Regular Meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission February 14, 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 POSSIBLE ACTION 1. Approval of minutes from the January 17, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. 2. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for architectural services for the Waller Creek Restack Plan with Robert Jackson and Michael McElhaney Architects, Inc., in amount not to exceed $3,000,000. (District 9) 3. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for electrolytic cells and parts with Psi Water Technologies, Inc., for a term of three years for a total contract amount not to exceed $303,106. 4. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the 38th and 40th Streets Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project with Cedar Hills Construction, LLC, in the amount of $4,760,554 plus a $476,055 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $5,236,609. (District 9) 5. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for engineering service for Handcox Water Treatment Plant Resiliency Improvements with Carollo Engineers, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $8,912,000. (District 10) 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 …
Item 2 # 24-3751 Water & Wastewater Commission: February 14, 2024 Council: February 29, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for architectural services for the Waller Creek Restack Plan with Robert Jackson and Michael McElhaney Architects, Inc., in amount not to exceed $3,000,000. (District 9) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 9.07% MBE and 3.30% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Business Services, Anna Bryan-Borja Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQS) 6100 CLMP358 for these services. The solicitation was issued on August 18, 2023, and closed on September 20, 2023. Of the eight offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the best evaluated responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: February 14, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Waller Creek Center is a ten-story office building that was constructed in the 1980’s. The Waller Creek Restack project will be the first major effort to renovate and improve the building since its purchase by the City. The renovation will maximize the space in the building to accommodate current and future staffing needs, standardize the space, and provide uniformity throughout the building. The renovation will provide an efficient, modern, and productive work environment that will focus on sustainability, resiliency, and flexibility. The final design will align with the current design standards utilized in City offices, will provide interior architecture cohesiveness throughout Waller Creek Center, and will be LEED Silver certified. Each floor of Waller Creek Center is approximately 13,000 square feet and accommodates various Austin Water program areas and divisions. These program areas and divisions perform various support functions for the utility and will require individual space planning and programming; each floor will require MEP engineering and structural engineering as well. The renovation will cause minimal impact to the public; however, the floors that are under construction will not be open to staff or the public. Austin Water staff will continue to occupy the Item …
Item 3 # 24-3902 Water & Wastewater Commission: February 14, 2024 Council: February 29, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for electrolytic cells and parts with Psi Water Technologies, Inc., for a term of three years for a total contract amount not to exceed $303,106. 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 Interim Assistant Director of Operations, Mercedes Lopez-Garcia Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $35,362 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: February 14, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide the City with approved original equipment manufacturer (OEM) electrolytic cells and repair parts provided by the contractor. This will achieve microbial inactivation requirements specified in the United States Environmental Protection Agency drinking water regulations administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the more intensive City treatment goals. This is replacing a contract that will expire March 10, 2024. The requested authorization amount for this contract was determined using departmental estimates based on historical spending, along with a small annual increase to account for an increase in repairs due to aging equipment. The contractor is the sole manufacturer and supplier of the proprietary electrolytic cells. If the City is unable to secure a contract, proper maintenance and unscheduled repairs would not be accomplished, risking component failures. These failures will affect Austin Water Treatment Operations, limiting production of safe drinking water for the City.
