Environment
Austin updates long-range water resource, conservation plans
The bottom line
AW is weighing alternative drinking water sources outside the Colorado River. Options like long-term water storage in underground aquifers and new reservoirs are being considered. The utility could also look to desalination, or converting salty groundwater into drinking water. New strategies related to water use and conservation would cost billions of dollars combined. After recent utility rate increases, AW Director Shay Ralls Roalson said the proposals would also require “significant investment” from customers. The plan updates were approved this fall with direction from council member Ryan Alter calling for stricter enforcement of AW’s watering schedule. He said it’s time for the utility to get “more aggressive” on that front.
Revisions to Austin’s 100-year water resource plan and the city’s drought and water conservation plans were approved this fall. The updates came in response to planning over future access to drinking water, sourced from the Highland Lakes that have seen lower capacity in the past few years. AW anticipates longer, worse droughts ahead as Texas grows drier. Those trends would come alongside a surge in local population and demand for water. AW Director Shay Ralls Roalson said the updates focused on the conservation and reuse of the city’s water from along the Colorado River. The utility is planning for alternative sources given reliance on the river and lakes, she said.
Future growth Austin Water is preparing for projected water service need increases.
Higher use Medium use Lower use
500K
400K
300K
200K
100K 0
Historic baseline (2015-20 average)
2040
2080
2120
SOURCE: AUSTIN WATER/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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