Voluntary Water Conservation

The need for a water conservation plan became evident to the Utility following a water distribution shortage it experienced in late May 2002 due to limitations within AWWU’s water transmission system. Anchorage experienced unusually warm and dry weather at that time and AWWU was not able to meet the demands of its customers who lived south of Tudor Road. As past experience has shown, customer water demands are highest during the months of May, June and July.

In the event of another water distribution problem, the Mayor could declare a public water shortage and implement a Voluntary Water Conservation Plan.

Voluntary efforts ask residents to reduce their water consumption and have proven to be successful in the past. The Utility believes Anchorage residents, when asked, will reduce their water consumption if and when this situation again becomes necessary. Should voluntary reductions fail to produce the necessary results, AWWU would come before the Assembly at a later date and ask for approval of a program that includes fines and penalties.

The Voluntary Water Conservation Program is based on the attached plan, with four levels or stages. AWWU would implement one or more of the Water Rationing Stages to begin an orderly and equitable reduction in water consumption.

Water rationing would remain in effect until cancelled by the Utility. This provides AWWU with the greatest amount of flexibility to match restrictions with current conditions.

Exclusions to rationing water will be granted by the AWWU General Manager on a case-by-case basis for essential life, health and safety purposes.