Item 4 # 23-3891 Water & Wastewater Commission: February 14, 2024 Council: February 29, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the 38th and 40th Streets Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project with Cedar Hills Construction, LLC, in the amount of $4,760,554 plus a $476,055 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $5,236,609. (District 9) 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 7.64% MBE and 0.89% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $4,648,353.85 is available in the Capital Budget Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) CLMC1012 for construction services. The solicitation was issued on October 30, 2023, and closed on December 7, 2023. Of the four 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 on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: February 14, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The 38th and 40th Streets Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project is part of the Renewing Austin Program. The Renewing Austin Program is an ongoing effort to replace, and upgrade deteriorated and aging water mains with a documented history of multiple breaks, that are in poor condition, and that impact service delivery. In addition, the program coordinates and includes wastewater lines in poor condition and in need of replacement within the project area. This project consists of the repair and replacement of existing water and wastewater mains located within the general boundaries of Red River Street (west), East 40th Street (north), North IH35 South Bound Service Road (east), and East 37th Street (south). The water system renewal includes approximately 2,650 linear feet of 8-, 12-, and 16-inch main along with service lines to individual properties and appurtenances. The wastewater system renewal includes 2,610 linear feet of 8-inch main, service lines to individual properties, and manholes. This item includes three allowances. An allowance of $10,000 will be used to address contaminated soil and water, if encountered. An allowance of $360,000 will …
Item 5 # 23-3894 Water & Wastewater Commission: February 14, 2024 Council: February 29, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for engineering service for Handcox Water Treatment Plant Resiliency Improvements with Carollo Engineers, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $8,912,000. (District 10) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 7.47% MBE and 2.99% 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 the Austin Water Department. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQS) CLMP359 for these services. The solicitation was issued on September 19, 2023, and closed on November 9, 2023. The recommended contractor submitted the only responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: February 14, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The City of Austin utilizes surface water resources from impoundments of the Colorado River for its potable water supply. Austin Water operates three existing Water Treatment Plants (WTPs), which are the Ullrich WTP, the Davis WTP and the Handcox WTP. The Ullrich WTP and Davis WTP draw water from Lake Austin and Handcox WTP draws water from Lake Travis. The Handcox Water Treatment Plant, located at 6800 RM 620 North, Austin, TX. 78732, was completed in 2014 and has a rated treatment capacity of 50 million gallons per day (MGD), in accordance with the operating permit issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Since Winter Storm Uri, Austin Water maintains a minimum available treatment capacity from all three water treatment plants at all times, which limits the ability to take equipment offline for regular maintenance. During the original construction of Handcox WTP, process redundancy was removed to reduce construction cost. This project will bring Handcox to the level of process redundancy at Ullrich and Davis WTPs. The contract will provide qualified professional engineering services for the planning, design, construction, and warranty phase services for the Handcox Water Treatment Plant Resiliency Item 5 # 23-3894 Water & Wastewater Commission: February 14, …
Item 6 # 24-3932 Water & Wastewater Commission: February 14, 2024 Council: March 7, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin (“City”) and Travis County to jointly fund the design and construction of oversized reclaimed water mains and appurtenances within the Central Business District that will provide service to Travis County’s Civil and Family Court Building (“TCCFC”) at 1700 Guadalupe St. and Travis County’s Probate Court Building (“TCPC”) at 200 W. 8th St. (District 9) 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: February 14, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The City of Austin owns and operates a reclaimed water system which takes highly treated wastewater effluent from its wastewater treatment plants and provides that water for non-potable uses to off-set potable water demand in the city. The City and Travis County propose to execute an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement regarding the construction of oversized reclaimed water mains to provide reclaimed water service to the Travis County Civil and Family Court (“TCCFC”) building at 1700 Guadalupe St. and the Travis County Probate Court (“TCPC”) building at 200 W. 8th St. Austin Water has existing reclaimed water mains within E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and W. 7th St., from which extensions will be made to serve TCCFC and TCPC. The City is proposing to oversize the reclaimed water mains in order to serve additional properties within the Central Service reclaimed water pressure zone consistent with the City’s long range planning goals for this area. If approved by City Council, the City will fund design, permitting, and construction of these projects and Travis County will reimburse the City over a specified period of time for its proportionate share of the oversized reclaimed water mains. The proposed oversized improvements include: • • Construction of approximately 2,750 feet of 16-inch reclaimed water main from the existing 12-inch reclaimed water main at E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and San Jacinto Blvd. and extend west along E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., south along San Antonio St., east along E. 18th St., and terminate near the Guadalupe St. intersection. Construction of approximately 850 feet of …
Item 7 # 24-3949 Water & Wastewater Commission: February 14, 2024 Council: March 7, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for HACH reagents, lab supplies, parts, and services with Hach Company d/b/a HACH CO or OTT HydroMet, for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $4,926,408. 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 Interim Assistant Director of Operations, Mercedes Garcia-Lopez Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $985,281 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: February 14, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide service and parts for reagents, probes, and lab supplies that are specific and proprietary to the HACH instruments used at water and wastewater treatment plants, in addition to Laboratory, Water Distribution, and Wastewater Collection Divisions of Austin Water. The supplies and services are used in field process analysis, on-line analyzers, and benchtop lab meters for water quality compliance and process control monitoring. Analyses are required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and may be performed hourly, daily, weekly, and/or monthly to ensure compliance. HACH Company d/b/a HACH CO or OTT HydroMet is the manufacturer and sole authorized distributor of these services and parts, reagents, probes, and lab supply which are required to be used with this lab equipment to protect the warranty and ensure accurate results. This contract will replace a contract that expires on October 13, 2024. The recommended contractor is the current provider of these services. The requested authorization amounts were determined using departmental estimates and historical spending. If a contract is not secured, Austin Water will not meet the requirements of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality which could result in a disruption of services to the public.
