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