Item 4: Quarterly Update from Austin Water — original pdf
Backup
Water Conservation Update Resource Management Commission Kevin Kluge | February 15, 2022 Agenda Water supply outlook On-going activities: • Onsite water reuse • Reclaimed water • Austin Energy partnerships • Water Forward strategy - Landscape Transformation Ordinance New activities: • Winter enforcement activities • New conservation supervisors • Conservation penalty ordinance • Bright Green Future School Grants Drought Stage Triggers: Stage 1: 1.4 Million Acre Feet (MAF) Stage 2: 0.9 MAF Stage 3: 0.6 MAF Highland Lakes Storage summary as of February 8, 2022 Combined lake storage: 1.55 million acre feet Combined reservoir total: 78% On-going activities Onsite water reuse Incentives approved 1 app. in review 1 app. reserving funds On-site blackwater reuse system (CLARA) Reclaimed water Mandatory connection increased 250’ to 500’ Voluntary incentives • Irrigation conversion • Cooling tower conversion • Up to $100,000 per account Austin Energy - Instant Savings Austin Energy – All-Star Program Pilot project for hose water timers at The Home Depot Energy and water conservation education Instant savings of $5 6,000+ sixth graders Water Forward strategy - Landscape Transformation Ordinance Spring/Summer 2022 – stakeholder outreach • Feb. 10 - Stakeholder Meeting • Feb. 23 - Public Meeting Fall/Winter 2022 - review of proposal Winter 2022 – Commissions and Council New activities Winter enforcement activities Suspend regular patrols Shift staff time to • expanded irrigation audits • water waste investigation New supervisors Customer Programs Supervisor Research and Planning Supervisor Conservation penalty ordinance Penalty process changed in Dec. 2022 Currently, all penalties start at $250 New framework will delineate by violation type and occurrence Timeline • March 9 – Water & Wastewater Commission • March 22 – Resource Management Commission • April/May – City Council Bright Green Future School Grants Austin Water sponsorship 6 Rain garden projects • Conserve water • Native plant education • Minimize soil erosion QUESTIONS? Kevin Kluge Water Conservation Division Manager City of Austin | Austin Water 512-974-0400 kevin.kluge@austintexas.gov