Item 8 # 24-4072 Water & Wastewater Commission: February 14, 2024 Council: March 7, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval of an amendment to City Code Chapter 25-9 (Water and Wastewater) relating to clarifying requirements for water conservation in the implementation of the Water Forward Plan, including distances for the Reclaimed Water Connection requirement, clarifying definitions, and modifying variances including adding certain affordable housing exemptions for Reclaimed Water Connections and Onsite Water Reuse requirements. 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: 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 approve an initial Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for the voluntary installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems, on a 10-1 vote. May 20, 2021 – City Council adopted a resolution directing staff to prepare an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 25-9 (Water and Wastewater) establishing water benchmarking, expanding Reclaimed Water Connection requirements, and adding Onsite Water Reuse requirements, on an 11- 0 vote. June 10, 2021 – City Council adopted an ordinance waiving Planning Commission review of Land Development Code amendments in order to expedite implementation of water conservation strategies in the Water Forward Plan, on a 11-0 vote. September 30, 2021 – City Council adopted an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 25-9 (Water Item 8 # 24-4072 Water & Wastewater Commission: February 14, 2024 Council: March 7, 2024 and Wastewater) relating to establishing new requirements for water conservation in the implementation of the Water Forward Plan, including expansion of the Reclaimed Water Connection requirement, water benchmarking, and mandatory Onsite Water Reuse for certain new …
Item 9 # 24-4073 Water & Wastewater Commission: February 14, 2024 Council: March 7, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval of an amendment to City Code Chapter 15-13 (Regulation of Onsite Water Reuse Systems) relating to establishing development project requirements and adding clarifying language to onsite water reuse regulations. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental, Planning and Development Services Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. 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 approve an initial Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for the voluntary installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems, on a 10-1 vote. May 20, 2021 – City Council adopted a resolution directing staff to prepare an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 25-9 (Water and Wastewater) establishing water benchmarking, expanding Reclaimed Water Connection requirements, and adding Onsite Water Reuse requirements, on an 11- 0 vote. June 10, 2021 – City Council adopted an ordinance waiving Planning Commission review of Land Development Code amendments in order to expedite implementation of water conservation strategies in the Water Forward Plan, on a 11-0 vote. September 30, 2021 – City Council adopted an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 25-9 (Water and Wastewater) relating to establishing new requirements for water conservation in the implementation of the Water Forward Plan, including expansion of the Reclaimed Water Connection requirement, water benchmarking, and mandatory Onsite Water Reuse for certain new Item 9 # 24-4073 Water & Wastewater Commission: February 14, 2024 Council: March 7, 2024 developments and requiring an affordability report, on a 10-1 vote. September 30, 2021 – City Council voted to reauthorize the pilot incentive program for Onsite Water Reuse …
Item 10 # 24-4074 Water & Wastewater Commission: February 14, 2024 Council: March 7, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval of 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 Connections 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 Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director for Environmental, Planning and Development Services, Kevin Critendon Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: Click or tap here to enter text. 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. Item 10 # 24-4074 Water & Wastewater Commission: February 14, 2024 …
Item 11 # 24-4075 Water & Wastewater Commission: February 14, 2024 Council: March 7, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval of an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Austin Water (AW) Fee Schedule (Ordinance No.20230816-007) to add a dedicated GoPurple component of the Community Benefit Charge (CBC) of $0.15 cents per thousand gallons to support Reuse Strategies in the Water Forward Plan and amending Austin Water's 2023-2024 Operating Budget (Ordinance No.20230816- 008) to reflect the corresponding revenue and appropriation increase of $4,100,000. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director for Environmental, Planning and Development Services, Kevin Critendon Prior Council Action: August 15, 2023 – Council approved an ordinance (Ordinance No. 20230816-007) authorizing fees, fines, and other charges to be set or charged by the City for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, beginning on October 1, 2023, and ending on September 30, 2024. August 15, 2023 – Council approved an ordinance (Ordinance No.20230816-008) adopting the Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: February 14, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater 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. GoPurple Program Austin Water continues to expand its centralized reclaimed water infrastructure (known as “purple pipe”) throughout Austin. This system delivers non-drinking water for irrigation, cooling towers, toilet/urinal flushing, and