Backup_260310 WF24 Implementation Working Group Meeting Notes — original pdf

Backup

Water Forward 2024 Implementation Working Group Meeting Draft Notes March 10, 2026 Teams Meeting, 12:00 pm Attendees: Paul DiFiore, WFTF Perry Lorenz, WFTF Marisa Flores Gonzalez, Austin Water Daniel Cavazos, Austin Water Jennifer Walker, WFTF Katherine Jashinski, Austin Water Emily Rafferty, Austin Water Water Forward 2024 Water Conservation Strategies Update Daniel Cavazos provided an update on the following water conservation activities: - 1,600 new residential automatic irrigation systems have been inspected since October of 2024. - Over 30 million gallons were saved through participation in rebate programs in 2025. - A position was added to focus on addressing water loss. Task Force Member Paul DiFiore asked about the structure of rebate programs, and the amount that is spent on rebate programs. Daniel Cavasos explained the key differences between the structure of residential vs commercial rebates and is planning on following up about the cost that goes into rebate programs. Water Forward 2024 Water Reuse Update Katherine Jashinski provided an update on water reuse activities highlighted in the Q4 Water Management Strategy Implementation Report. Katherine shared that a construction contract for the West Riverside Reclaimed water main project was advertised. AW held a webinar for their newly published Onsite Water Reuse System Operator Training Manual and certificate program. The training manual is free and available to the public for anyone who wants to study it and pursue the certificate. Task Force Member Paul DiFiore asked about the rate structure for reclaimed water. Katherine Jashinski shared that there are a few groups of rates. There was a new Onsite Water Reuse project that came through at the end of Q4. There were no new incentives issued in Q4 but there are some new reclaimed water projects that will be eligible to submit applications for incentives. Two new reclaimed ready projects were approved for fee in lieu in Q4. Task Force Member Paul DiFiore asked about the fee in lieu process and Katherine shared that it means the developer paid a cost in lieu of installing their own onsite water reuse system and their plumbing is set up to connect to the centralized reclaimed system if the system reaches them in the future. Katherine also shared that the fee in lieu option only applies to multifamily units who are eligible. A new large scale wastewater mining project is set to start commercial operation soon. The first affordable and multifamily unit to use reclaimed water for toilet flushing is coming online soon. Task Force Member Jennifer Walker suggested that Austin Water should highlight that project and use it as a case study for the public to see. Katherine shared they are planning using the project as a case study as it comes online. Water Forward 2024 Water Supply Strategies Update Marisa Flores Gonzalez provided an update on AW’s pivot to Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) and Brackish Groundwater Desalination (BGD) field testing to the Trinity Aquifer in Eastern Travis County. Austin Water’s Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR) is still progressing with the rotation list consultants working on project concept reports on the different components of the project to develop an emergency and non-emergency implementation plan. AW is currently on a non- emergency pathway for IPR due to the heavy rains in July 2025. Austin Water secured a water right amendment to add municipal use to the Decker water right to divert water at the existing diversion point on the Colorado River to divert water from the river and store in Lake Walter E. Long and divert from Lake Long for municipal purposes. Task Force member Paul DiFiore asked if there was an emergency DPR plan being considered. Marisa shared that DPR was not included in the Water Forward 2024 plan, but the strategy is being explored with the consultants to help inform the next Water Forward update.