REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE AUSTIN INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE PLANNING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE TUESDAY, June 9, 2026, AT 12 P.M. WALLER CREEK CENTER, ROOM 104 625 EAST 10TH STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community (Water Forward) Task Force may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via 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 by remotely, contact Emily Rafferty, Emily.rafferty@austintexas.gov. telephone. To to speak register CURRENT TASK FORCE MEMBERS: Jennifer Walker, Chair Robert Mace, Vice Chair Paul DiFiore Hani Michel Madelline Mathis Todd Bartee Perry Lorenz Sarah Faust Leah Martinsson AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force Regular Called meeting on April 14, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. 4. Staff briefing regarding Lower Colorado River and Highland Lakes water supply conditions. Presentation by Emily Rafferty, Program Manager, Austin Water. Staff briefing regarding highlights of Austin Water’s 2026 Q1 Report on Water Management Strategy Implementation. Presentation by Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Division Manager, Austin Water. Staff briefing regarding large industrial and commercial customer water usage and conservation trends. Presentation by Shay Ralls Roalson, Director; Christina Romero, Interim Assistant Director; Colleen Kirk, Division Manager; Katherine Jashinski, Supervising Engineer, Austin Water. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 5. Report on recommendations by Planning for Large Volume Users Working Group. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discussion and approval of a recommendation to Council regarding large water users. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Emily Rafferty at Austin Water Department, at 512-972-0427 or Emily.rafferty@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force, please contact Emily Rafferty at 512-972-0427 or Emily.rafferty@austintexas.gov.
Update on Lower Colorado River and Highland Lakes water supply conditions Austin Water | Water Forward Task Force Meeting | June 9, 2026 Highland Lakes Inflows 2 Lakes Buchanan & Travis Combined Storage 3 U.S. Drought Monitor 4 NOAA 3-month Outlook: July – September The seasonal outlooks combine long-term trends, soil moisture, and El Nino/Southern Oscillation. 5 NOAA El Niño/Southern Oscillation Forecast El Niño is likely to emerge soon (82% chance in May-July) and continue through the Norther Hemisphere winter 2026-27 (96% change in Dec 2026 – Feb 2027). 6 Lakes Buchanan & Travis Combined Storage Projections 7 Questions? 8
Large Water User Overview Water Forward Task Force Austin Water | June 9, 2026 Current Water Supplies Austin’s Water Supplies Supply: 325,000 Acre Feet Per Year Centralized Reclaimed System State-granted water rights to the Colorado River and a contract with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) for Highland Lakes stored water Total supplies of up to 325,000 acre- feet per year LCRA reservation and use fees pre- paid in 1999 Additional use payments trigger when average for two consecutive years exceeds 201,000 AFY 3 3 Service Area and Requirement to Provide Service City of Austin Jurisdictions Austin Water Service Area AW's Service Area is the Council-adopted water and wastewater impact fee service area Approved/amended by Council at 5-year cadence Service outside the Service Area is prohibited, unless authorized by Ordinance Water & Wastewater impact fees are assessed within the Service Area 5 City of Austin Jurisdictions Austin Water Service Area Jurisdictions within the Service Area City's full-purpose jurisdiction Limited-purpose jurisdiction Extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) Unincorporated parts of the county (Travis, Williamson, Hays & Bastrop) 6 Austin Water Service Area Wholesale Customers deliver retail service within their designated service area and rely on the City for water and wastewater treatment 5 Surrounding Cities 5 Municipal Utility Districts 2 Water Control and Improvement Districts 5 Other Water Utilities and Water Supply Corporations 7 Austin Water and other Providers CCNs Certificates of Convenience & Necessity (CCN) within the Service Area City of Austin Water CCNs City of Austin Wastewater CCNs Administered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas Grants City the exclusive right to provide retail water or wastewater service Legal obligation to provide "continuous and adequate service" within a geographic area 8 Utility Planning, Development Process and Water Benchmarking Utility Planning Process Overview Water Forward, Integrated Water Resource Plan Planning for a reliable water supply for the next 100 years Long Range Infrastructure Plans Capital Improvement Program Planning Planning for water, wastewater, and reclaimed infrastructure for the next 50 years Infrastructure and investment decisions for the next five and ten years 10 Development Process Overview Service Extension Request Land Development Review • Subdivision Plan Review • Site Plan Review • Water Benchmarking Application Building Review • Building Permit • Construction Inspections Evaluation of suitable and sufficient service for customers seeking to connect to AW systems …
