AUSTIN INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE PLANNING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE April 25, 2024 --1:00pm Hybrid Special Called Meeting Austin Permitting and Development Center Room 1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online after the meeting at: ATXN Video Archive | AustinTexas.gov For more information go to: Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. The first 10 speakers to register will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns not on the agenda. To register, contact Emily Rafferty at emily.rafferty@austintexas.gov. The information required is the speaker’s name, item number(s) they wish to speak on if applicable, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT TASK FORCE MEMBERS: Voting Members: Bill Moriarty Sarah Faust Hani Michel Perry Lorenz Madelline Mathis Todd Bartee Robert Mace, Vice Chair Paul DiFiore Vanessa Puig-Williams Jennifer Walker, Chair Ex Officio Non-Voting Members: Austin Water: Kevin Critendon Austin Energy: Kathleen Garrett Austin Resource Recovery: Donald Hardee Housing and Planning: Tymon Khamsi Office of Innovation: Daniel Culotta Office of Sustainability: Lucia Athens Parks and Recreation: Liana Kallivoka Watershed Protection: Katie Coyne AGENDA CALL TO ORDER – PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Review and approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Task Force meeting on April 15, 2024 DISCUSSION ITEMS ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 2. Staff update on Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan updates 3. Approve a letter from the Water Forward Task Force to the Austin City Council regarding the Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan updates ADJOURN The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force Liaison, Emily Rafferty at 512-972-0427, for additional information; TTY users …
CITY OF AUSTIN DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN Developed to Meet Requirements Outlined in 30 TAC § 288.20 and § 288.22 Water Conservation Division City of Austin, Texas PWS # 2270001 May 2, 2024 City of Austin Drought Contingency Plan Table of Contents SECTION I: Declaration of Policy, Purpose and Intent ................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. SECTION II: Background ........................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. SECTION III: Trigger Conditions and Goals .................................................................................................... 8 SECTION IV: Drought Response Measures .................................................................................................. 11 SECTION V: Wholesale Contract Provisions ................................................................................................ 20 SECTION VI: Public Involvement ..................................................................................................................... 20 SECTION VII: Public Notification and Education ........................................................................................ 21 SECTION VIII: Coordination with Regional Planning Groups (RPG)...................................................... 21 SECTION IX: TCEQ Notification ....................................................................................................................... 21 SECTION X: Plan Review and Updates .......................................................................................................... 21 APPENDIX A: Water Conservation Code ....................................................................................................... 22 APPENDIX B: Water Conservation Penalty Code ........................................................................................ 23 APPENDIX C: Water Use Triggers for Water Use Management Ordinance .......................................... 24 APPENDIX D: Resolutions In Support of Adoption of The Drought Contingency Plan .................... 25 APPENDIX E: Resolution Adopting The 2024 Drought Contingency Plan ........................................... 26 APPENDIX F: Transmittal Letter to Regional Planning Group ................................................................. 27 APPENDIX F: Public Response to November 2023 Survey ........... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. 1 City of Austin Drought Contingency Plan DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN City of Austin, Texas May 2024 Section I: Declaration of Policy, Purpose and Intent The City of Austin (the City) maintains a decades-long commitment to ensuring a sustainable water supply through demand management measures. The latest update to Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan (the Plan) builds upon this legacy. This iteration of the Plan retains all measures from previous versions while incorporating new strategies to better address droughts in the future. Designed as a comprehensive strategy, the Plan focuses on addressing water shortages and emergencies, with specific attention to domestic water use, sanitation, fire protection, and public well-being. In accordance with Section 11.1272 of the Texas Water Code and Chapter 288 of Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, the City regularly updates this plan, underscoring the importance of adaptability to evolving water supply dynamics. This document outlines the City's strategic response to challenges posed by demand surges, infrastructure constraints, and droughts, including historical critical droughts. Through coordination with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the Drought Contingency Plans of both the LCRA and the City are consistent in terms of targets and goals. The City’s plan is more proactive, including the implementation activities necessary …
Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile CITY OF AUSTIN WATER CONSERVATION PLAN Developed to Meet Requirements Outlined in 30 TAC §288.2 and §288.5 May 2, 2024 Page 1 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Page 2 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Message from the Director Thank you for your interest in Austin’s most precious natural resource: water. The city was founded in the mid-1800s on the banks of the Colorado River to take advantage of that abundant water resource. Our water supply is just as critical today, but now we face unprecedented challenges: record high temperatures, record low flows into the Highland Lakes, water quality concerns, and continued rapid population growth. Together, we can meet these challenges. The City of Austin’s 100-year Water Forward Integrated Water Resources Plan is focused on water conservation and water use efficiency, as well as strategies to strengthen the diversity of Austin’s water supply. Austin has come a long way over the last decade – in 2023, we used essentially the same amount of water as we did in 2011, despite having 140,000 more residents. But the impacts from climate change require us to become even more water-wise and water-efficient. The update of this Water Conservation Plan is required by the State of Texas every five years to provide short-term strategies to address changing conditions. Even more importantly, the update is a necessary part of the city’s future sustainability. This document describes Austin Water’s conservation initiatives, programs, and projects to help residents and businesses increase their water use efficiency. In addition, it describes how Austin Water is maximizing our water supply from the Highland Lakes through conservation and water reuse. Learn more about what you can do to conserve our most precious resource at AustinWater.org. Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E. Austin Water Director Page 3 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Table of Contents Executive Summary 5 Conservation Program History 7 Public Education and Information 9 Residential Customer Programs 11 Commercial Customer Programs 15 Regulatory Programs 17 Metering and Water Loss 20 Water Reuse 23 Water Rates 25 Goals for Water Use and Water Loss 26 Utility Profile 30 System Data 35 Appendices 42 Page 4 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Executive Summary The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Water Development Board require an update to the City of Austin’s Water Conservation Plan …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and Council Members THROUGH: Robert Goode, P.E., Assistant City Manager FROM: Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E., Director, Austin Water DATE: April 15, 2024 SUBJECT: Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan Updates We would like to share an overview of Austin Water’s upcoming Recommendations for Council Action, which update both the Water Conservation Plan (WCP) and Drought Contingency Plan (DCP), along with related amendments to the City Code to enforce the plans. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires the City’s WCP and DCP to be updated every five years. Staff have coordinated revisions with changes being made to the Lower Colorado River Authority’s (LCRA) DCP. RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTIONS On May 2, 2024, Austin Water is requesting consideration of the following: • • • Approve a resolution adopting the Water Conservation Plan, as required by the TCEQ, and repeal the resolution for the 2019 Water Conservation Plan. Approve a resolution adopting the Drought Contingency Plan, as required by the TCEQ, and repeal the resolution for the 2016 Drought Contingency Plan. Approve an ordinance amending Austin City Code Chapter 2-13, Chapter 6-4, and Chapter 15-9 to codify necessary changes to enact the updated 2024 Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan. BACKGROUND The City of Austin’s 100-year Integrated Water Resources Plan, known as Water Forward, includes a number of strategies to provide for a sustainable water future for Austin, including water conservation and water use efficiency, reclaimed water use, like that of the recently adopted GoPurple Program, and strengthening the diversity of Austin’s water supply. While these plans have always served as an important element to water conservation and water supply planning, they are increasingly important tools as Austin continues to grow and as our region faces a prolonged drought. Current drought conditions have reduced the combined storage of the Highland Lakes to 43% of the available storage when full. The updated WCP and DCP describe current and additional activities to increase water efficiency and reduce water use. Page 1 of 3 WATER CONSERVATION PLAN The WCP provides a description of the activities by Austin Water to conserve water, both in times of plenty and in scarcity. Activities include customer education, incentives, and enforcement; water loss reduction activities; and water reuse, both centralized reclaimed and onsite. In addition to current and expanded conservation activities, the WCP includes goals for 5- …
2024 Updates to the Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans Water Forward Task Force – April 25, 2024 Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Manager Agenda Going Forward • Water Conservation • Reclaimed Water • Water Loss Control Water Conservation Plan – Program Results 2019-2023 Water Conservation Plan – Goals for 2029 and 2034 • Per-Person Use (GPCD or Gallons Per Capita Daily) • Water Loss (GPCD and Infrastructure Leakage Index) Drought Contingency Plan – Overview 2 Going Forward May 2024 - Seek Council adoption of the WCP and DCP and submit to the TCEQ Summer 2024 – implement conservation activities and review WCP in conjunction with the 2024 Water Forward Plan development November 2024 - Submit a revised WCP to Council with the 2024 Water Forward Plan 3 Water Conservation Plan Program Results 2019-2023 4 Water Conservation Residential Customer Programs Household Material Distribution Residential Irrigation Audits Go Repair! and Plumbing Program Austin Energy All-Star Conservation Kits 5 Water Conservation Residential Incentive Programs 6 Water Conservation Commercial Incentive Programs Bucks for Business • Performance-based: $1 per 1,000 gallons saved over 10 years • Examples: high-efficient fixtures, cooling systems, reusing high quality rinse water • Program resurgence: In Fiscal Year 2024, 18 applications, saving 16.4 million gallons, plus up to 10 more by end of the fiscal year 7 Reclaimed Water & Onsite Water Reuse Over 160 customers using reclaimed water Recent Go Purple program • Requirements for reclaimed connections and onsite water reuse systems • Incentives for reclaimed connections and onsite water reuse systems • Funding sources Voluntary reclaimed connection incentives 8 Water Loss Control Leak detection: line annually mains • Acoustic technology inspects > 500 miles of • Smart ball technology for large transmission “Renewing Austin” program targets aging lines for replacement My ATX Water meter replacement 9 2021 Review of production meters 2023 – External review of water loss activities, final report in June 2024 Water Conservation Plan Goals for 2029 and 2034 Total Gallons Per Capita Daily (GPCD) Residential GPCD Water Loss GPCD Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) 10 Req. Savings (MG) 2,199 5,888 2,917 6,182 123 116 121 115 119 3,900 106 10,818 Goal GPCD 2029 Goal (0.75%) 2034 Goal (1.25%) 2029 Goal (1%) 2034 Goal (1%) 2029 Goal (WCP19 2024 Goal) 2034 Goal (WCP19 2029 Goal) Recommended Goals …
