WATER CONSERVATION PLAN

LLANO COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT #1

April 18, 2006

Approved by the Board of Directors
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____________________________________________________________________________
WATER CONSERVATION PLAN
FOR THE
LLANO COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT #1
April 18, 2006 
_____________________________________________________________________________

Llano County MUD #1 provides water, sewer and garbage collection services for the residents of Blue Lake Estates and out of district wastewater services for the neighboring subdivisions of Sandy Harbor and Deerhaven.  Also provided are out of district wastewater disposal only services for The Trails subdivision. Blue Lake Estates is an unincorporated subdivision located on the western shores of Lake LBJ in southeastern Llano County, Texas, on a parcel of land consisting of 245.42 acres.  Blue Lake Estates was one of the first resort communities built on Lake LBJ and, as such, has a large seasonal population.  The Blue Lake Subdivision is now at about 90 percent of its build-out capacity.  Thus it is likely that projected water use will remain at approximately the current level.

Blue Lake Estates is bordered on three sides by Lake LBJ, the majority of the residents draw raw lake water to irrigate their yards, only 33 residents utilize the water system for irrigation. 

The District owns and controls only 4 ¼ acres of land on which are situated the water plant, two sewer lift stations and the office.  Vegetation in and surrounding the plant and the two lift stations are in their natural non irrigated state.  No effort has been made to landscape, water, fertilize or mow in those areas.  They are trimmed only when necessary.  The land on which the office is located is 7/8 of an acre of which most is devoted as parking areas. 

The Building Covenants and Restrictions in Blue Lake permit only single-family residences; no commercial development is permitted.  Natural vegetation exists on all vacant lots and no effort is made to mow, fertilize or irrigate such lots.

A copy of the service area map is attached to this plan as Exhibit “A”.

Water Utility Data

This District currently has 252 water meters: 237 active residential meters, 2 non-active residential meters, 3 active commercial meters, the remaining 10 meters serve POA parks and irrigation systems for small landscaped gardens. Out of the 237 active residential meters, 88 meters are supplied for residents that live in Blue Lake full time; 149 meters are supplied for weekend and vacation homes.  Our residents understand the need for water conservation and are cooperative in this endeavor.

All connections are 100% metered. 

Below are tables that represent the amount of water diverted, sold, peak and average daily usage, water loss and the gallons per person per day for the periods indicated:

The total water pumped/diverted figures were gathered from the raw water master meter located at the water treatment plant, this meter is placed where the raw water from Lake LBJ enters the treatment plant.

The total water sold-per quarter figures were gathered from the records management system.  The District uses the RVS-Utility Billing program for customer billing purposes.

The yearly water loss figures are calculated by taking the amount of water pumped/diverted divided by the gallons of water sold.

Population Estimates and Projections

Source of Population Data:  The population data listed below comes from the district records.  An actual count of full time residents is taken periodically and is represented below.  The district uses a population figure of around 180 on regulatory documents, you can see by the data below that this number is considerably higher than the actual count.   The projected population for the service area is estimated at a 5 % increase for every ten years, taken into consideration were the population counts for the last five years. 

The table below indicates the number of new connections for the last five years: 

Residential Inactive Meters-this number currently represents two locations where the living structures have been removed, the lots are currently vacant with no future plans for construction of another structure.  In previous years, this number also represented meters that were placed on vacation or were disconnected due to non-payment of services.

Commercial Meters-represent the Blue Lake Estates Golf Club, the District Office, the Boat Basin and the meter installed in 2002 for the bathroom at the water plant.

Parks and Irrigation Meters-represent 4 small areas for flower gardens equipped with irrigation systems, the water fountain located at the 7th tee on the Blue Lake Golf Course and the remaining meters are located throughout the subdivision for parks owned by the Blue Lake Estates Property Owner’s Association. 

Water Supply Sources:

The District has a Municipal Water Sale Contract (LCRA Contract No. 15234) with the Lower Colorado River Authority for surface water.  The term of this contract is for 38 years, beginning on September 28, 2000 and ending on September 28, 2038.  The District has the right to divert up to a maximum of 87 acre-feet (28.35 million gallons) of raw water per annum from Lake LBJ in Llano County, Texas.  The diversion point is shown on Exhibit “B”.

In 1997, the District completed construction on an emergency water line that is connected to the City of Horseshoe Bay’s water system.  This system is to be used in an emergency, as a means of supplying uninterrupted services to customers. The incoming line is located between lots #379 and #380, near the intersection of Packsaddle Drive and West Bluebonnet Road, the line is equipped with a master meter.   

