Conservation & Reuse in Water Forward
Water Forward continues Austin's commitment to water conservation and efficiency. The plan includes a robust set of strategies to reduce water use and make buildings and landscapes more water efficient.
The plan also includes strategies to make use of all available water sources, including rainwater, stormwater, graywater, air conditioning condensate and wastewater that can be treated and reused for non-potable (non-drinking) purposes.
- Conservation
Advanced Metering Infrastructure
Water Forward includes a strategy to implement Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology to alert customers to potential leaks and help them manage water use in near-real time. Austin Water began implementing AMI in 2020 through the My ATX Water program.
Conservation Rebates, Tools and Programs
Water Forward includes strategies to expand several existing Austin Water rebate programs, including programs to help customers offset the cost of smart irrigation controllers and water-efficient landscapes, and to develop benchmarks and water budgets that would initially encourage and eventually require water usage targets for different types of development. The plan also includes a strategy to develop a landscape ordinance requiring water-efficient landscaping for new single-family homes.
Utility-Side Water Loss Control
Water Forward includes a strategy to reduce losses from pipes in the water distribution system by enhancing Austin Water's current water loss reduction program. Austin Water is focusing on leak response, leak detection through established and emerging technologies and repairing and replacing water mains through our Pipeline Renewal program. We are also validating water treatment plant production meters, conducting a customer meter accuracy study, testing meters three inches and larger for accuracy and executing ongoing meter replacement programs.
- Reuse
Onsite Water Reuse Systems
Onsite water reuse systems collect rainwater, condensate water, stormwater, graywater or foundation drain water for non-potable applications such as irrigation, toilet flushing and cooling. These systems are regulated under Chapter 15-13 of City Code and require a permit from Austin Water to ensure they are designed and operated to make efficient and safe use of water.
Effective April 1, 2024, onsite water reuse systems are required for new commercial, multi-family and mixed-use developments with 250,000 square feet of gross floor area or more. They are also required for commercial, multi-family and mixed-use projects with new or replaced evaporative cooling towers.
Centralized Reclaimed Water System
Water Forward includes a strategy to require more new developments to connect to Austin Water's centralized reclaimed water system and expand that system to meet growing non-potable water demands. Austin Water will also explore decentralized reclaimed systems, also known as distributed wastewater reuse systems, to provide non-potable water where the centralized reclaimed system is not available.