4/25/2024 Subject: Water Forward Task Force Support for Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan Dear Austin City Council, As members of the Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community (Water Forward) Task Force, we would like to express our support for approval of the Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan for the City of Austin, to be considered at the May 2nd City Council meeting. These plans are important documents, particularly given the current drought conditions in the Highland Lakes watersheds and the ongoing work needed to advance the City’s water conservation initiatives. The updated Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan outline programs, measures, and requirements aimed at promoting efficient water use, reducing water waste, and enhancing our ability to respond effectively to drought conditions in the short term. Furthermore, these plans align with the City's broader objectives of promoting environmental stewardship, fostering economic prosperity and affordability, and safeguarding the well-being of our residents. As members of the Water Forward Task Force, we believe that intentional effort will be required by Austin Water to achieve and preferably surpass the five- and ten-year water savings goals and drought stage water use reduction targets set in these plans. We support the City placing continued strong emphasis and focus on water conservation, water-loss mitigation, and water reuse program implementation as well as water use restriction enforcement in pursuit of these goals. By approving these plans, the Austin City Council will reaffirm its commitment to proactive water management while emphasizing the need to strengthen current and future water conservation programs. Moreover, it will demonstrate leadership in addressing the pressing challenges posed by the current drought and climate change, both of which have significant implications for our region's long-term viability. With Central Texas experiencing prolonged periods of drought, it is key that we adopt comprehensive strategies to conserve our precious water resources and mitigate the impacts of water scarcity. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your favorable consideration. Sincerely, AUSTIN INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE PLANNING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE Jennifer Walker, Chair
AUSTIN INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE PLANNING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE April 15, 2024 --12:00pm Hybrid Special Called Meeting Austin Permitting and Development Center Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live For more information go to: Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. The first 10 speakers to register will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns not on the agenda. To register, contact Emily Rafferty at emily.rafferty@austintexas.gov. The information required is the speaker’s name, item number(s) they wish to speak on if applicable, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT TASK FORCE MEMBERS: Voting Members: Bill Moriarty Sarah Faust Hani Michel Perry Lorenz Madelline Mathis Ex Officio Non-Voting Members: Austin Water: Kevin Critendon Austin Energy: Kathleen Garrett Austin Resource Recovery: Donald Hardee Housing and Planning: Tymon Khamsi Todd Bartee Robert Mace, Vice Chair Paul DiFiore Vanessa Puig-Williams Jennifer Walker, Chair Office of Innovation: Daniel Culotta Office of Sustainability: Lucia Athens Parks and Recreation: Liana Kallivoka Watershed Protection: Katie Coyne AGENDA CALL TO ORDER – PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5, 2024 DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Review and approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Task Force meeting on March 2. Update on Lower Colorado River and Highland Lakes water supply conditions 3. Presentation of Water Forward 2024 water management strategy characterization 4. Presentation of Water Forward 2024 plan update methodology 5. Staff update on Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan updates ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a letter from the Water Forward Task Force to the Austin City Council regarding the Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan updates FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURN The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) …
Update on Lower Colorado River and Highland Lakes water supply conditions Highland Lakes Inflows Average 1942 - Present Average 2008 - 2015 2023 Jan. - Mar. 2024 225,000 200,000 175,000 t e e F - e r c A 150,000 125,000 100,000 75,000 50,000 25,000 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Lakes Buchanan & Travis Combined Storage 2.0M ac-ft Full Storage t e e f - e r c a , e g a r o t S 2,200,000 2,000,000 1,800,000 1,600,000 1,400,000 1,200,000 1,000,000 800,000 600,000 400,000 200,000 0 1.4M ac-ft 0.9M ac-ft 0.6M ac-ft COA DCP Stage 1 COA DCP Stage 2 COA DCP Stage 3 Interruptible stored water for non-Garwood agricultural operations was not provided by LCRA in 2012 through 2015 and beginning with the second growing season of 2022 through 2024. 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 U.S. Drought Monitor NOAA 3-month Outlook: April - June The seasonal outlooks combine long-term trends, soil moisture, and El Nino/Southern Oscillation. NOAA El Nino/Southern Oscillation Forecast 85% chance of a transition from El Niño to ENSO-neutral by April-June 2024 60% chance of La Niña developing by June-August 2024 Lakes Buchanan & Travis Combined Storage Projections COA DCP Stage 1 1.4 MAF COA DCP Stage 2 0.9 MAF COA DCP Stage 3 0.6 MAF Questions?
