Austin Water UtilityAustin Water UtilityWater Conservation and the Central Water Conservation and the Central

Texas Drought Texas Drought Daryl SlusherDaryl Slusher

October 9, 2009October 9, 2009

16

Austin Water SupplyAustin Water Supply

– Austin’s supply is the Highland Austin’s supply is the Highland Lakes which are the Colorado Lakes which are the Colorado River that runs through townRiver that runs through town

Austin Water Utility SupplyAustin Water Utility Supply

Why Water Conservation is Why Water Conservation is importantimportant

Water is a finite and essential resource in a city, Water is a finite and essential resource in a city, state and world with a growing population. state and world with a growing population.

The less water removed from the river the more The less water removed from the river the more remains for various needs, including wildlife, remains for various needs, including wildlife, aquatic life, and downstream bays and estuaries. aquatic life, and downstream bays and estuaries.

Delay need for new treatment plant.Delay need for new treatment plant.

Lower bills for customers.Lower bills for customers.

Why Water Conservation is Why Water Conservation is important - 2important - 2

Delay trigger for payments to LCRA, postponing Delay trigger for payments to LCRA, postponing estimated 3-5% rate increase. estimated 3-5% rate increase.

Most direct and effective way to reduce AWU’s Most direct and effective way to reduce AWU’s greenhouse gas emissions. greenhouse gas emissions.

Water conservation is a way that citizens can work Water conservation is a way that citizens can work together with their local government to reduce together with their local government to reduce Austin’s carbon footprint.Austin’s carbon footprint.

Water and Austin climate initiativeWater and Austin climate initiative

Approximately 3% of national greenhouse gas emitting Approximately 3% of national greenhouse gas emitting energy consumption is used for drinking water and energy consumption is used for drinking water and wastewater services. wastewater services.

AWU is the largest user of electricity among City AWU is the largest user of electricity among City departments, about 55-60% of City government’s electricity departments, about 55-60% of City government’s electricity consumption. consumption.

AWU’s electricity use is 1.6% of Austin Energy’s total AWU’s electricity use is 1.6% of Austin Energy’s total generation. generation.

The overwhelming majority of AWU’s greenhouse gas The overwhelming majority of AWU’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, roughly 90%, come from electricity (GHG) emissions, roughly 90%, come from electricity generation. generation.

Typical Austin Summer Use

Residential40%

Multi-Family18%

Commercial29%

Industrial5%

Wholesale8%

Austin's Water Conservation Goals Austin's Water Conservation Goals

Austin Water Conservation program established in Austin Water Conservation program established in 19831983

Per capita use began to decline immediatelyPer capita use began to decline immediately

In 2006, City Council set a goal to reduce peak In 2006, City Council set a goal to reduce peak day consumption by 1% annually for 10 yearsday consumption by 1% annually for 10 years

Water Conservation Task Force recommended Water Conservation Task Force recommended ways to accomplish that, saving 32 MGDways to accomplish that, saving 32 MGD

Citizens’ Task Force exploring longer-term goalsCitizens’ Task Force exploring longer-term goals

Austin Water Conservation Austin Water Conservation StrategiesStrategies

Rebates and IncentivesRebates and Incentives RegulationRegulation Reclaimed waterReclaimed water Public InformationPublic Information PricingPricing

Austin Conservation ProgramsAustin Conservation Programs

Washer and toilet rebatesWasher and toilet rebates Free toilet programFree toilet program Irrigation auditsIrrigation audits Reclaimed water programReclaimed water program Commercial and industrial rebatsCommercial and industrial rebats Rainwater harvesting Rainwater harvesting Native plants …Native plants …

Replace Old ToiletsReplace Old Toilets

High Efficiency, High PerformanceHigh Efficiency, High Performance– Tested to ensure flushing powerTested to ensure flushing power– Long-lasting water savingsLong-lasting water savings– New designs = less maintenanceNew designs = less maintenance– Look for EPA WaterSense labelLook for EPA WaterSense label

Toilet replacement programsToilet replacement programs– Free tank-type HET toiletsFree tank-type HET toilets– $60 installation rebate$60 installation rebate– Up to $200 rebate (up to 3 baths)Up to $200 rebate (up to 3 baths)– $50 to "upgrade" 1.6 gpf toilets$50 to "upgrade" 1.6 gpf toilets

Free Irrigation EvaluationsFree Irrigation Evaluations Licensed irrigators on staffLicensed irrigators on staff

Check system for needed Check system for needed upgrades (rebates available)upgrades (rebates available)

Schedule customized to Schedule customized to your landscape needsyour landscape needs

Compliance with watering Compliance with watering scheduleschedule

Potential savings of 500+ Potential savings of 500+ gallons/daygallons/day

Industrial/Commercial RebatesIndustrial/Commercial Rebates

Rebates for installing water-saving equipmentRebates for installing water-saving equipment

Up to $100,000 per projectUp to $100,000 per project– $1 per gallon saved, or$1 per gallon saved, or– half the equipment cost (labor half the equipment cost (labor

not included)not included)

Surgical or dental dry vacuum pumpsSurgical or dental dry vacuum pumps

Removing commercial garbage grindersRemoving commercial garbage grinders

Also eligible for toilet, washer, irrigation rebatesAlso eligible for toilet, washer, irrigation rebates

Direct reuse system - Direct reuse system - “third utility”“third utility”

Targeting expansion of Targeting expansion of the system in high use the system in high use areas (University of Texas areas (University of Texas for example).for example).

