Update on Lower Colorado River and Highland Lakes water supply conditions Highland Lakes Inflows Lakes Buchanan & Travis Combined Storage 1.4M ac-ft COA DCP Stage 1 0.9M ac-ft 0.75M ac-ft COA DCP Stage 2 COA DCP Stage 3 COA DCP Stage 4 U.S. Drought Monitor NOAA 3-month Outlook: June – August 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 0.75 MAF COA DCP Stage 4 0.6 MAF Questions?
Landscape Transformation Activities Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force| May 14, 2024 K evin K luge, Wa ter C ons e r va tion D ivis ion M a na ger Why New Water Conservation Measures? Lakes are 50% full Highland Lakes inflow • 2022 - record low • 2023 – 4th lowest El Niño will shift to La Niña Drought Stage 2 restrictions Per-person use has declined but plateaued 2 Landscape Transformation Strategy From traditional landscaping to plants with reduced water needs New single-family residential Potential limits on turf and irrigation Savings goal of 2,490 AF (811 MG) by 2040 3 Public Engagement & Input Public and stakeholder meetings • February, May, June, & November 2022 • August 2023 Smaller stakeholder group meetings Speak Up Austin! page • 2 surveys (256 and 303 responses) • Majority of local responses favored regulating landscape transformation 4 Internal City Stakeholders Watershed Protection Department (WPD) Development Services Department (DSD) Austin Energy (AE) – Green Building Office of Sustainability Equity Office Planning and Housing Department Wildlife Austin (PARD) Austin Fire Department – (Wildland-Urban Interface) 5 Stakeholder Meetings Home Builders Association of Greater Austin (HBA) • Concern about project delays Central Texas Professional Irrigation Association - • Supported increased enforcement • Supported high-efficiency irrigation system components Association of Professional Landscape Architects Texas Nursery and Landscape Assoc. (TNLA – Region 8) (CTPIA) (ASLA) 6 Additional Meetings Other utilities in Texas • New Braunfels • Model homes with 50% turf reduction • Post-installation inspections (within 1-2 days) • City of Frisco • Irrigation check-up • Georgetown • Residential landscape ordinance 7 Steps to Transform Landscapes Build with savings Set customers up for success Encourage alternative water 8 Build with Savings Enhanced Soil Inspections • A minimum of 6 inches of topsoil • Topsoil mix composed of 20% compost • Estimated Water Savings: 10% reduction 9 Required residential plant list • Apply commercial plant requirements to residential • Grow Green Plant Guide as a model Build with Savings Limit irrigation area • Up to 50% of landscape area; front yard or back • Estimated Water Savings: 35% annually per home 10 Set Customers Up for Success Est. Water Savings Potential Cost 22% savings $543 plus labor 10% savings …
Update on Water Forward 2024 Demand Management Strategies 5/14/2024 Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan Update Process May 2, 2024 Water Conservation Plan (WCP) and Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) approved by City Council Summer 2024 Austin Water will work with the WFTF and the community to identify specific water conservation measures to achieve five- and ten-year water conservation goals Early Fall 2024 Any resulting updates to the water conservation goals and measures will be included in Water Forward 2024 and the updated WCP and DCP November 2024 Austin Water will bring the 2024 Water Forward plan and updated DCP and WCP before Council for their consideration December 2024 Upon Council’s adoption of the updated DCP and WCP, Austin Water will resubmit the updated plans to the TCEQ and the TWDB 2 WF24 Historical and Projected Water Use by Sector 3 Water Forward 2024 Demand Management Strategies Utility-side Water Loss Control: Reducing leaks throughout the water distribution system Customer-side Data-Driven Water Use Management: Using Advanced Metering Infrastructure and water use benchmarking data with water use budgeting tools to reduce indoor customer water use Water Efficient and Native Landscapes: Setting requirements for landscaping and using irrigation systems for new single-family homes to reduce outdoor demands Reuse Strategies • Onsite Water Capture and Reuse • Centralized Reclaimed Water • Decentralized Reclaimed Water 4 Task Force Feedback Outdoor irrigation restrictions should be more restrictive throughout the plan. Increase community outreach for conservation programs and requirements during droughts, utilizing partnerships for promotion Enforcement should be more visible and more robust. Explore opportunities for water budgeting to be implemented or incentivized sooner, including overcoming the logistical barriers to adoption mentioned in the plan. Consider instituting new pool permit moratoriums in an earlier drought stage. Cut off all outdoor water usage at some point in extreme drought. 6 Summary of Task Force DCP Feedback Summary of Task Force WCP Feedback 7 Highlight water use reduction goals prominently in the 2029 WCP plan. Add definition of functional turf. Look into savings from limited hours at splashpads and consider removing restrictions if savings are not substantial. Additional wording and editorial feedback on plan language. Summary of Task Force WCP Implementation Feedback 8 Create an SOP for incentive program applications to streamline the process. Continue to discuss how (gallons per capita per day) GPCD is calculated and …