Water Forward 2024 water management strategies April 15, 2024 Water Forward 2024: Planning for Uncertainty Range of demands Possible climate futures Droughts Worse than the Drought of Record Regional supply trends Uncertainty in future water availability Water Forward 2024 Decision points A C D B E 2120 Develop a range of future conditions Find common near-term strategies that work for a broad range of futures Develop adaptive plan with key decision points Re-evaluate at key decision points Scenario Planning Methodology Goal Define the needs Evaluate potential solutions Identify potential solutions Select the best solution & implementation strategy Ongoing community engagement and equity work Tasks Develop range of future scenarios WF18 implementation evaluation and update Preliminary needs assessment Identify, screen, and characterize additional WMS Use optimization model to identify top-performing WMSs over all scenarios Construct 50-yr portfolios for further evaluation 50-Year portfolio trade-off analysis Conduct vulnerability assessment to identify system stressors Preferred 50-yr portfolio & equity and affordability analysis Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) Outcome Updated WF18 strategies and range of baseline needs WMSs variables and rules for testing Evaluated 50-year portfolios and identified system stressors Water Forward 2024 Plan Timeline 2022 Fall 2024 Strategy Characterization Process Review strategies considered and/or recommended in Water Forward (WF)18 Review progress of ongoing programs Identify additional strategies for WF24 initial list Identify any variables (operational, scale) Update cost and yield characterization for testing Strategy Types Water Supply Demand Management Best Management Practices • Strategies that enable • Strategies like • Strategies that advance the utility to access new sources of water and expand or make better use of existing sources of water conservation and reuse that reduce the demands on raw or potable water Water Forward objectives like protecting the health of the Colorado River and improving the utility’s resilience. Strategy Characterization Approach As strategies will be modeled with various timing and yields in the WMS optimization analysis, each strategy generally includes a min and max yield at each planning horizon Costs for each strategy have been generated at the 2120 max yield Cost information includes: • Total capital cost, including facilities, contingencies, and land acquisition • Total annual costs, including debt service and operations and maintenance • Annualized unit costs in dollars per acre feet per year 2040 Supply Strategy Yield Ranges and Annualized Unit Costs Preliminary and Subject to Change 2120 …
Water Forward WAVE evaluation Water Forward Task Force Meeting March 5, 2024 Water Forward: Planning for Uncertainty Develop a range of plausible future scenarios Find common near-term water management strategies (WMSs) that perform well over many scenarios For long-term (WMSs), develop an adaptive management plan with key decision points Continue to update the plan, re- evaluate, and adapt s o i r a n e c s g n i l e d o M Range of demands Possible climate futures Droughts worse than the drought of record Regional supply trends Water Forward 2024 Decision points including regular updates to the WF Plan Scenarios of plausible future water needs A C D B E 2120 WF24 Methodology Overview Goal Define the needs Evaluate potential solutions Identify potential solutions Select the best solution & implementation strategy We are here Ongoing community engagement and equity work Tasks Develop range of future scenarios WF18 implementation evaluation and update Preliminary needs assessment Identify, screen, and characterize additional WMS Use optimization model to identify top-performing WMSs over all scenarios Construct 50-yr portfolios for further evaluation 50-Year portfolio trade-off analysis Conduct vulnerability assessment to identify system stressors Preferred 50-yr portfolio & equity and affordability analysis Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) Outcome Updated WF18 strategies and range of baseline needs WMSs variables and rules for testing Evaluated 50-year portfolios and identified system stressors Water Forward 2024 Plan Timeline 2022 Fall 2024 WF24 Methodology Overview Goal Define the needs Evaluate potential solutions Identify potential solutions Select the best solution & implementation strategy Ongoing community engagement and equity work Tasks Develop range of future scenarios WF18 implementation evaluation and update Preliminary needs assessment Identify, screen, and characterize additional WMS Use optimization model to identify top-performing WMSs over all scenarios Construct 50-yr portfolios for further evaluation 50-Year portfolio trade-off analysis Conduct vulnerability assessment to identify system stressors Preferred 50-yr portfolio & equity and affordability analysis Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) Outcome Updated WF18 strategies and range of baseline needs WMSs variables and rules for testing Evaluated 50-year portfolios and identified system stressors Water Forward 2024 Plan Timeline 2022 Fall 2024 Water management strategy Assessment and Vulnerability Evaluation = WAVE WAVE Team Members Rob Lempert Michelle Miro Swaptik Chowdhury RAND Will Support the WAVE with Multi-Objective Robust Decision Making (MoRDM) We live in a fast-changing, hard-to-predict world We can shape the future, even when we can’t predict …
