Drought Response Plan

Current City of Florence Operating Level: Level I

At the April 6, 2026 City Council meeting, Florence updated the City's Drought Response Plan.

Resolution No. 5-2026 Drought ResponseCity of Florence Drought Response Plan

INTRODUCTION

The goal of this Drought Response Plan is to clearly communicate the actions and steps the City may need to employ, with proper justification, to maintain the health, safety and economic vitality of the community to the extent possible in the face of water shortages. This Drought Response Plan is designed to optimize the City’s response under certain emergent conditions and to ensure the City is operating responsibly to best maximize available water supplies, reduce water use, and provide levels of conservation for the City of Florence and otherwise impacted communities during drought.

By means of explanation, these potential measures aimed at water conservation under certain extreme conditions are triggered by significant priority water calls on the Arkansas River, signaling worsening drought conditions. Priority water calls by water users, with senior water rights by law, curtail use by water users with less senior rights. The following levels of classification and related measures are intended to assist the City of Florence in making decisions throughout the course of a drought. The City of Florence may adjust or refine the response based on actual drought conditions, fire district restrictions, or other immediate or consequential considerations.

 Enforcement

If implemented by resolution of the City Council of Florence, the violation of Level I, II, Ill and IV mandatory restrictions and regulations may be enforced by prosecution in Municipal Court and/or by disconnection of water service. See Sections 13.04.170, 13.04.240 and or 13.04.420. Because the primary goals of this policy are to educate water users on conservation measures and to promote voluntary conservation, mandatory restrictions will be imposed only when necessary and upon priority water calls. Sanctions are available to deter potential violation, and as a last resort, to punish actual violators who have received prior warning. This policy and above referenced ordinances require that notice be given to violators before sanctions, including fines for convictions in municipal court, and/or disconnection of water service, are available for enforcement purposes.

 Normal Operating Conditions

Conditions with regard to water are normal, adequate and acceptable regarding quantity and quality of water sources, treatment or distribution. Customers should always use water wisely, and should seek a 20% reduction in use even when conditions are normal. Customers may refer to the conservation tips outlined in Level l.

Any natural disaster adversely affecting the City of Florence's water supply and/or delivery capacity may trigger any phase or water rate listed above, including Phase IV on discovery of said disaster, by the Florence City Manager.

 

 

CONSERVATION TIPS

Indoor Water Conservation

  • Fix Leaks: Repair dripping faucets, showerheads, and toilets promptly, as they can waste significant amounts of water daily.
  • Efficient Appliances: Install WaterSense-certified toilets, which use roughly 1.6 gallons per flush, and high-efficiency faucet aerators.
  • Laundry and Dishes: Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
  • Smart Showering/Bathing: Keep showers under 5 minutes, as they use less water than filling a bathtub.
  • Behavioral Habits: Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving, and use a bowl of water to wash produce instead of running water.

Outdoor Water Conservation

  • Xeriscaping/Landscaping: Replace thirsty grass with native, drought-resistant plants.
  • Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.
  • Irrigation Efficiency: Replace old sprinklers with high-efficiency nozzles and water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
  • Rainwater Harvesting: Use rain barrels or catchment systems to collect water for irrigation.
  • Watering Habits: Do not water on windy or rainy days. 

Agricultural & Systemic Methods

  • Drip Irrigation: Uses specialized tubing to deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste.
  • Conservation Tillage: Reduces soil erosion and improves water retention.
  • Water Audits: Utilities can use specialized software to identify and reduce leaks in municipal systems. 

Commonly Used Water Saving Measures 

  • Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways.
  • Reuse greywater (water from washing dishes or laundry) to water non-edible plants.
  • Use a swimming pool cover to reduce evaporation.

Additional Links

The Water Project Link

https://thewaterproject.org/water_conservation_tips

 Office of Sustainability Conservation Link

https://sustainability.txst.edu/sustainable-conservation-strategies-water.html

Water Use I Wisely 

https://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve-water/