AUSTIN INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE PLANNING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, May 14, 2024 The Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force convened in a Regular Meeting on May 14, 2024, with Social Distancing Modifications. Chair WALKER called the meeting to order at 12:03 pm. Members in Attendance: Jennifer Walker, Chair Paul DiFiore Madelline Mathis Ex-Officio Members in Attendance: Kevin Critendon Members in Attendance Remotely: Hani Michel Todd Bartee Bill Moriarty Vanessa Puig Williams Perry Lorenz Robert Mace Austin Water Staff: Shay Ralls Roalson Teresa Lutes Kevin Kluge Marisa Flores Gonzalez Helen Gerlach Emily Rafferty Others in Attendance: Chase Bryan, COA Housing and Planning Jim Edwards 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 contact Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force liaison Emily Rafferty at 512-972-0427, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Page 1 of 2 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the meeting minutes from the special called April 25, 2024, Task Force meeting. The minutes from the April 25th meeting were approved on Member DIFIORE’S motion and Member MATHIS’ second on an 9-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS, PRESENTATIONS, AND/OR REPORTS 2. Update on Lower Colorado River and Highland Lakes water supply conditions The presentation was made by Emily Rafferty, Program Manager I, Austin Water. 3. Update on Single Family Residential Landscape Transformation Ordinances The presentation was made by Kevin Kluge, Division Manager, Water Conservation, Austin Water. 4. Update on Water Forward 2024 Demand Management Strategies The presentation was made by Teresa Lutes, Managing Engineer, Austin Water. VOTING ITEMS None Chair WALKER adjourned the meeting at 1:53pm. The minutes were approved at the June 4th, 2024, meeting on Hani Michel’s motion, Paul DiFiore’ second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Task Force Member Perry Lorenz, Jennifer Walker, and Todd Bartee absent. 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 …
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 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, April 25, 2024 The Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force convened in a Special Called Meeting on April 25, 2024, with Social Distancing Modifications. Chair WALKER called the meeting to order at 1:07 pm. Members in Attendance: Jennifer Walker, Chair Robert Mace, Vice Chair Paul DiFiore Madelline Mathis Ex-Officio Members in Attendance: Kevin Critendon Members in Attendance Remotely: Sarah Faust Hani Michel Bill Moriarty Perry Lorenz Vanessa Puig-Williams Austin Water Staff: Teresa Lutes Kevin Kluge Marisa Flores Gonzalez Emily Rafferty Helen Gerlach Randi Jenkins Shay Ralls Roalson Jose Emperador Charles Celauro 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 contact Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force liaison Emily Rafferty at 512-972-0427, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Page 1 of 2 Others in Attendance: Mose Buchele, KUT Atha Phillips, MPT Pool PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the meeting minutes from the April 15, 2024, Task Force meeting. The minutes from the March 5th meeting were approved on Member DIFIORE’S motion and Member MICHEL’S second on an 9-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS, PRESENTATIONS, AND/OR REPORTS 2. Staff update on Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan updates The presentation was made by Kevin Critendon, P.E., P.M.P., Assistant Director, Environmental Planning and Development Services, Austin Water, Kevin Kluge, Division Manager, Water Conservation, Austin Water, and Shay Ralls Roalson, Director, Austin Water. VOTING ITEMS 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 No action was taken. Chair WALKER adjourned the meeting at 3:08pm. The minutes were approved at the May 14th, 2024, meeting on Paul DiFiore’s motion, Madelline Mathis’ second on a 9-0 vote with one vacancy. Task Force Member Sarah Faust absent. 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 …
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 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, April 15, 2024 The Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force convened in a Regular Meeting on April 15, 2024, with Social Distancing Modifications. Chair WALKER called the meeting to order at 12:04 pm. Members in Attendance: Jennifer Walker, Chair Paul DiFiore Madelline Mathis Ex-Officio Members in Attendance: Kevin Critendon Members in Attendance Remotely: Robert Mace, Vice Chair Sarah Faust Hani Michel Todd Bartee Bill Moriarty Perry Lorenz Austin Water Staff: Anna Bryan-Borja Teresa Lutes Kevin Kluge Marisa Flores Gonzalez Sara Eatman Emily Rafferty Fatima Wahid Helen Gerlach Others in Attendance: Brigit Buff (Plummer) Cody McCann (Plummer) Michelle Miro (RAND) 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 contact Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force liaison Emily Rafferty at 512-972-0427, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Page 1 of 2 Robert Lempert, (RAND) Richard Hoffpauir (Hoffpauir Consulting, PLLC) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the meeting minutes from the March 5, 2024, Task Force meeting. The minutes from the March 5th meeting were approved on Member DIFIORE’S motion and Vice Chair MACE’S second on an 9-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS, PRESENTATIONS, AND/OR REPORTS 2. Update on Lower Colorado River and Highland Lakes water supply conditions The presentation was made by Marisa Flores Gonzalez, Program Manager III, Austin Water. 3. Presentation of Water Forward 2024 water management strategy characterization The presentation was made by Sara Eatman, Engineer A, Austin Water. 4. Presentation of Water Forward 2024 plan update methodology The presentation was made by Helen Gerlach, Engineer B, Austin Water, Michelle Miro, PhD., Consultant, RAND, and Robert Lempert, PhD., Consultant, RAND. 5. Staff update on Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan updates The presentation was made by Kevin Critendon, P.E., P.M.P., Assistant Director, Environmental Planning and Development Services, Austin Water, and Kevin Kluge, Division Manager, Water Conservation, Austin Water. VOTING ITEMS None. Chair WALKER adjourned the meeting at 2:22pm. The minutes were approved at the April 25th, 2024, meeting on Paul DiFiore’s motion, Hani Michel’s second on a …
