Regular Meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission April 17, 2024 — 6:00 pm Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Boulevard Austin, Texas Some members 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: http://www.austintexas.gov/wwc 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. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512- 972-0115 or Blanca.Madriz@austintexas.gov . To register to speak in person, people must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Commissioners: William Moriarty (Mayor) Jesse Penn (District 1) Alex Navarro (District 2) Sabrina Reichert (District 3) Mike Reyes, (District 4) Sam Angoori (District 5) Shwetha Pandurangi (District 6) Judy Musgrove, Vice-Chair (District 7) Christopher Maxwell-Gaines (District 8) Marcela Tuñón Sion (District 9) Susan Turrieta, Chair (District 10) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION 1. Approval of minutes from the March 13, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. 2. Recommend approval to execute a contract for crane and boom lift rentals with GAC Equipment, LLC d/b/a Austin Crane Service, for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $3,100,000. 3. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a cost participation agreement with United Properties Development, LLC for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $5,077,250 for costs associated with the design and construction of oversized wastewater interceptors and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5132 that will provide wastewater service to a proposed mixed-use development located at E. Howard Lane and SH 130. 4. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute of a cost participation agreement with MFMG – Burnet Austin Project Owner, LP for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $1,012,000 for costs associated with the design and construction of an oversized wastewater main and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5391R that will provide wastewater service to a proposed multi-family development located at 11911 Burnet Road. (District 7) The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access …
Item 10 # 24-4404 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for underwater diving inspections with Chapman Marine Inc., for a term of five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,085,000. MBE/WBE This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Operations, Ayman Benyamin Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $90,417 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 2200 AMA1090 for these services. The solicitation was issued on March 27, 2023, and it closed on April 20, 2023. Of the six offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide the City with underwater diving inspection services at water treatment facilities and the Longhorn Dam. The diving services are to inspect each facility to determine the general condition of the structures and assess the level of zebra mussel infestation, remove zebra mussels as needed, open and close intake structures, and complete minor repairs. The ability to open and close intake structures is important to respond to changes in water quality and to control the water level. The zebra mussels can reduce or eliminate a plant’s ability to treat water and cause significant equipment damage if they are not removed. The contract will replace a contract which expired December 31, 2023. The requested authorization amounts for the contract were determined using historical spending and departmental estimates, including extending underwater diving service inspections to multiple sites due to the recent infestation of zebra mussels in Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and the Longhorn Dam. Item 10 # 24-4404 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, …
Item 11 # 24-4418 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May, 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval of a resolution adopting a Drought Contingency Plan, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and repealing Resolution No. 20160505-004. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental, Planning and Development Services, Kevin Critendon Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: May 5, 2016 – Council approved Resolution 20160505-0004, adopting a new Drought Contingency Plan and applicable revisions to the City Code, Chapter 6-4 (Water Conservation) November 29, 2018 – Council approved adoption of Water Forward, Austin’s Integrated Water Resource Plan. April 11, 2019 – Council approved Resolution No. 20190411-002, repealing Resolution No. 20140417-004 and adopting the Utility Profile & Water Conservation Plan for Municipal and Wholesale Water Use as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission April 17, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to file a Drought Contingency Plan and a Water Conservation Plan under 30 Texas administrative Code (TAC) 288. A Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) establishes a series of drought stages and the measures to curtail water use during specific times of drought. A Water Conservation Plan (WCP) describes a utility’s water use profile and describes water conservation goals and programs to reduce water use and otherwise increase water use efficiency. These plans are required to be updated on a five-year basis and submitted to TCEQ. Austin’s last DCP was approved by Council in 2016. The TCEQ accepted resubmission of the 2016 DCP to fulfill the required update in 2019. Austin is also required by its 2007 agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to develop a DCP that is in alignment with the targets and goals of LCRA’s Drought Contingency Plan. The LCRA Board of Directors have recently approved various changes to their plan. City staff actively participated in LCRA’s process to update their DCP and have subsequently recommended updates to our plan that include changes in drought trigger levels that align with LCRA’s revisions. In addition to providing input to LCRA’s DCP update process, City staff engaged in several activities aimed at soliciting input from Austin Water …