2024 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans Updates Water Forward Task Force – April 15, 2024 Kevin Critendon, P.E., Assistant Director Agenda Water Supply Planning Overview Proposed Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Proposed Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Next Steps 2 Austin’s Water Supply: 325,000 Acre Feet Per Year Colorado River • Combination of State-granted water rights & long-term contract with LCRA • Up to 325,000 acre- feet per year (afy) LCRA reservation & use fees pre-paid in 1999 • Additional use payments trigger when average for 2 consecutive years exceeds 201,000 afy Centralized Reclaimed System 3 What plans and why do we need them? Texas utilities must provide a Water Conservation Plan (WCP) and a Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Required by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) every 5 years WCPs identify programmatic activities aimed at reducing overall water consumption and improve water use efficiency 4 DCPs identify water supply triggers and related drought response activities How are these plans different? Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Plan for all weather conditions Focuses on drought conditions Describes Describes • Utility and water use information • Conservation (rebates, education, enforcement) • Water loss reduction • Reuse activities Includes water consumption and water loss • Drought Stages • Drought Triggers (demand and supply) • Drought Actions & Restrictions Must be consistent with the LCRA DCP Requires Chapter 6-4 changes goals 5 How does this work regionally with our water supply partner? LCRAs Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) AWs DCP aligns with LCRAs DCP LCRA recently updated its DCP on March 26, 2024 LCRAs significant updates include: • Adjusting drought trigger levels (From 4 stages to 5 stages) • Adding LCRAs inflow trigger for Drought Stage 2 • Adding specific drought condition water use restrictions 6 Austin’s Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Public education & outreach Residential assistance Incentive programs Regulatory programs Water loss reduction Water reuse 7 2024 WCP Updates Updated program activity and water savings Increased integration with My ATX Water Updated Conservation Goals and Water Loss goals 8 2024 WCP Proposed Goals Based on a 5-year average and measure attainable achievements and updated targets for: • Total Population Gallons Per Capita per Day (GPCD) reduction of water use • Residential Gallons Per …
AUSTIN INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE PLANNING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE March 5, 2024 --12:00pm Hybrid Regular Meeting Austin Permitting and Development Center Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live For more information go to: Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. The first 10 speakers to register will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns not on the agenda. To register, contact Emily Rafferty at emily.rafferty@austintexas.gov. The information required is the speaker’s name, item number(s) they wish to speak on if applicable, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT TASK FORCE MEMBERS: Voting Members: Bill Moriarty Sarah Faust Hani Michel Perry Lorenz Madelline Mathis Todd Bartee Robert Mace, Vice Chair Paul DiFiore Vanessa Puig-Williams Jennifer Walker, Chair Ex Officio Non-Voting Members: Austin Water: Kevin Critendon Austin Energy: Kathleen Garrett Austin Resource Recovery: Donald Hardee Housing and Planning: Tymon Khamsi Office of Innovation: Daniel Culotta Office of Sustainability: Lucia Athens Parks and Recreation: Liana Kallivoka Watershed Protection: Katie Coyne AGENDA CALL TO ORDER – PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 9, 2024 DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Review and approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Task Force meeting on January 2. Update on Lower Colorado River and Highland Lakes water supply conditions 3. Update on Reuse Ordinances related to clarifying requirements and modifying variances for Reclaimed Water Connections and Onsite Water Reuse requirements, reauthorizing the Onsite Water Reuse Systems pilot incentive, creating a GoPurple Community Benefit Charge, and approving negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement related to reclaimed connections for the Travis County Courthouse 4. Update on Indirect Potable Reuse Emergency Implementation Project 5. Water Forward 2024 plan update methodology overview ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a letter from the Water Forward Task Force to the Austin City Council regarding voting items on the March 7, 2024, Austin City Council agenda related to implementing Water Forward reuse and reclaimed strategies FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURN The City of …