TO: Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force FROM: Working Group of Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force (Sarah Baker Faust, Paul DiFiore, Hani Michel, Madelline Mathis) DATE: June 9, 2026 The Working Group presents this memo for the consideration of the full Task Force. We request that the Task Force forward the Recommendations to Austin City Council to address potential demand increases in commercial and industrial use that could affect Austin’s timing and expense in diversifying its potable water supplies. Background The Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force (“Water Forward Task Force” or “WFTF”) recently formed a working group (“Working Group”) to take a closer look at water use in commercial, industrial, and institutional water consumption due to potential changing demand conditions in these user groups.1 The Water Forward water supply planning process operates on a 5-year timeline. The Working Group was tasked with reviewing Water Forward 2024 planning in these categories to determine whether the planning is still in alignment with changing conditions or should be addressed through policy recommendations. We believe the Austin City Council should review and adopt the recommendations in this memo that would address potential demand increases in industrial and commercial water use. Existing and Projected Commercial, Industrial, Institutional Water Use Austin Water has customers using significant volumes of water in the commercial, industrial and institutional categories.2 Large volume including institutional, industrial, and 1 The Working Group was initiated at the April 14, 2026, Water Forward Task Meeting. The Working Group developed research and resources, submitted written questions to and received responses from Austin Water, and met twice to review research, characterize problems, identify gaps in policy, and develop interventions and policy recommendations. 2 See “Large Water User Overview”, Slide 21, Climate, Water, Environment and Parks Committee Meeting Backup: May 18, 2026) https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=473249. In this memo the phrase “high water use’’ or “large water customers” is used rather than “large volume” because Austin Water defines a “large volume customer” specifically as “an existing commercial customer of Austin Water that purchases 85.0 million gallons of water during a fiscal year at a single service address or campus.” In this context commercial includes industrial. (See Slide 20, Climate, Water, Environment and Parks Committee Meeting Backup: May 18, 2026) https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=473249. (Attachment 1). Austin Water follows TWDB customer classifications: Industrial water use refers to customers who use water to convert materials into products …
MEMORANDUM To: Mayor and City Council Through: Michael Rogers, Assistant City Manager From: Date: Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E., Austin Water Director May 14, 2026 Subject: Update on Water Supply Projects 2026 The purpose of this memorandum is to provide updates about plans for field testing in Eastern Travis County for Austin Water’s Aquifer Storage and Recovery and Brackish (salty) Groundwater Desalination projects. On the May 28, 2026 City Council agenda, Austin Water will seek City Council approval to authorize an amendment to the contract for engineering services for the Aquifer Storage and Recovery Pilot and Program Management project with HDR Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $15,726,269 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $21,726,269. Austin Water will provide a briefing about this item to the Climate, Water, Environment and Parks Committee on May 18, 2026. BACKGROUND The item coming before City Council on May 28 for additional contract authorization will allow Austin Water to begin field testing on City-owned land in Eastern Travis County for two key water supply strategies in Austin’s Water Forward Plan and the State Water Plan: Aquifer Storage and Recovery and Brackish Groundwater Desalination. Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) is a proven water supply strategy in which treated drinking water is stored in an underground aquifer when supplies are plentiful and later recovered during droughts, emergencies, or periods of high demand, functioning like a “water savings account.” Storing water underground protects supplies from evaporation, improves reliability in drought, reduces surface impacts, and provides a secure, resilient source for the community. Brackish Groundwater Desalination uses water from an aquifer that has salinity levels in excess of TCEQ guidelines and rules for drinking water. The water would be withdrawn through wells, then treated by advanced treatment processes such as reverse osmosis to reduce the salinity and condition the water to be compatible with Austin’s drinking water. Page 1 of 2 Date: Subject: May 14, 2026 Update on Water Supply Projects 2026 PROJECT LOCATION In 2022, Austin Water began a scientific desktop study to evaluate aquifers in an eight-county area and identify those most suitable for ASR. This analysis identified portions of the Trinity Aquifer in eastern Travis County for field testing due to favorable hydrogeologic characteristics and improved feasibility compared to other locations studied. ASR in the Trinity Aquifer will likely yield less water than initial Water Forward targets, so Austin Water is also proposing …
