Robust investments in replacing, improving and expanding Austin's water and wastewater infrastructure paired with proactive maintenance ensures reliable and dependable service.

Managing Water Loss

The American Water Works Association and Texas Water Development Board establish industry standards for water loss, known as the Infrastructure Leak Index or ILI. Water loss is a function of leakage from the mains and fixtures and a utility’s ILI is scaled to take into account the number of connections and the miles of mains in the system. ILI is not affected by water use or population, which varies from city to city. 

For a utility the size of Austin Water, an ILI of between 3 and 5 is considered appropriate. 

  • Austin Water’s ILI for 2023 was 4.18.
  • Austin Water is working to complete the 2024 Water Loss Audit and ILI for the Texas Water Development Board.  The 2024 ILI will be available in May and posted here.  
Treatment Plant Maintenance
Water
Pipeline and Valve Maintenance
  • Leak Detection - Austin Water uses various listening devices to detect leaks. Leak detection is conducted by traditional canvasing using hydrophones or with tethered or free swimming devices that can detect leaks from within a pipe or main.  Satellite images are also analyzed to determine locations likely to have leaks.
Sewer System Smoke Testing

Austin Water regularly performs sewer system smoke testing throughout the City of Austin to help locate defects and improve the sanitary sewer services.

Smoke Testing Process

Smoke testing only takes a few hours, and forces smoke filled air into the sanitary sewer system. The smoke is non-toxic, odorless, and fills the sewer line and only escapes to the surface if there are any defects in the sanitary sewer system that need repair.

Notification of Smoke Testing

  • Door hangers will be distributed to give you information on the smoke testing process and contact information for questions or concerns. Re-notifications will be sent 2-3 days before the test.
  • Smoke testing is normally done between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. and requires the ground be dry. Rain may delay scheduled testing.

You do not need to be home during the smoke testing. Smoke should not enter your home or building (unless there is a leak or seldom used drains). The liquid smoke used is non-toxic, odorless, non-staining and is not a fire hazard. There is no disruption of your normal Austin Water services.

Getting Ready

  • Does anyone in your home or business have breathing problems or are they mobility impaired? Before Austin Water begins the smoke testing, call Austin Water Dispatch at 512-972-1000, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Have floor drains or toilets not been used in a while? Pour at least 3 cups of water in them a day before the test to keep smoke out.
  • Want to take some extra precautions? Tie a damp rag around the drain opening of your washing machine to prevent smoke from entering around the drain pipe.

What if smoke gets into your home or building?

Do not panic. Contact Austin Water Dispatch at 512-972-1000 to report smoke in your home. Austin Water Dispatch is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Open a window or turn on a fan in the room where the smoke is present and leave the area for 10 to 15 minutes or until smoke has cleared. The smoke should disappear within a few minutes and leave no residue. We recommend that you then call a plumber to find the leak and repair it.

The smoke used is non-toxic and harmless to pets and humans; however there is always the possibility that if there is a defect in your private plumbing harmful sewer gases could enter your home. Also, it is possible your pet could become frightened should smoke be present. We recommend either relocating or monitoring your pet during the smoke testing and not breathing in the smoke.

Contact

For more information or questions, contact Austin Water Dispatch at 512-972-1000, open 24-7. If anyone in your home or business has breathing problems or is mobility impaired, please call Austin Water Dispatch at 512-972-1000 before Austin Water begins the smoke testing.

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