Item 12 # 24-4419 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval of a resolution adopting the Water Conservation Plan, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and repealing Resolution No. 20190411-002. Lead Department Austin Water. Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental, Planning and Development Services, Kevin Critendon Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: May 5, 2016 – Council approved Resolution 20160505-0004, adopting a new Drought Contingency Plan and applicable revisions to the City Code, Chapter 6-4 (Water Conservation). November 29, 2018- Council approved adoption of Water Forward, Austin’s Integrated Water Resource Plan. April 11, 2019 – Council approved Resolution No. 20190411-002, repealing Resolution No. 20140417-004 and adopting the Utility Profile & Water Conservation Plan for Municipal and Wholesale Water Use as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission April 17, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to file a Drought Contingency Plan and a Water Conservation Plan under 30 Texas administrative Code (TAC) 288. A Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) establishes a series of drought stages and the measures to curtail water use during specific times of drought. A Water Conservation Plan (WCP) describes a utility’s water use profile and describes water conservation goals and programs to reduce water use and otherwise increase water use efficiency. These plans are required to be updated on a five-year basis and submitted to TCEQ. Recommended Changes from the 2019 Utility Profile & Water Conservation Plan: • Update data on drinking water and reclaimed water treatment capacity, service area population, and municipal and wholesale water usage to reflect current conditions. • Update information regarding water conservation program activities o Public education and information o Residential customer programs Item 12 # 24-4419 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 o Commercial/multi-family customer programs o Regulatory programs o Water loss mitigation o Reclaimed water and onsite water reuse.
Item 13 # 24-4433 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute an amendment to the contract for engineering services for the Fallwell Lane Capital Renewal Project with Halff Associates, Inc., in the amount of $5,500,000, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $9,000,000. MBE/WBE This amendment will be awarded in compliance with City Code 2-9B (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). Current participation to date is 36.64% DBE. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $5,500,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: Contract Amendment. Prior Council Action: August 3, 2017 – Council approved a professional services agreement with Halff Associates, Inc. for the Fallwell Lane Capital Renewal Project. November 2, 2023 – Council approved an amendment with Halff Associates, Inc. for the Fallwell Lane Capital Renewal Project. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. November 9, 2022 – Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission. The recommendation was approved on a 6-0 vote on Vice-Chair Castleberry’s motion, Chair Lee’s second with one recusal from Commissioner Penn and Commissioners Navarro and Musgrove absent and two vacancies. Additional Backup Information: On October 31, 2013, and again on October 30, 2015, flood waters severely damaged Fallwell Lane and threatened the raw water intake structure at Austin Energy’s substation, Sand Hill Energy Center. Austin Water’s South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in the area east of SH130 also suffered serious damage. Onion Creek flood waters inundated low areas as they flowed into the Colorado River. Bank erosion was severe and extensive restoration and stabilization are required. Item 13 # 24-4433 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Temporary measures have been put in place to allow local traffic to utilize Fallwell Lane. A permanent solution to reconstruct or realign key access roads, retrofit water intake structures, and stabilize berms and channels to guard against flood overflows from Onion Creek is needed to protect critical City infrastructure from future flood events. Based on the Preliminary Engineering Report, a decision was made to separate the project into two phases. Phase A will realign Fallwell Lane, relocate and extend water …
2024 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans Updates Water and Wastewater Commission – April 17, 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 …