WATER FORWARD R E U S E S T R AT E G I E S One City, One Water: A plan for the next 100 years Water Forward Task Force – March 5, 2024 Agenda Water Forward Overview Reuse Strategies Addressing Affordability Key 2024 Activities to Advance Reuse 2 Water Forward Water Forward is Austin’s 100-year integrated water resource plan, unanimously adopted by Council in November 2018. Water Forward identifies diverse and environmentally conscious water management strategies to adapt to growth, drought, and climate change and ensure a sustainable, resilient, equitable, and affordable water future for our community. 3 Austin’s Water Supply: 325,000 Acre Feet Per Year Colorado River: • Combination of State-granted water rights & long-term contract with LCRA • Up to 325,000 acre-feet per year (afy) LCRA reservation & use fees pre-paid in 1999 • Additional use payments trigger when average for 2 consecutive years exceeds 201,000 afy Centralized Reclaimed System 4 Water Forward Guiding Principles Water Forward is updated on a 5-year cycle. The updated plan will be submitted for Council Approval in November 2024. Resiliency Inclusive approach + Community values Diverse strategies Equity + Affordability Protect the Colorado River Reduce operational risks Focus on local supplies 5 WATER FORWARD One City One Water One Approach Environmental Sustainability & Climate Equity Affordability Reliability & Resiliency 6 Climate Change Planning for Uncertainty Population Growth 7 Combined Storage Lakes Buchanan and Travis 8 Water Forward Strategies Reuse Conservation Supply Partnerships 9 Why Now? Why Reuse? 1999 2024 10 Value of Reuse Affordability • $10M+ Annual Cost Savings to Customers Reliability & Resiliency Environmental Sustainability Centralized Reclaimed System 11 AW & COA Leading the Way Advancing Reuse Central Library Permitting & Development Center Austin Energy Headquarters Other Developments • Austin Peace Academy • Waterloo Park Restrooms • Mueller Visitor Center • Travis County Community Center 12 Reuse Strategies Water Forward WF18 Implementation Progress Reuse & Conservation Implementation Highlights Reuse Onsite Water Reuse System (OWRS) regulatory framework and incentive approved by Council New Voluntary Reclaimed Water Connection incentive developed 14 Conservation Water benchmarking, onsite water reuse, and extension of reclaimed water connection requirements approved by Council Investments to Advance Reuse Walnut Creek WWTP Reclaimed Water Initiative Phase 1A&B Central Zone Projects 51st Street Tank Bulk Fill Stations Montopolis Tank & Pump Station Planning and Development Center …
Water Forward WAVE evaluation Water Forward Task Force Meeting March 5, 2024 Water Forward: Planning for Uncertainty Develop a range of plausible future scenarios Find common near-term water management strategies (WMSs) that perform well over many scenarios For long-term (WMSs), develop an adaptive management plan with key decision points Continue to update the plan, re- evaluate, and adapt s o i r a n e c s g n i l e d o M Range of demands Possible climate futures Droughts worse than the drought of record Regional supply trends Water Forward 2024 Decision points including regular updates to the WF Plan Scenarios of plausible future water needs A C D B E 2120 WF24 Methodology Overview Goal Define the needs Evaluate potential solutions Identify potential solutions Select the best solution & implementation strategy We are here Ongoing community engagement and equity work Tasks Develop range of future scenarios WF18 implementation evaluation and update Preliminary needs assessment Identify, screen, and characterize additional WMS Use optimization model to identify top-performing WMSs over all scenarios Construct 50-yr portfolios for further evaluation 50-Year portfolio trade-off analysis Conduct vulnerability assessment to identify system stressors Preferred 50-yr portfolio & equity and affordability analysis Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) Outcome Updated WF18 strategies and range of baseline needs WMSs variables and rules for testing Evaluated 50-year portfolios and identified system stressors Water Forward 2024 Plan Timeline 2022 Fall 2024 WF24 Methodology Overview Goal Define the needs Evaluate potential solutions Identify potential solutions Select the best solution & implementation strategy Ongoing community engagement and equity work Tasks Develop range of future scenarios WF18 implementation evaluation and update Preliminary needs assessment Identify, screen, and characterize additional WMS Use optimization model to identify top-performing WMSs over all scenarios Construct 50-yr portfolios for further evaluation 50-Year portfolio trade-off analysis Conduct vulnerability assessment to identify system stressors Preferred 50-yr portfolio & equity and affordability analysis Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) Outcome Updated WF18 strategies and range of baseline needs WMSs variables and rules for testing Evaluated 50-year portfolios and identified system stressors Water Forward 2024 Plan Timeline 2022 Fall 2024 Water management strategy Assessment and Vulnerability Evaluation = WAVE WAVE Team Members Rob Lempert Michelle Miro Swaptik Chowdhury RAND Will Support the WAVE with Multi-Objective Robust Decision Making (MoRDM) We live in a fast-changing, hard-to-predict world We can shape the future, even when we can’t predict …