Water Treatment & Distribution System/ Design Daily Capacity of System:

The Llano County MUD #1 water system consists of one water treatment plant located at 300 N. Blue Ridge Trail (Unit #3, Lot #164).  Below is a list of the major components of the water treatment system:

1. Raw water supply pumps-the system pumps water from Lake LBJ by means of two identical pumps.  Each pump is 15 hp and is rated at 200 gpm.  These raw water supply pumps are located in a small concrete building at the edge of the lake.  These pumps are centrifugal pumps, which has a suction line extending out into the lake with a foot valve on the end of the line. 
2. Clarifiers-there are two clarifiers, an older unit rated at 59 gpm, and a newer, larger unit rated at 141 gpm, which totals a capacity of 200 gpm.
3. Filters-the system has four filters with a capacity of 50 gpm each, for a total of 200 gpm.
4. Transfer pumps-there are four transfer pumps, one for each filter, with a capacity of 50 gpm each.  The District has received a variance from TCEQ, effectively lowering the system’s transfer pump requirement to 0.52 gpm per connection with the largest pump out of service.  Data was presented by the District’s Engineer, Dr. James Miertschin, P. E., Ph. D. which demonstrated the actual capacity of each of the transfer pumps to be 120 gpm, which gives a total of 360 gpm.
5. Water storage tanks-there is three ground storage tanks with a total capacity of 133,000 gallons.
6. Distribution pumps-the system has two service (or distribution) pumps.  They are 15 hp and each pump delivers 311 gpm.
7. Pressure tank-the system has a pressure tank with a capacity of 7,000 gallons.
8. The distribution system is a looped system and piping consists of 6 miles of 2, 4 and 6 inch PVC, with no asbestos concrete pipe located in the system.  

Completed in 1996, Llano County MUD #1’s wastewater system is a pressurized system using a grinder pump at each residence, currently providing service to 376 customers. 229 of these connections are located in Blue Lake, 74 in Sandy Harbor and 74 in Deerhaven.  There are also 10 wastewater disposal only connections located in The Trails.  The raw wastewater is pumped to the City of Horseshoe Bay’s main wastewater treatment plant located at Hwy 71 and FM 2831 by two lift stations. One lift station is located in Sandy Harbor and the other one at Deerhaven.  96% of the water service area in Blue Lake is connected to the centralized wastewater collection system; the remaining 4% have privately owned septic tanks.  The ultimate number of connections projected to be served by the system is 523.

In conjunction with the installation of the wastewater system, completed in 1996, the community funded and constructed, with its own funds, a return water line from the City of Horseshoe Bay’s main wastewater treatment plant to the Blue Lake Golf Course to provide effluent water to its golf course. 

The City of Horseshoe Bay is under contract to handle the daily maintenance and operation of the wastewater system, disposal of the wastewater, and the water distribution system.  Currently, there is no way to separate the wastewater flow coming from Blue Lake only, all wastewater flow goes through the Deerhaven lift station.  The Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Contract executed in 1995 between the District and Lake LBJ MUD (The City of Horseshoe Bay) states that LBJ shall receive, treat and dispose of wastewater delivered by the District to the Point of Delivery, not to exceed the District’s entitlement.  The District’s entitlement is a maximum flow rate of 80,000 gallons of wastewater per day, and is calculated by using an average daily flow over a thirty (30) consecutive day period.  The annual entitlement is 29,200,000 gallons, taking the 2005 wastewater flow into consideration we are sitting at 50.43% capacity.  A one-time non-refundable connection fee to connect to the LBJ system was paid in the amount of $250,000.00.  The monthly service rate paid to LBJ for wastewater treatment is based on a formula comprised of operating costs (direct and indirect costs) and capital related costs.  Also addressed in this contract was the effluent return flow, the District is entitled to receive 10% of the total permitted storage capacity of the total permitted storage capacity of LBJ’s wastewater effluent holding pond facilities.  

Below is a table that represents the amount of wastewater pumped through the Deerhaven lift station to the Lake LBJ MUD (City of Horseshoe Bay) main station for treatment.

Below is a table that represents the numbers of new wastewater connections for the previous five years:
 

Below is a table that represents the amount of treated effluent water pumped to the Blue Lake Estates Golf Club for the last five years.  Since 1996, 73,616,000 gallons of effluent water has been pumped to the golf course.

Water Rates: The water meters are read quarterly, but the customers are billed monthly.  Billing for the first two months of every quarter is billed at the minimum, water charge of $33.75 for 3,000 gallons per month.  On the third month of the quarter, the bill will include the minimum for that month and the quantity of water used over the minimum for the three months.  The amount of water used over the minimum amount is billed at $1.50 per 1,000 gallons, over the 9,000 gallons.  The District plans to do a rate study in the near future.

Water Tap Fees:  Residential units are charged  $1500.00 for each ¾ meter connection.  Additional fees may be charged to a residential service applicant for tap expenses not normally incurred; for example, any unusual excavation costs due to rock are to be paid by the customer. Service connections requiring meters larger than 3/4 inch shall be limited to the actual cost of materials, labor and administrative costs for making the individual service connection and road connection, if applicable.  The service applicant shall be given an itemized statement of costs.