Item 2 # 24-4279 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: April 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for crane and boom lift rentals with GAC Equipment, LLC d/b/a Austin Crane Service, for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $3,100,000. MBE/WBE This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Operations, Ayman Benyamin Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $258,334 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 2200 MZJ1014-REBID for these services. The solicitation was issued on September 18, 2023, and closed on October 24, 2023. Of the three offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide Austin Water with vital access to industrial crane and boom lift rental services. These services are indispensable for the safe lifting, loading, transportation, and unloading of large, heavy utility equipment, and materials as needed. The availability of these services is critical to the timely and successful completion of both ongoing and upcoming projects, crucial for upholding system reliability. This contract will replace a previous contract that expired on July 25, 2023. The requested authorization amount is based on previous spending. The recommended contractor is not the current provider for this service.If a contract is not secured, it will impede the department’s ability to handle essential tasks efficiently and safely, potentially leading to project delays and increased costs due to alternative sourcing solutions. Furthermore, it will compromise the reliability of the system and can Item 2 # 24-4279 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: April 18, 2024 lead to public health and safety issues due to projects and repairs …
Item 3 # 24-4299 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: April 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a cost participation agreement with United Properties Development, LLC for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $5,077,250 for costs associated with the design and construction of oversized wastewater interceptors and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5132 that will provide wastewater service to a proposed mixed-use development located at E. Howard Lane and SH 130. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental, Planning and Development Services, Kevin Critendon Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Budget of Austin Water. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Howard Lane Industrial - West project consists of approximately 94 acres of land located north and south of E. Howard Lane and west of SH 130 (the “Property”). The Property is located entirely within the City of Austin’s (the “City”) 2-mile Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction, Impact Fee Boundary, Austin Water’s service area for wastewater, the Desired Development Zone, and the Gilleland Watershed. A map of the property location is attached. United Properties Development, LLC (the “Applicant”) is proposing to develop the Property with approximately 398,000 sq. ft. of industrial warehouse space, 8,150 sq. ft. of retail space, 7,700 sq. ft. of restaurant space, and 710 multifamily units. The Applicant requested that the City provide wastewater utility service to the Property as proposed in Service Extension Request (SER) No. 5132. The Applicant has been delegated authority to act on behalf of three adjacent projects (SER-5133, SER-5260, and SER-5051; the “Adjacent Projects”) to design and construct the common wastewater improvements required to provide wastewater utility service to each respective project. Manville Water Supply Corporation will provide retail water service to the Property and the Adjacent Projects. The Adjacent Projects are comprised of: • SER-5133, which is proposing to develop a 25-acre tract at 13540 Gregg Manor Road with approximately 360,000 sq. ft. of industrial warehouse space. • SER-5260, which is proposing to develop a 127-acre tract at 12829 N. SH 130 with approximately 1,145,000 sq. ft. of industrial warehouse space. • SER-5051, which is proposing to develop 263 acres at 8500-9400 Hill Lane with approximately 460 multi-family units, 177,000 sq. ft. of office …
Item 4 # 24-4300 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: April 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute of a cost participation agreement with MFMG – Burnet Austin Project Owner, LP for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $1,012,000 for costs associated with the design and construction of an oversized wastewater main and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5391R that will provide wastewater service to a proposed multi-family development located at 11911 Burnet Road. (District 7) Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental, Planning and Development Services, Kevin Critendon Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Budget of Austin Water. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The 11911 Burnet Road project consists of approximately 3.02 acres of land located at 11911 Burnet Road (the “Property”). The Property is located entirely within the City of Austin’s (the “City”) Full- Purpose Jurisdiction, Impact Fee Boundary, Austin Water’s service area for water and wastewater, the Desired Development Zone, and the Walnut Watershed. A map of the property location is attached. MFMG – Burnet Austin Project Owner, LP (the “Owner”) is proposing to develop approximately 350 multi-family units. The Owner requested that the City provide wastewater utility service to the Property as proposed in Service Extension Request (SER) No. 5391R. Austin Water will provide retail water service to the Property as approved in SER No. 5390. In accordance with Chapter 25-9 of the City Code, the City has asked the Owner to oversize the gravity wastewater main in order to serve additional properties within the Walnut drainage basin consistent with the City’s long range planning goals for this area. If approved by City Council, the City will cost participate in this construction project only to the extent of the City’s proportionate share of the oversized wastewater interceptor. The proposed oversized improvements include construction of approximately 820 feet of 30-inch wastewater interceptor along Burnet Rd to replace the existing 15-inch gravity wastewater main between the existing 42-inch interceptor located northeast of the Property and the existing 12-inch gravity wastewater main at Gracy Farms Lane. The City will reimburse the Owner for an overall total amount not to exceed $1,012,000 for hard costs and soft costs. Hard costs …
