BY BROOKE SJOBERG
The details
Conservation strategies The city of Round Rock has employed several programs to encourage water conservation in recent years.
measures, such as water ecient appliances, smart irrigation systems and water ow sensors. “If we can do that, that’s going to keep our future costs down, which at the end of the day helps keep our rates some of the lowest around,” Thane said. The city also launched a conservation news- letter, which residents can sign up for at www. roundrocktexas.gov, and is participating in a nationwide study about water use on residential properties. Round Rock is one of 45 cities partici- pating in the study, and input from residents will inform future conservation e orts and infrastruc- ture planning.
The city has another proposition for residents: purchase a $77.50 rain barrel to water lawns and plants, with a 40% discount bringing the price to about $52. The program generates no prot for the city, Thane said, although the city has increased funds budgeted for resident rebates. The barrels are for sale through a vendor partnership in the spring and fall, he said. The city also has Go N Grow plant boxes for purchase at the same time. This year, the city o ered the option of an edible garden and native mix of plants. The barrels are just one of the city’s six rebate programs available to encourage water-reducing
Rebates: The city funds rebates on devices that reduce water usage.
Tiered rate structure: The city added another tier to its usage-based water rates. Reductions: In 2023, a campaign launched to encourage watering no more than twice a week. Purple pipe expansion: The city is working to add a new 2 million gallon clearwell. Reuse water rate: Water customers who tie into the city’s reuse line pay a at rate.
What they’re saying
New landscaping requirements
Going forward
Thane said city sta have held educational outreach events with local landscapers; munic- ipal utility districts, which are wholesale water clients of the city; and homeowners associations to balance the desire for good aesthetics and conservation. As a landscaper who serves clients all over the greater Round Rock and Georgetown area, David Jackson said the watering restrictions of the past few years have been dicult for his clients. Another diculty, he said, are requirements for the number of trees to be located in the front yard. As of February, Round Rock’s guidelines for new developments reduce the number of required trees to one for smaller residential lots, and limit turf grass to no more than 50% of pervious surfaces.
In February, city ocials approved a new ordinance guiding landscaping standards for new commercial and residential developments. Under these new standards:
Thane said the city will continue eorts to ensure resiliency in its water supply for drought years, and encourage conservation measures to ensure longevity of resources. The reuse water system is being installed as part of several transportation projects like the recently extended Kenney Fort Boulevard, which included purple pipe. In February, the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority began construction on a deep water intake project. The raw water pipeline will allow partner cities to draw water from Lake Travis at lower levels during drought.
Turf grass cannot be planted in narrow spaces between sidewalks and streets.
Shrubs planted to screen parking lots and ground-level utilities must now be evergreen and no shorter than 2 feet tall at planting.
Minimum soil depth for turf grass is increased from 4 inches to 6 inches.
Trees required for residential lots 69 feet wide and under decreased from two to one.
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