Purpose
In December 2020, the City of Austin adopted the Onsite Water Reuse Systems Ordinance, adding Chapter 15-13 to the City of Austin Code, to regulate the collection, treatment, and use of alternative water sources for non-potable uses in multi-family and commercial buildings.
Who Must Comply?
Any commercial or multi-family project that uses rainwater, condensate water, stormwater, graywater or foundation drain water for non-potable applications such as toilet flushing or irrigation must obtain a permit from Austin Water. See “How to Obtain Project Approval” below for details on obtaining a permit.
Which Projects are Required to Install an Onsite Water Reuse System?
New commercial and multi-family projects with cooling towers have been required to reuse condensate or use non-potable water to make up evaporative losses since September 5, 2017 (UMC §310.8 & §1126.0).
Beginning December 1, 2023 Onsite Water Reuse Systems will also be required for new commercial and multi-family development projects of 250,000 gross square feet or greater (LDC §25-9-412). These projects will have to collect and treat either rainwater and air conditioner condensate or graywater for reuse in buildings for toilet/urinal flushing, laundry, irrigation, and cooling.