Item 5 # 24-4390 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract to provide hydrologic consulting services with Hoffpauir Consulting PLLC, for up to five years, in an amount not to exceed $1,300,000. MBE/WBE This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental, Planning and Development Services, Kevin Critendon Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $108,333 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: Professional Service. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide hydrologic consulting services for water rights, water supply, climate and hydrology related matters, and water availability modeling. The contractor will work closely with City staff to help ensure the City has adequate water supply in the future. The services will include analysis pertaining to the Lower Colorado River Authority’s (LCRA) Water Management Plan, integrated water resources planning, water rights applications or amendments, and regional water planning. Hoffpauir Consulting PLLC has worked with the City extensively in the past and has unique, detailed knowledge of the City’s water rights, water supply, and water resource planning. The contractor has also served as a water expert for the City’s legal team in negotiations of critical high-profile matters, such as previous LCRA Water Management Plan revisions and the 2007 settlement agreements with LCRA. The contract will replace a contract which expires July 27, 2024. The recommended contractor is the current provider of these services. The requested authorization amounts were determined by using departmental estimates based on historical spend and contractor’s quote. Item 5 # 24-4390 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 If the City is unable to secure a contract, the City will not have a reliable and continuous source for hydrologic consulting services, significant knowledge and expertise would be lost, and substantial time and expense would be required to familiarize another consultant with the City’s water rights, interests, history, and …
Item 6 # 24-4391 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for sludge tank parts with National Oilwell Varco, LP for a term of one year in an amount not to exceed $141,384. MBE/WBE Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Operations, Ayman Benyamin Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $141,384 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: Sole Source Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide parts to repair a motor and gearbox to a sludge tank. The motor and gearbox rotate the impeller continually and keep the sludge agitated and suspended in a solution to uniformly centrifuge the material, so it can be capable of hauling with sludge trucks. Sludge trucks are not designed to handle pure liquid and would ultimately leak if the motor and gearbox did not rotate the impeller to agitate the sludge in a suspended solution. Handcox Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is equipped with one sludge holding tank, which makes the system a critical and essential part of both the water treatment process as well as the sludge handling process. Should the sludge holding tank system cease to operate, Handcox Water WTP will no longer be able to process sludge effectively or to efficiently dispose of sludge to the Shaw Lane solids disposal site. Contractor is the sole authorized representative for Chemineer Inc., a National Oilwell Varco company, for mixers, Kenics static mixers, parts, service, and training in Texas for municipal markets. This is a new contract. Requested authorization is based on contractor quote for the required repair parts. If a contract is not secured, the sludge tank would not be able to keep the sludge suspended in the solution, causing the sludge trucks to leak from Handcox WTP to the Shaw Lane dump site.
Item 7 # 24-4392 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for the application of diquat dibromide for root control with Duke’s Root Control Inc., for a term of three years in an amount not to exceed $439,484. MBE/WBE Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $85,455 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: Sole Source. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide application of diquat dibromide (Razorooter II) for use in root control for approximately 50,000 linear feet of Austin Water wastewater mains annually. When tree roots grow inside wastewater lines there is the potential of clogging the lines and causing wastewater overflows. The application of Razorooter II is a preventative measure to help reduce sanitary sewer overflows. Razorooter II is patented by the manufacturer Sewer Sciences Inc., and Duke’s Root Control Inc. is the only licensed applicator authorized to perform the application in Texas. There are no other comparable chemicals currently available in the market. The requested authorization amounts for this contract were determined using departmental estimates of planned treatments and historical spending. If a contract is not secured, it will diminish the ability of Austin Water to effectively remove tree roots from the City’s wastewater lines and increase the potential of these lines clogging as well as the possibility of wastewater overflows. The use of Razorooter II has proven to be an effective preventative tool in reducing sanitary sewer overflows.