Wastewater Rates: The current wastewater rate charged to customers within the district is $46.40 per month, for out of district customers the charge is $47.20 per month.

Sewer Tap Fees / Grinder Pump Fees: Residential units are charged a $1500.00 tap fee for each standard grinder pump connection required where the collection line is immediately adjacent to the property to be served.  This tap fee included: road cuts and repairs, inspections as well as the connection to the collection line.  An additional fee may be charged to a residential service applicant for tap expenses not normally incurred; for example, any unusual excavation costs due to rock are to paid by the customer.  Prices effective for each single grinder system E-1 is $2,570.00.

Specific, quantified five-year and ten-year targets for water savings have been developed.  These include goals for water loss programs and goals for municipal use, in gallons per capita (per person) per day (gpcd).  The goals established by the customer are not enforceable. 
                       
Llano County Municipal Utility #1
System Water Loss Goals are:

            5 year              5% reduction
            10 year             10% reduction

Gallons per capita per day (gpcd) goals:

            5 year               5% reduction
            10 year             10% reduction

Water Conservation Measures

Metering Devices

Flow meters are used to measure and account for all water diverted from Lake LBJ and all water sales continue to be metered in order to accurately record the amount of water used. 

The district has established a regularly scheduled maintenance program of meter testing, repair and replacement.  All production meters located at the water plant are tested and calibrated annually, during the month of January by Fluid Meter Services. Meters are maintained within the accuracy of plus or minus 5%, in order to measure and account for the amount of water diverted from the source of supply. Meter replacement recommendations are followed using the manufacturers guidelines. 

After each quarterly water meter reading, an evaluation of each customer’s usage is made.  Zero consumption accounts are checked to see if water is actually being used or not. At this time it is also determined what action, if any, must be taken to reduce water consumption.  An additional evaluation is made to determine what the District must do to change its conservation plan or policies. 

The district, for testing the accuracy of the customer water meters has also purchased a testing device. All meters have been tested and appropriate action was taken to address any anomalies that are found.

Leak Detection and Repair

The district uses modern techniques in locating and reducing leaks which includes the use of listening devices.   A continuous leak detection and repair program is vital to the districts profitability.  Once located, all leaks are immediately repaired.  Through its computerized billing program the district can readily identify when excessive leakage occurs and takes immediate action to remedy the problem.

Samco Leak Detection Service was contracted in 2001 to check all accessible water lines, service connections, fire hydrants and valves in the water distribution system with sonic leak detection equipment.  Samco’s report contained the following information: present in the field were 103 old or obsolete meters, 6 meter box leaks, and 5 inaccurate customer meters, 1 leaking flush valve and there were no leaks found in the distribution system. Repairs and meter replacement were prioritized and an extensive meter replacement program was put into effect.  To date 65 of these meters have already been replaced, starting with the highest consumption customers and the full time residents.  This program continues to date. 

Unaccounted-For Water Use

The District shall conduct water loss audits in accordance with the Texas Water Development Board rules (Texas Administrative Code, title 31, chapter 358).  Periodic visual inspections along the distribution lines will be completed.  An audit of the water system to determine illegal connections, use of forms and accounting for loss due to flushing and fire fighting will be completed annually.

Records Management System

A records management systems using the RVS Utility Billing program has been set up to record the gallons of water pumped, delivered, water sales and water losses.  This system also allows for desegregation of water sales and uses into the following user classes: residential, commercial and public.

Education and Public Information Programs

Water Conversation information is made available at the Annual Property Owners Association meeting held every year during July.  This information is also available year round at the District Office.  All new customers are given a Welcome Package that contains the following water conservation pamphlets provided by the LCRA and the Texas Water Development Board:

LCRA-How to Xeriscape
LCRA-Fact Sheet-Xeriscape Design
LCRA-Water Wise Lawn Care
LCRA-Water—Half a Hundred Ways to Save It
LCRA-Water Conservation-Ways to be Water Wise
LCRA-Colorado River Flood Guide
LCRA-Living on the Highland Lakes
Texas Water Development Board—Forty Nine Water Saving Tips
Texas Water Development Board—How to Save Water Inside the Home
Texas Water Development Board—How to Save Water Outside the Home

Water Conservation Measures:
Landscape Irrigation Permits

Landscape irrigation permits are issued through the joint Blue Lake Estates Property Owner’s Association / Llano County MUD #1’s building permit.  The District has a contract with Ronald Wayne Tomison, a licensed plumbing inspector to perform all inspections necessary so the District can be in compliance with TCEQ.

