewhere this summer.  Be proactive and conserve water.