Item 8 # 24-4395 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for valve assessments with Hydromax USA LLC, for a term of five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,775,000. MBE/WBE This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $177,500 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 2200 AMA1097 for these services. The solicitation was issued on November 27, 2023, and closed on December 19, 2023. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide valve assessment services to complete a physical condition assessment of Austin Water valves. Valves are used to completely or partially restrict the flow of water through pipes. The assessment will determine what specific rehabilitation repairs are needed to bring each valve to a fully operable state or which valves require replacement. The assessment and minor repairs of valves located throughout the City will include locating, accessing, marking, and exercising each valve, cleaning out the valve box or vault, global positioning system mapping, reporting, and minor valve repairs. The contract will enable service crews to perform repairs on valves to avoid water loss. If the City is unable to secure a contract, the City valves could potentially not operate properly, increasing inherent risk within the water distribution system, possibly resulting in a higher number of citizens without water, and an increase in potable water loss and higher risk of property damage.
Item 9 # 24-4404 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Northwest Austin Booster Stations Improvements with C.C. Carlton Industries, LTD, in the amount of $8,940,800 plus a $894,080 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $9,834,880. (Districts 10, 8) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 11.80% MBE and 1.29% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC1004B for these construction services. The solicitation was issued on January 15, 0224, and closed on February 1, 2024. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lower responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The three pump station sites in this project were originally constructed by municipal utility districts (MUDs) that were later annexed by the City of Austin. The three pump stations are now operated and maintained by Austin Water. These facilities have reached the end of their useful life and need refurbishment to continue providing reliable service to Austin Water customers. 2006.020 Lookout Lane Pump Station Improvements This project will provide piping modifications to allow isolation of the reservoir for maintenance, additional redundant pumping capacity, and electrical and process equipment improvements to meet current Austin Water standards. 2006.023 Guildford Cove Pump Station Improvements An easement was acquired to allow for two additional hydro-pneumatic tanks to be constructed outside of the pump station to improve resiliency. To reduce noise currently impacting neighbors, Item 9 # 24-4404 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 the backup generator will be relocated inside the pump station building. The project will also install a mechanical crane and other pumping equipment inside the pump station building, instrumentation and control improvements to bring controls to current Austin …
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 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans Updates Water and Wastewater Commission – April 17, 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 …
Regular Meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission March 13, 2024 — 6:00 pm Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Boulevard Austin, Texas Some members 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: http://www.austintexas.gov/wwc 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. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512- 972-0115 or Blanca.Madriz@austintexas.gov . To register to speak in person, people must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Commissioners: William Moriarty (Mayor) Jesse Penn (District 1) Alex Navarro (District 2) Sabrina Reichert (District 3) Mike Reyes, (District 4) Sam Angoori (District 5) Shwetha Pandurangi (District 6) Judy Musgrove, Vice-Chair (District 7) Christopher Maxwell-Gaines (District 8) Marcela Tuñón Sion (District 9) Susan Turrieta, Chair (District 10) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION 1. Approval of minutes from the January 17, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. 2. Approval of minutes from the February 14, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. 3. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute of a contract for supervisory control and data acquisition equipment and software installation and support services with Control Panels USA, Inc., for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $2,100,000. 4. Recommend approval for Service Extension Request No. 4622R for wastewater service to a 77.78-acre tract located at 9209 Ledgestone Terrace within the Drinking Water Protection Zone, the City’s 2-mile Extra- Territorial Jurisdiction and Austin Water’s service area. 5. Recommend approval for a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for funding from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for a 20-year low-interest loan in the amount not to exceed $25,000,000 as part of the TWDB’s State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) loan program, for the additional cost 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 …
