Reclaimed Water System

Expanding Reclaimed Water Service

The installation and expansion of Austin’s current reclaimed water system is ongoing, delivering low-cost non-potable water for irrigation, cooling towers, and virtually any other use not requiring drinking-quality water.

Construction Projects

• Barton Springs to South Congress Reclaimed Water Main
• Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Main
• West Riverside Reclaimed Water Main
• Onion Creek Reclaimed Water Main
• Oltorf Reclaimed Water Main Phase 1
• Oltorf Reclaimed Water Main Phase 2

Contact

For more information or questions about the reclaimed water system contact reclaimedwater@austintexas.gov. 

Reclaimed Water FAQs

Is reclaimed water safe?

Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater effluent that is normally discharged into the Colorado River. Although reclaimed water is not approved for use in the drinking water supply, it meets over 90% of the criteria for drinking water. Reclaimed water is clear with no noticeable odor and is harmless to humans through normal contact. Austin's reclaimed water has passed all state and federal laws for non-potable use.

Reclaimed water customers are required to prevent backflows by installing a backflow prevention assembly on any drinking water system service line and some reclaimed water service lines. Reclaimed service lines for water demands that use any chemigation or fertigation are required to install a backflow prevention assembly. Read more about our backflow prevention program. In the United States, reclaimed water is always distributed via purple-colored pipes to distinguish it from drinking water. Learn more about testing requirements for reclaimed water.

What is the reclaimed water treatment process?

Typically, the effluent of treated wastewater is discharged into the river. For reclaimed water, that wastewater effluent is further disinfected and filtered and then diverted into the centralized reclaimed water system to meet our community’s non-potable demands. Reclaimed water is treated to TCEQ Type I water quality standards.

If my project is in the ETJ, is it required to connect to reclaimed?

If the project receives retail water service from Austin Water, the reclaimed connection mandate applies to the project.

If my project receives retail service from a provider that is a wholesale customer of Austin Water, does the reclaimed mandate apply to my project?

No, if the project’s retail service provider is not Austin Water, the reclaimed connection mandate does not apply to the project.

How is the distance from the reclaimed main measured?

Distance from reclaimed main is measured as the horizontal distance between the property boundary and reclaimed water line, measured based on the closest practicable access route.

Are "future" or "proposed" reclaimed water extensions to be considered for the 500' distance requirement if the Site Development Plan (SDP) is submitted prior to the line being constructed?

Reclaimed connection for Site Development Plans that fall within this category may be considered voluntary, and be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Does connecting to reclaimed water save money?

The rate for reclaimed water is lower than the potable water rate, so users may see a reduction in utility bills. Additionally, reclaimed meters are not charged impact fees.

Are there any incentives for voluntary connection to reclaimed?

Yes, Austin Water offers a rebate of up to $100,000 for voluntary connections to reclaimed. The details are in this Reclaimed Water rebate document. (PDF 340 KB)

Do I have to post signs if reclaimed water is used?

Although signs are only required at reclaimed water hose bibs, faucets, and storage tanks, Austin Water encourages customers to post signs indicating reclaimed water use.

As a service, we have prepared sample "Do Not Drink" and "Do Not Swim" signs for reclaimed water users to download and use to meet the following reclaimed water signage requirements.

Reclaimed Water Service Signage Requirements

• The signs must contain the words "Reclaimed Water, Do Not Drink" in both English and Spanish.
• Signs must be at least 8" x 8" with at least ½" lettering.
• The "Do Not Drink" sign must be placed at least once on the water reclamation site, at each reclaimed water faucet hose/bib, and at each storage tank.
• The "Do Not Swim" sign must be posted at reclaimed water
• Reclaimed water piping within a building is subject to additional identification and marking requirements; contact the City's Plumbing Department for details.

What if I don't have access to reclaimed water service at my location?

Austin Water has constructed reclaimed water bulk water facilities at several locations within the Austin area.  Customers will have to set up a bulk-fill water account and will have the ability to haul reclaimed water from those dispensing stations to their final locations.

I've heard about LEEDs points for flushing toilets with reclaimed water. What is this about?

Use of reclaimed water is a well-known water conservation effort that is eligible for LEEDs points.  Some of the greenest buildings in Austin are now using reclaimed water to flush toilets and urinals.  As this is fairly new, there are plumbing design elements (PDF 405 KB) that should be considered to make sure these fixtures function properly with reclaimed water.

Would the Alternative Water Permit be a part of the Site Development Permit process, or the Building Permit process?

The permit application can be started at the site plan process. However, it will be needed with the building plan. Submitting it earlier will be better, especially if you are using an alternate method of compliance to figure the dye injection system. 

What are the testing requirements for reclaimed water?

Reclaimed water customers must assure that reclaimed water plumbing is not accidentally connected to potable water plumbing. They must conduct an initial test of the integrity of both plumbing systems as required by plumbing code prior to receiving reclaimed water service. Annual testing of plumbing system integrity is required and is usually conducted in conjunction with backflow prevention device testing.

Testing

All testing is conducted in the same manner by a third party, with results provided to Austin Water Utility's Special Services Division. Potable water plumbing is kept pressurized while the reclaimed water plumbing is depressurized (the transducer pictured on this page measures pressure changes).

Monitoring

Then, the reclaimed water plumbing is monitored for an increase in pressure that would indicate a cross connection. The procedure is repeated in reverse with the reclaimed water pressurized and the potable water plumbing depressurized and monitored for an increase in pressure that would indicate a cross connection.

Alternative Methods

Alternative methods of testing are possible, but must be approved in advance.