Water Management Strategy Implementation REPORT First Quarter 2026, January - March May 14, 2026 Contents First Quarter Summary Water Conservation Updates Water Loss Reduction Updates Reclaimed Water and Onsite Reuse Updates Conservation Outreach Updates Water Supply Project Updates Water Use and GPCD Notes Regarding Data 2 Fourth Quarter Summary The Water Management Strategy Implementation Report is intended to provide transparency and accountability regarding the execution of strategies from the 2024 Water Conservation Plan and the 2024 Water Forward Plan. The plans include proactive and substantial demand management strategies and innovative local supply strategies, but the hard work necessary to complete the strategies and meet the goals are illustrated in the implementation reports. Austin’s first quarter water use was similar to previous years. Water loss mitigation activities and the development of the reclaimed system continued. While water conservation rebates are generally modest during the first three months of the year, the utility was putting down roots through: Customer outreach, Community events, Pilots of water loss-mitigation equipment, and Progressing with reclaimed water system projects. 3 Water Conservation Updates New water conservation community outreach grant (up to $3,000) was awarded to 5 organizations Shoal Creek Conservancy, 2026 Waterwise Landscapes Tour, March 21 Spring community events focusing on landscaping Landscape transformation limit on irrigation systems for new homes will be clarified as a Rule in late 2026 4 Water Conservation Metrics Residential Rebate Programs Approved Rebates 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Drought Survival Tools Irrigation Upgrades Rainwater Harvesting Rebates WaterWise Landscape WaterWise Rainscape Other Residential Programs Q1 2025-Q4 2025 Q1 2026 5 Water Conservation Metrics Commercial Rebate Programs 5 4 3 2 1 0 Approved Rebates 4 4 3 1 1 Bucks for Business Q1 2025-Q4 2025 Q1 2026 6 Water Conservation Metrics Compliance Assessments Number of Compliant Commercial Facilities Number of Compliant Commercial Facilities 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Landscape Irrigation Assessment Cooling Tower Assessment Vehicle Wash Assessment Q1 2025-Q4 2025 Q1 2026 Q1 2025-Q4 2025 Q1 2026 7 Water Conservation Strategy Milestones (Water Conservation Plan, p. 35-36, Water Forward Plan, p. 34, 36) 2026 Milestones Commercial Incentives Progress Identify opportunities for CII facility owners/managers to benefit from the My ATX Water alerts and information. Landscape transformation Coordinate with Austin …
TO: Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force FROM: Working Group of Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force (Sarah Baker Faust, Paul DiFiore, Hani Michel, Madelline Mathis) DATE: June 9, 2026 The Working Group presents this memo for the consideration of the full Task Force. We request that the Task Force forward the Recommendations to Austin City Council to address potential demand increases in commercial and industrial use that could affect Austin’s timing and expense in diversifying its potable water supplies. Background The Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force (“Water Forward Task Force” or “WFTF”) recently formed a working group (“Working Group”) to take a closer look at water use in commercial, industrial, and institutional water consumption due to potential changing demand conditions in these user groups.1 The Water Forward water supply planning process operates on a 5-year timeline. The Working Group was tasked with reviewing Water Forward 2024 planning in these categories to determine whether the planning is still in alignment with changing conditions or should be addressed through policy recommendations. We believe the Austin City Council should review and adopt the recommendations in this memo that would address potential demand increases in industrial and commercial water use. Existing and Projected Commercial, Industrial, Institutional Water Use Austin Water has customers using significant volumes of water in the commercial, industrial and institutional categories.2 Large volume including institutional, industrial, and 1 The Working Group was initiated at the April 14, 2026, Water Forward Task Meeting. The Working Group developed research and resources, submitted written questions to and received responses from Austin Water, and met twice to review research, characterize problems, identify gaps in policy, and develop interventions and policy recommendations. 2 See “Large Water User Overview”, Slide 21, Climate, Water, Environment and Parks Committee Meeting Backup: May 18, 2026) https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=473249. In this memo the phrase “high water use’’ or “large water customers” is used rather than “large volume” because Austin Water defines a “large volume customer” specifically as “an existing commercial customer of Austin Water that purchases 85.0 million gallons of water during a fiscal year at a single service address or campus.” In this context commercial includes industrial. (See Slide 20, Climate, Water, Environment and Parks Committee Meeting Backup: May 18, 2026) https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=473249. (Attachment 1). Austin Water follows TWDB customer classifications: Industrial water use refers to customers who use water to convert materials into products …