virtually any use not requiring higher-quality drinking water. Expanding the use of reclaimed water builds Austin’s resilience against drought and climate change by diversifying our water supply. Reclaimed water is a renewable resource that is less expensive to treat, and users are charged lower rates. All customers benefit from the expansion of the reclaimed water system, which is a key strategy in Austin’s Water Forward 100-year water supply plan. The GoPurple CBC will fund the reclaimed water system expansion as well as incentive programs to expand the use of reclaimed water within new development projects. Austin Water’s customers who are enrolled in the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) do not pay this Community Benefit Charge so their water and wastewater bills will not be impacted by this proposed increase. The impact will be a $1.47 monthly increase for the …
WATER FORWARD R E U S E S T R AT E G I E S One City, One Water: A plan for the next 100 years Water and Wastewater Commission - February 14, 2024 Agenda Water Forward Overview Reuse Strategies Addressing Affordability Key 2024 Activities to Advance Reuse 2 Water Forward Water Forward is Austin’s 100-year integrated water resource plan, unanimously adopted by Council in November 2018. Water Forward identifies diverse and environmentally conscious water management strategies to adapt to growth, drought, and climate change and ensure a sustainable, resilient, equitable, and affordable water future for our community. 3 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 4 Water Forward Guiding Principles Water Forward is updated on a 5-year cycle. The updated plan will be submitted for Council Approval in November 2024. Resiliency Inclusive approach + Community values Diverse strategies Equity + Affordability Protect the Colorado River Reduce operational risks Focus on local supplies 5 WATER FORWARD One City One Water One Approach Environmental Sustainability & Climate Equity Affordability Reliability & Resiliency 6 Climate Change Planning for Uncertainty Population Growth 7 Combined Storage Lakes Buchanan and Travis 8 Water Forward Strategies Reuse Conservation Supply Partnerships 9 Why Now? Why Reuse? 1999 2024 10 Value of Reuse Affordability • $10M+ Annual Cost Savings to Customers Reliability & Resiliency Environmental Sustainability Centralized Reclaimed System 11 AW & COA Leading the Way Advancing Reuse Central Library Permitting & Development Center Austin Energy Headquarters Other Developments • Austin Peace Academy • Waterloo Park Restrooms • Mueller Visitor Center • Travis County Community Center 12 Reuse Strategies Water Forward WF18 Implementation Progress Reuse & Conservation Implementation Highlights Reuse Onsite Water Reuse System (OWRS) regulatory framework and incentive approved by Council New Voluntary Reclaimed Water Connection incentive developed 14 Conservation Water benchmarking, onsite water reuse, and extension of reclaimed water connection requirements approved by Council Investments to Advance Reuse Walnut Creek WWTP Reclaimed Water Initiative Phase 1A&B Central Zone Projects 51st Street Tank Bulk Fill Stations Montopolis Tank & Pump Station Planning and Development Center …
HANDCOX Water Treatment Plant Resilience Improvements Charles Celauro, P.E. Engineering Services Assistant Director Water & Wastewater Commission February 14, 2024 Austin’s Water Supply: 325,000 Acre Feet Per Year Centralized Reclaimed System 2 Drinking Water Treatment Davis Plant (1954) – 118 MGD Ullrich Plant (1968) – 167 MGD Handcox Plant (2014) – 50 MGD ___________________________ Combined Water Treatment Capacity up to 335 Million Gallons per Day Handcox Resilience Improvements Provides baseline maintenance capacity of 50MGD: Allows a minimum of 235MGD combined from all AW WTPs Prepares AW for climate change impacts Increases available treatment capacity during maintenance activities Increases ability to handle solids Does NOT rerate the plant for additional capacity beyond 50MGD Addresses: Winter Storm Uri After Action Report and supported recommendations from the Winter Storm Working Group Recommendations from the External Review 4 Winter Storm Working Group The WSWG was formed with members of this Commission to support AW in developing a thorough and objective review following Winter Storm Uri. The WSWG reviewed and prioritized the following recommendations: Maintain available water production capacity at WTPs to meet demand planning criteria (CP-5). Implement improvements at the WTPs to provide additional flexibility in maintenance scheduling (CP-6). Increase sludge storage and disposal capabilities at treatment plants (CP-8). 5 Austin Water External Review Recommended planning to offset hot and cold climate change impacts: Identify possible future scenarios, study such scenarios, identify possible solutions, and plan implementation programs for possible and probable future water quality and treatment challenges (2.7-3). Prepare for sudden requests for additional water treatment (2.8-2). 6 Handcox WTP 7 Resilience Improvements Baseline Maintenance Capacity of 50 MGD Improvements Additional up-flow clarifier Additional sludge thickener Additional sludge holding tank Additional washwater settling basin New treated water pumping 8 Resilience Improvements Additional Improvements: New potable water pipeline between plant and the low-service pump station Replacing Programmable Logic Controllers and network switches throughout the plant Freight elevator for lime building (O&M) 9 Resilience Improvements Additional washwater settling basin Additional sludge thickener New treated water pumping 10 Programmable Logic Controllers Additional sludge holding tank Additional up-flow clarifier Freight Elevator Lime Building Resilience Improvements Proposed Potable Water Line 11 Questions?