Subject: Water Forward Task Force Support for Reclaimed Water Ordinances DRAFT Dear Austin City Council, As representatives of the Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community (Water Forward) Task Force, we would like to convey our collective support for the reclaimed water ordinances to be considered at the March 7th City Council meeting. These ordinances include the following: • Land Development Code Amendments: Affordable housing exemptions for requirements effective 4/1/24 for onsite reuse, dual plumbing, and connections to Austin Water’s centralized reclaimed water system • City Code Chapter 15-13 Amendments: Regulation of Onsite Water Reuse Systems • Pilot Incentive Reauthorization for Fiscal Year 23-24: $500,000 per project, not to exceed • GoPurple Community Benefit Charge: Fee Amendment & Budget Amendment • Travis County Interlocal Agreement: Reclaimed connections for Travis County $5.6 million Courthouse Our endorsement stems from a long history of championing the use of reclaimed water as a key strategy in the Council-approved Water Forward 2018 plan. These forward-thinking initiatives, which are anticipated to save approximately 16 million gallons per day by 2040, demonstrate a commitment to One Water practices and are essential for the continued well-being and resilience of our community. Advancing reuse will be a key part of how Austin adapts to the challenges posed by climate change. These measures reflect an innovative approach to balance our City’s needs for reliability and resiliency, environmental sustainability, and affordability with an expected $10 million annual cost savings for customers in addition to long term water rate savings for developments using reclaimed water. It is our collective belief that embracing reclaimed water is a progressive and necessary step for Austin. The ordinances align with our shared vision for a city that leads the way in advancing reuse as an innovative and sustainable solution. We respectfully urge the City Council to adopt these ordinances. Sincerely,
Indirect Potable Reuse Emergency Implementation Planning AGENDA IPR Project Update • Key progress to date and upcoming activities • Water quality modeling and permitting Emergency Supply Strategy Alternatives • Direct Potable Reuse Next Steps IPR PROJECT UPDATE WHAT IS INDIRECT POTABLE REUSE (IPR)? IPR is an emergency water supply strategy included in the 2018 Water Forward plan The strategy would use Lady Bird Lake as an environmental buffer and to convey highly treated WWTP effluent to Ullrich WTP for use in supplementing drinking water supplies Reclaimed water system New advanced treatment processes (SAR or Walnut WWTP) Lady Bird Lake (Ullrich WTP) Source: ensia.com/features/in-an-arid-u-s-west-water-agencies-look-to-delive%E2%80%8Br%E2%80%8B-purified- wastewater-directly-to-customers-faucets%E2%80%8B-despite-yuck-factor/ Full Storage Stage 1 Drought Trigger Stage 2 Drought Trigger Lowest Recorded Level Pro-Rata Curtailment/ Stage 3 Drought Trigger Stage 4 Drought Trigger* IPR Trigger 2.0 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0 * Assumed 400KAF Stage 4 Drought Trigger for WF18 modeling IPR: PRELIMINARY PROJECT LAYOUT Tom Miller Dam T P PS Ullrich Water Treatment Plant Walnut Creek WWTP T P Longhorn Dam Conveyance of Reclaimed Water – Walnut Creek WWTP Alternative Conveyance from Intake Pump Station to Ullrich WTP Conveyance of Reclaimed Water – South Austin Regional WWTP Alternative South Austin Regional WWTP T P KEY PROGRESS TO DATE Nov. 2022 Feb. 2023 Initial regulatory discussion with TCEQ Consultant rotation list procurement begun September 21, 2023 Plummer NTP issued; Water quality modeling begun December 5, 2023 Internal IPR working group formed Dec. 2023 – Feb. 2024 Plummer continued updating 2016 EFDC (flow dynamic) and WASP (water quality) modeling January 19, 2024 Internal AW IPR Emergency Implementation February 23, 2024 TCEQ informal meeting on preliminary water quality Workshop modeling UPCOMING ACTIVITIES February – June 2024 Design engineer procurement March – July 2024 Refinement of emergency water supply implementation plan Summer 2024 WF24 evaluation of emergency strategies Coordination with ongoing permitting activities WATER QUALITY MODELING & PERMITTING Initial model was developed in 2016, modeling the period from July 2012- December 2013 Plummer updated the modeled period to January 2018 – December 2022 Includes flows from period of record (EFDC hydrodynamic model) and water quality data (WASP model using both measured and reference values) Purpose of modeling is to provide TCEQ with updated Ladybird …
