Charlotte County Utilities
Emergency Rates & Water Conservation FAQ Sheet
What happened?
Very low rainfall in the Peace River watershed, and the resulting low
river flow conditions have resulted in below normal water storage at the
Peace River Facility. On December 6, 2006, the Peace River/Manasota Regional
Water Supply Authority (PR/MRWSA) announced that, at the current rate
of customer water usage, there was approximately a four-month supply of
water in storage at the Peace River Facility, where CCU purchases 95 percent
of its drinking water supply.
What is the severity of the situation? What are the consequences?
Without significant rainfall and conservation before the traditional
dry season, there is a potential for water-shortage conditions in the
spring. This does not mean the region will run out of water, but does
mean that if effective conservation measures are not implemented now,
more extreme measures, such as additional watering restrictions, may be
needed in the spring.
What is CCU proposing to deal with the situation?
To be proactive and help prevent a water-shortage condition, CCU has
requested that the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) implement emergency
water conservation rates in support of our existing watering restrictions
and conservation efforts. The rates will take effect January 1, 2007,
and will remain in effect until discontinued by the BCC.
What is being done to handle immediate needs?
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Peace River/Manasota
Regional Water Supply Authority and Charlotte County Utilities are urging
consumers to cut down on water usage at home, work and at leisure, and
to practice water-conservation behaviors. Since 2001, Charlotte County’s
Mandatory Water Restrictions have limited lawn watering to one day per
week in an effort to encourage year-round conservation, and SWFWMD is
now encouraging all local governments to impose the stricter, once-per-week
regulations. CCU is working closely with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s
Office to enforce the County’s Mandatory Water Restrictions. Violating
these restrictions may lead to a written warning and/or monetary fine
issued by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.
How will conservation help?
CCU customers are already some of the most conservation-conscious in
the state. The average CCU residential customer uses about 5,000 gallons
of water per month, which is quite low compared with many other areas
in the state. Maintaining that conservation ethic is critical. Continue
to do your part by checking your home for leaks, both indoors and out,
and repairing them quickly; limiting lawn watering and landscape irrigation
to your assigned day and time; restricting use of dishwashers and washing
machines to full loads only; and purchasing water- and energy-efficient
appliances. In addition, limiting shower time to five minutes can save
up to 1,000 gallons per month for a family of three.
What other measures are being taken to correct the situation?
Interim sources are being developed by the PR/MRWSA to help meet needs
during the upcoming spring, and for the next few years, until expansion
of the Peace River Facilities, including construction of a six-billion
gallon reservoir, is completed in 2009. Master Planning is also underway
by the Peace River Authority to identify and develop new water sources
and to interconnect water systems to meet the region’s needs for
the next 20 years and beyond.
Where can inquiries be directed?
For more information on emergency rates, CCU watering restrictions and
conservation tips, call our
Customer Service department at (941) 764-4300. You can contact the
Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority regarding river and
supply conditions at (863) 993-4565.