Austin Water External Review Implementation Progress Report Water and Wastewater Commission | February 14, 2024 Implementation Progress November 2023 Do Not Agree Do not agree 8% 8% 33 Implemented Recommendations 14 Recommendations Underway 2 Recommendations Planned 4 Recommendations Do Not Agree Planned Planned 4% 4% Underway Underway 26% 26% Implemented 62% Implemented 62% 2 Implementation Progress February 2024 Do Not Agree Do not agree 8% 8% 41 Implemented Recommendations 8 Recommendations Underway 4 Recommendations Do Not Agree Underway Underway 15% 15% 3 Implemented 77% Implemented 77% Progress Highlights New Implemented Employee Leadership & Development • Continue to advocate for increased operator salaries. Operations and Engineering • Conduct a seasonal backwash performance evaluation and implement a routine filter • Re-evaluate plant capital projects based on comprehensive conditions assessments and media monitoring program. communicate with plant staff. Public Information • Enhance understanding of the CIP process throughout the organization. 4 Progress Highlights New Implemented • Identify possible future scenarios that could present water quality and treatment Emergency Management challenges; implement solutions. SOPs and Training • Develop a plan to manage cross-training between operations and maintenance staff. • Develop a regulatory and water quality training program, as well as regular CIP program updates, for plant staff. • Review oil spill response plan and update where needed. 5 Remaining Recommendations Underway Long-term implementation with updates to AWOC in 2024: Recruitment, Retention and Training Updates • Employee & Leadership Development • Reporting Structure • SOPs and Training My ATX Water Update 6 Questions
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 14, 2024 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on February 14, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Chair Turrieta called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 6:02 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: William Moriarty (remote), Jesse Penn, Sabrina Reichert (remote), Mike Reyes, Shwetha Pandurangi, Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Marcela Tuñón Sion, Chair Susan Turrieta Commission Members Absent: Alex Navarro, Sam Angoori, Judy Musgrove PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were no speakers registered to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the January 17, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. Due to audio recording failure, action taken by the Commission was not valid. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 2. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for architectural services for the Waller Creek Restack Plan with Robert Jackson and Michael McElhaney Architects, Inc., in amount not to exceed $3,000,000. (District 9) Due to audio recording failure, action taken by the Commission was not valid. 3. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for electrolytic cells and parts with Psi Water Technologies, Inc., for a term of three years for a total contract amount not to exceed $303,106. Due to audio recording failure, action taken by the Commission was not valid. 4. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the 38th and 40th Streets Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project with Cedar Hills Construction, LLC, in the amount of $4,760,554 plus a $476,055 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $5,236,609. (District 9) Due to audio recording failure, action taken by the Commission was not valid. 5. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for engineering service for Handcox Water Treatment Plant Resiliency Improvements with Carollo Engineers, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $8,912,000. (District 10) No recommendation by the Commission due to a lack of the affirmative vote on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Maxwell-Gaines’ second on a 5-2-1 vote with Chair Turrieta and Commissioners Reichert and Tuñón Sion voting yes; Commissioners Moriarty and Reyes voting no; Commissioner Penn recusing and Commissioners Navarro, Angoori and Musgrove absent. 6. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin (“City”) and Travis County to jointly fund the design and construction of oversized reclaimed water mains and appurtenances …
