The Water Shortage Contingency Plan was created in 2001 and most recently updated in 2023. The Plan gives customers an outline of how they can expect to use water during various stages of drought or water shortage. Although Little Thompson Water District’s water storage is diversified to provide both drought protection and a redundant storage source in the event of a significant water shortage, we still believe having a clear plan in place for drought years is essential.

The Board of Directors approves the full Plan whenever it needs to be revised. The current status is determined by the C-BT quota and projections for the year. We regularly update our customers on the level, and what that means to you, on social media, in our quarterly newsletters and on our homepage.

What Are the Levels, and What Do They Mean?

Our Drought Matrix outlines four specific action levels that guide water usage during different water supply conditions:

• Water Shortage Watch - This initial level serves as an early warning system, introducing mandatory watering day restrictions and setting expectations for conservation. The Watch level helps our community prepare for potential water shortages while implementing reasonable conservation measures.
• Level I (Low) - When water supplies become more limited, this level introduces mandatory watering day and time restrictions with moderate conservation requirements. Level I balances the need for conservation with minimal disruption to typical water use patterns.
• Level II (Medium) - This level responds to significant water supply concerns with stricter conservation requirements and increased water usage penalties. Level II focuses on preserving essential water uses while further limiting non-essential consumption.
• Level III (High) - Our most restrictive level is implemented during severe water shortages. Level III enforces stringent conservation measures, substantially higher penalties, and significant water rate increases to ensure water availability for critical needs.

Each level in the matrix clearly specifies allowable watering days and times, restrictions on various water uses, enforcement procedures, and any applicable rate adjustments. As conditions change, Little Thompson Water District may move between levels to appropriately manage our water resources.

Current Level: WATCH

As of April 2024, LTWD is under a Water Shortage Watch. This is a precautionary measure to encourage water conservation while ensuring our community's water needs are met. The following guidelines are in place under the WATCH level:

Landscape Watering Guidelines

• Watering Hours: Please water only before 10 AM or after 6 PM
• Watering Days: Maximum 3 days per week
  • Even-numbered addresses: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
  • Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
• Trees and Bushes: Limited to drip systems, hand watering with shut-off nozzle, deep root needle, or arbor bag
• Gardens and Greenhouses:
  • If using sprinklers: Follow the 3-day schedule before 10 AM or after 6 PM
  • If hand watering, using deep root needle, or drip system: No day restrictions

Other Water Use Guidelines

• Vehicle Washing: Must use shut-off nozzle before 10 AM or after 6 PM
• Cleaning Hard Surfaces: Whenever possible, use dry methods (sweeping, etc.)
• Construction Water Use: Contractors must provide water for projects that will use more than 1 million gallons. Water can be leased from the District if available.
• Hydrant Flushing: Normal operating schedule and critical situations
• Water Features and Ponds: Unrestricted
• Swimming Pools and Jacuzzis: Unrestricted

Enforcement

Water conservation is a community effort. If restrictions are not followed:

• 1st offense: Written warning
• 2nd offense: $100 fine
• 3rd offense: $200 fine
• 4th offense: $300 fine

If compliance is still not achieved after the 4th offense, a $500 fine will be assessed and a flow restrictor may be installed in the meter pit. As a last measure, water service may be terminated at the discretion of the District Manager.