Large Water Working Group Water Forward Task Force June 9, 2026 Working Group Process ● Developed research document with source information. ● Meeting 1 reviewed research, drafted questions for Austin Water, discussion centered around identifying issues and problem characterization. ● Submitted questions to Austin Water. ● Reviewed responses to questions and developed additional research. ● Meeting 2 reviewed responses, discussion centered on identifying policy gaps and developing interventions/recommendations. ● Finalized memo and recommendations over email. Large User Demand ● Commercial, industrial, and institutional users together account for about one-quarter of total water use. ● Austin's five largest retail customers used about 13,900 acre-feet in 2025 (4.5 billion gallons). This is about 29% of projected 2030 commercial baseline demand (47,600 acre-feet)(before conservation and reuse). Total Austin Water baseline 2030 demand is a little over 150,000 acre-feet. (2025 water use approximately 144,000 acre-feet/47 billion gallons) ● Large users do not forecast water demand for Austin Water. Future water demand is projected through disaggregated demand model, and water benchmarking if available. ● Additional large users can materially change supply timing, costs, and conservation outcomes. Planning Pressure Points ● Growth in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and AI data centers may outpace historic forecasts of water use. ● Disaggregated demand models for commercial sector relies heavily on historic employee, demographic, and billing patterns. ● Square footage and employee counts may not be predictive of water use for high tech industries and new data centers that can have high water use per square foot and/or fewer employees than traditional commercial sector use. ● City is developing a new economic development plan to recruit new businesses through tax rebates, with high water use industries expected to be part of recruitment program. ● No public review of service extension requests in the desired development zone. Opportunities to continue to innovate and catalyze non- potable water use ● Shifting as much use as possible to non-potable protects potable supplies. ● Austin's reclaimed system serves 226 meters, including 4 added in 2025 and averaged 455 million gallons reclaimed water used in 2025. System expansion is constrained by cost and construction process in existing urban areas but could be energized with stronger mandates to connect and aligning system growth with new business recruitment. ● Cooling towers remain a major opportunity because current reuse requirements are effective but could be expanded. ● Expanding reclaimed and onsite reuse requirements can protect potable supplies as …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force Recommendation Number: 20260609-006: Large Water Users Date of Approval: June 9, 2026 Recommendation: The Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force believes that Austin City Council should review and adopt the recommendations in this memo that would address potential demand increases in industrial and commercial water use. Description of Recommendation to Council: - Require non-potable water for data centers and more commercial and industrial cooling uses. - Adapt Service Extension Request process to increase transparency and incentivize conserving potable water by establishing threshold potable water volume to qualify for waiver of board, commission, and city council process. - Adopt commercial water budgeting and tiered rates for large water use customers by 2028. - Expand triggers for reclaimed and onsite reuse ordinance to have larger distance allowances and a projected water use trigger (not based on square footage). - Align economic development incentives with non-potable water goals, ensure centralized reclaimed is considered in real estate inventories and development pipelines. Rationale: The Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force provides these recommended actions to the Austin City Council to address potential demand increases in commercial and industrial use that could affect Austin’s timing and expense in diversifying its potable water supplies. Motioned By: Paul DiFiore Seconded By: Perry Lorenz Vote: 7-0 For: Chair Jennifer Walker, Vice Chair Robert Mace, Leah Martinsson, Paul DiFiore, Perry Lorenz, Sarah Faust, Todd Bartee Against: None Abstain: None Off the dais: None Absent: Hani Michel and Madelline Mathis Attest: __________________________________ TO: Mayor Watson, Mayor Pro Tem Velasquez, and Austin City Council members FROM: Austin Integrated Water Resource Community Planning Task Force (“Water Forward Task Force”) DATE: June 9, 2026 The Water Forward Task Force provides these recommended actions to the Austin City Council to address potential demand increases in commercial and industrial use that could affect Austin’s timing and expense in diversifying its potable water supplies. Summary of Recommendations • Require non-potable water for data centers and more commercial and industrial cooling uses. • Adapt Service Extension Request process to increase transparency and incentivize conserving potable water by establishing threshold potable water volume to qualify for waiver of board, commission, and city council process. • Adopt commercial water budgeting and tiered rates for large water use customers by 2028. • Expand triggers for reclaimed and onsite reuse ordinance to have larger distance allowances and …