Update on Lower Colorado River and Highland Lakes water supply conditions 225,000 200,000 175,000 t e e F - e r c A 150,000 125,000 100,000 75,000 50,000 25,000 0 Highland Lakes Inflows Average 1942 - Present Average 2008 - 2015 2023 Jan. - Feb. 2024 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Combined Storage of Lakes Buchanan and Travis January 1, 2005 through March 1, 2024 2.0M ac-ft Full Storage Austin Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Storage Volume Trigger Levels 1.4M ac-ft DCP Stage 1 0.9M ac-ft DCP Stage 2 0.6M ac-ft Interruptible stored water for non-Garwood agricultural operations was not provided by LCRA in 2012 through 2015 and beginning with the second growing season of 2022 through 2024. 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 t e e f - e r c a , e g a r o t S 2,200,000 2,000,000 1,800,000 1,600,000 1,400,000 1,200,000 1,000,000 800,000 600,000 400,000 200,000 0 NOAA 3-month Outlook: Dec - Feb The seasonal outlooks combine long-term trends, soil moisture, and El Nino/Southern Oscillation. As of 2/8/24: A transition from El Niño to ENSO-neutral is likely by April-June 2024 (79% chance), with increasing odds of La Niña developing in June-August 2024 (55% chance). Questions?
3/1/2024 Water Forward Task Force Future Meeting Dates and Current Planned Agenda Topics (Subject to Change) Meeting Date Proposed Agenda Items April 15, 2024 • Presentation of water management strategies characterization May 14, 2024 • Presentation and consideration of 2024 Water Conservation Plan, Drought Contingency Plan, and the associated Chapter 6-4 code amendments for voting • Present preliminary WMS Assessment and Vulnerability Evaluation (WAVE) results June 4, 2024 • Overview of 50-yr portfolio development process July 9, 2024 • Present refined WAVE results August 13, 2024 September 10, 2024 October 8, 2024 December 3, 2024 • Present 50-yr portfolio multi-criteria decision making analysis • Present preferred 50-yr portfolio and Equity and Affordability • Present draft WF24 plan report and adaptive management • Seek Water Forward Task Force recommendation for Council results evaluation results plan TBD approval for plan
3/1/2024 – updated 4:48pm Summary of Water Forward Reclaimed and Reuse Ordinance Items to Be Considered by Council on March 7, 2024 and Links to Backup Item 2: Authorize nego�a�on and execu�on of an interlocal agreement with Travis County for the County to reimburse the City for the County’s propor�onate share of costs to design and construct oversized reclaimed water mains and appurtenances within the Central Business District that will provide service to the County’s Civil and Family Court Building and Probate Court Building. Item 3: Approve an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 15-13 (Regula�on of Onsite Water Reuse Systems) to establish development project requirements and clarify onsite water reuse regula�ons. o Link to backup material o Link to backup material Item 4: Approve a resolu�on authorizing Aus�n Water to con�nue a pilot program and issue incen�ves on a pilot basis during Fiscal Year 2023-2024 for alterna�ve onsite water reuse systems and reclaimed water connec�ons for new commercial, mixed use and mul�-family developments in the total amount of $5,600,000, not to exceed $500,000 for each project. o Link to backup material Item 30: Conduct a public hearing and approve an ordinance amending Exhibit A to the Fiscal Year 2023- 2024 City Fee and Fine Ordinance (Ordinance No. 20230816-007) to add a dedicated GoPurple component of $0.15 cents per thousand gallons to Aus�n Water’s water u�lity and wastewater u�lity community benefit charges to support reuse strategies in the Water Forward plan; and amending the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Aus�n Water Community Benefit Charge Special Revenue Fund (Ordinance No. 20230816-008) to increase revenue and appropria�ons by $4,100,000 and the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Aus�n Water Opera�ng Funds (Ordinance No.20230816-008) to increase transfers in and appropria�ons by $4,100,000 for reuse strategies in the Water Forward plan. o Link to backup material Item 37: Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 25-9 (Water and Wastewater) rela�ng to clarifying requirements for water conserva�on in the implementa�on of the Water Forward Plan, including distances for the Reclaimed Water Connec�on requirement, clarifying defini�ons, and modifying variances including adding certain affordable housing exemp�ons for Reclaimed Water Connec�ons and Onsite Water Reuse requirements; and waiving the requirement in City Code Sec�on 25-1-502 (Amendment Review) for Planning Commission review of Land Development Code amendments. o Link to backup material