 The following requirements are given to the applicant when applying for an irrigation permit:
 
LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Landscape irrigation systems are not mandatory.
2. Landscape Irrigation systems, if installed, are required to include the following water conservation features:
   • Rain and/ or moisture sensors.
   • Backflow prevention device installed in accordance with applicable state laws.
   • Pressure reducing valve and or/remote control valves for each station with flow control.
   • Pressure reducing valve, for which pressure reducing valve-installed in-line at the meter and serving house as well as irrigation system, is acceptable.
   • Zoning of irrigation system based on plant water requirements.
   • Multiple cycle controllers with an irrigation water budget feature.
   • Minimization of over spray onto hard-scapes by design, maintenance and scheduling practices.  Due to over spray, subsurface drip irrigation is encouraged but not required.
   • Low volume irrigation shall be installed in areas less than 10 feet wide, such as median strips, and parking islands.
   • Contractors installing irrigation systems must provide system design plans to the homeowner.  Scheduling recommendations shall be posted in or near the irrigation controller box.
   • Automatic spray irrigation for each home/business shall be limited to 2.5 times the foundation footprint, with a 12,000 sq. foot maximum.  The footprint may include both the house and the garage, but not the driveways or patio.
     
     
3. All irrigated and newly planted turf areas will have a minimum soil depth of 4 to 6 inches.  Builders and owners will import soil if needed to achieve sufficient soil depth.  Soil in these areas may be either native soil from the site or imported.  Improved soil will be a mix of no less than twenty percent compost blended with sand and loam.  Caliche shall not be considered as soil.
4. Builders are encouraged to provide homeowners a conservation landscape option using only native or adapted trees, shrubs and flowers.  The use of invasive plants will be avoided. 
5. Maintain a minimum of two inches of mulch in all shrub and bed areas.

A copy of the resolution adopting this revised water conservation plan is attached as Exhibit “C”.

The service area of Llano County Municipal Utility District #1 is located within the Region K (Lower Colorado) Water Planning Group and Llano County MUD #1 has provided a copy of this water conservation plan to the Texas Water Development Board. A copy of the transmittal letter is shown as Exhibit “D”.

Exhibit “A”
Service Area Map

Exhibit “B”
Diversion Point Map

A Resolution of the Board of Directors Adopting the
Revised Water Conservation Plan
For
Llano County Municipal Utility District #1

Resolution No. 0418200602

Whereas, the Board of Directors recognizes that the amount of water available to the Llano County Municipal Utility District #1 and to its customers is limited and subject to depletion during periods of extended drought; and,

Whereas, the Board of Directors recognizes that natural limitations due to drought conditions and other acts of God cannot guarantee an uninterrupted water supply for all purposes; and,

Whereas, Section 11.1271 of the Texas Water Code and applicable rules of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and LCRA require all public water supply systems in Texas to prepare a water conservation plan; and,

Whereas, as authorized under law, and in the best interests of the customers of the Llano County Municipal Utility District #1, the Board of Directors deems its expedient and necessary to establish certain rules and policies for the orderly and efficient management of limited water supplies during drought and other water supply emergencies.

Whereas, this Board of Directors further finds, determines and declares that the meeting at which this resolution has been considered and acted upon was open to the public and public notice of the time, place and subject of said meeting was duly given, all as required by Texas Water Code Ann. 49.063; Now therefore

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE LLANO COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT #1:

SECTION 1.  That the Revised Water Conservation Plan attached hereto as Exhibit “1” is hereby adopted as the official policy of the Llano County Municipal Utility District #1.

SECTION 2.  That the Management Staff and Employees of the Llano County Municipal Utility District #1 are hereby directed to implement, administer and enforce the Revised Water Conservation Plan. 

SECTION 3.  That this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage.

UNAMIOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE LLANO COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT #1. ON THIS 18TH DAY OF APRIL, 2006.

 

____________________________
President, Board of Directors

ATTEST:

 

______________________________
Secretary, Board of Directors

(Seal)

 

Exhibit “C”

 
April 18, 2006

Texas Water Development Board
Stephen F. Austin Bldg.
P.O. Box 13231
1700 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78711-3231
Attn: David Meesey

Dear Mr. Meesey,

Enclosed you will find the Llano County Municipal Utility District No. 1’s 2006 Water Conservation Plan. On April 18, 2006, The Board of Directors in a meeting posted properly in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and with a quorum present and voting, unanimously approved the 2006 Llano County Municipal Utility District No. 1. 
The resolution whereby the Board members unanimously approved this plan is found in Exhibit “C” of the plan.

This plan replaces the water conservation components of the Llano County Municipal Utility District No. 1 Water Conservation Plan and Non Point Source Pollution Abatement Plan that was approved by the Llano County Municipal Utility District No. 1 during January of 1998. 

Please contact me at 830-5968-5460 for any further questions or comments regarding this plan.

Sincerely,

Betty L. Brooker
General Manager

Exhibit “D”