Item 8: RCA- AW Reuse Pilot Incentive FY24 Reauthorization — original pdf

Backup

..De Posting Language ..AppApprove a resolution authorizing Austin Water (AW) to continue a pilot program and issue incentives on a pilot basis during Fiscal Year 2023-2024 for alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems or Reclaimed Water Connection for new commercial and multi-family developments under AW’s new regulatory framework in the total aggregate amount of $5,600,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project subject to funding availability. Lead Department Austin Water. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $1,500,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Additional funding is contingent upon pending Council adoption of the proposed GoPurple Community Benefit Charge (CBC). Prior Council Action: November 29, 2018 – City Council approved the Water Forward Plan on a 10-0 vote. December 11, 2019 – City Council voted to approve the Land Development Code Revision directing Austin Water to establish a regulatory program and an incentive program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems on first reading, on a 7-4 vote. February 13, 2020 – City Council voted to approve the Land Development Code Revision directing Austin Water to establish a regulatory program and an incentive program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems on second reading, on a 7-4 vote. December 10, 2020 - City Council approved an ordinance establishing City Code Chapter 15-13 relating to treatment, monitoring and reporting regulations for Onsite Water Reuse Systems, on a 10-0 vote. April 22, 2021 – City Council voted to initially approve the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2021 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. September 30, 2021 - City Council voted to reauthorize the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2022 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. September 29, 2022 - City Council voted to reauthorize the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2023 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. For More Information: Inquiries should be directed to Blanca Madriz, Austin Water Program Coordinator at 512-972-0115 or blanca.madriz@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: February 14, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. February 20, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission.  Additional Backup Information: This action is one of four proposed Council items related to implementing Austin Water's new "GoPurple Program" to accelerate the expansion of Austin's centralized reclaimed system and onsite reuse. These are essential strategies in Austin's Water Forward plan to meet long-range needs for a secure and sustainable water future. The requested authorization will allow Austin Water (AW) to continue to administer the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems and Reclaimed Water system connections, without additional Council approval, and issue reservations of incentives to commercial and multi-family customers during Fiscal Year 2023-2024 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems and Reclaimed Water system connections up to a total aggregate amount of $5,600,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project. The incentives will be paid out over multiple years if projects can meet program guidelines and deadlines for the design, construction, and operation of the Onsite Water Reuse Systems or connection to the City’s Reclaimed Water System. On April 22, 2021, Council authorized the initial Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2020-2021. It has since been reauthorized annually, for subsequent fiscal years. The purpose of this enhanced incentive program is to help promote affordable development and gather additional information on the design, engineering, installation, operation, maintenance, cost, permitting and application of the regulatory guidance needed for the successful implementation of these onsite systems and reclaimed water system connections. As per current practice, AW staff will continue to provide the requested quarterly reports to the Resource Management Commission that summarizes AW’s water conservation rebate and other incentive programs, including incentives for the installation of alternative water reuse systems for large new commercial and multi- family development under this program. For all projects that will exceed $72,000 in the incentive amount, the reports will also include measures installed, expected savings and potable water offsets, and other relevant data. ..Strategic Outcome(s)