“It will be interesting to see if this voluntary permitting process is dissuasive to those water intense users who are also economic development drivers.” – Jordan Rose, Rose Law Group Founder and President
By Philip Haldiman | YourValley
To address Peoria leaders’ attempt to evolve the city from a bedroom community to an economic hub, City Council recently approved an ordinance that will regulate large water users.
The board approved the ordinance as part of its consent agenda Dec. 17.
The new ordinance will affect only Peoria customers who use more than 50,000 gallons per day on average over a one-year period.
Currently in Peoria, many of the city’s large water users are homeowner associations and apartment complexes, as well as golf courses. Those customers will be grandfathered.
Future and existing customers seeking to significantly increase their water use are now required to apply for a city-issued permit before beginning or expanding water service.
During a study session Nov. 19, staff presented a draft ordinance to council and has since made minor changes to language regarding “Water-Intensive Users” as well as in the enforcement section. Officials said these changes better reflect the intent of the Water-Intensive User provisions “in that it is a voluntary water conservation effort meant to encourage users to adopt sensible water saving measures reflective of Peoria’s Sonoran desert environment.”
Officials said changes to enforcement language ensure all provisions are “logical, clear, and consistent.”