Long-range system plan Long-range system plan over 130 miles of pipe, 7 over 130 miles of pipe, 7 tanks and 5.5 billion tanks and 5.5 billion gallons of annual use.gallons of annual use.

Water Reclamation InitiativeWater Reclamation Initiative

Monthly Variable Water Charges

$24.84

$91.09

$346.09

$10.36

$163.43

$18.84

$94.18

$22.80

$67.50

$218.10

$69.17

$191.49

$36.05 $37.67

$29.86

$-

$50

$100

$150

$200

$250

$300

$350

$400

10,000 20,000 50,000

Usage, gallons

Mo

nth

ly c

har

ge

Austin

San Antonio (peak rates)

Albuquerque

Dallas

East Bay MUD

Water Conservation & Rates

Watering RestrictionsWatering Restrictions

Permanent Year-round RestrictionsPermanent Year-round Restrictions– Limit commercial, multifamily to Tuesdays & FridaysLimit commercial, multifamily to Tuesdays & Fridays

– Prohibit automatic irrigation between 10am and 7pmProhibit automatic irrigation between 10am and 7pm

Stage 1 RestrictionsStage 1 Restrictions

– May 1 – September 30May 1 – September 30

– Single family homes have 2 watering days a weekSingle family homes have 2 watering days a week

Odd addresses: Wednesdays and SaturdaysOdd addresses: Wednesdays and Saturdays

Even addresses: Thursdays and SundaysEven addresses: Thursdays and Sundays

– Only hand watering allowed between 10am and 7pmOnly hand watering allowed between 10am and 7pm

Watering VariancesWatering Variances Large property varianceLarge property variance

– For systems that can't water landscape in one dayFor systems that can't water landscape in one day– Divides property into sections, each watered no more than Divides property into sections, each watered no more than

current schedulecurrent schedule

New landscape varianceNew landscape variance– New installations affecting >50% of landscaped areaNew installations affecting >50% of landscaped area– Allows 30 days of extra watering to establish plants Allows 30 days of extra watering to establish plants – Does not apply for overseeding, color bedsDoes not apply for overseeding, color beds– In Stage 2, allowed only for new constructionIn Stage 2, allowed only for new construction

Health & Safety Health & Safety (fertilizer applications)(fertilizer applications)

Athletic fields Athletic fields (dust abatement & game schedule)(dust abatement & game schedule)

Implementation SuccessImplementation Success

Average Water Use by Weekday, Summer 2008

140

145

150

155

160

165

170

175

180

185

SundayAverage

MondayAverage

TuesdayAverage

WednesdayAverage

ThursdayAverage

FridayAverage

SaturdayAverage

MG

D

Savings from Summer Watering Schedule

5.00

9.06

0.00

2.67

5.43 5.53 5.63 5.73 5.83 5.94 6.05 6.16

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

8.00

9.00

10.00

FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017

MG

D

Est FY08 Savings - Lower Range

Est FY08 Savings - Upper Range

Task Force Projections

Summer Watering Schedule Summer Watering Schedule SuccessSuccess

Implementation SuccessImplementation Success

Listed in order of Peak Day Listed in order of Peak Day Savings AmountsSavings Amounts

Ten Year Ten Year Estimated Peak DayEstimated Peak Day

Savings Savings

WCTFWCTFFY 2008FY 2008

ProjectedProjected

FY 08FY 08ActualActual

Watering RestrictionsWatering Restrictions 6.166.16 0.000.00 5.0 to 9.05.0 to 9.0aa

Reclaimed Water UseReclaimed Water Use 5.955.95 0.000.00 0.000.00bb

Utility Water RatesUtility Water Rates 5.005.00 0.000.00 0.000.00

Reducing Water LossReducing Water Loss 4.804.80 0.000.00 1.311.31

Mandatory Toilet RetrofitMandatory Toilet Retrofit 2.102.10 0.290.29 0.000.00

Annual Irrigation System AuditsAnnual Irrigation System Audits 1.471.47 0.450.45 0.000.00dd

Residential Irrigation StandardsResidential Irrigation Standards 1.321.32 0.130.13 0.070.07ee

Commercial Irrigation StandardsCommercial Irrigation Standards 0.740.74 0.070.07 0.000.00ee

Enhanced Irrigation Audit ProgramEnhanced Irrigation Audit Program 0.630.63 0.210.21 0.040.04

Pressure Reduction ProgramPressure Reduction Program 0.290.29 0.030.03 0.0010.001ff

Car WashesCar Washes 0.150.15 0.000.00 0.000.00 e e

TOTALS (MGD)TOTALS (MGD) 32.6532.65 1.181.18 6.4 to 10.4 6.4 to 10.4

Stage 2 ScheduleStage 2 Schedule

Drought Triggered Watering Drought Triggered Watering RestrictionsRestrictions

Stage 2 RestrictionsStage 2 Restrictions– Based on supply or demand triggersBased on supply or demand triggers

– Watering limited to once per weekWatering limited to once per week

– Automatic systems limited to before 10 amAutomatic systems limited to before 10 am

– No washing sidewalks, driveways, paved surfacesNo washing sidewalks, driveways, paved surfaces

– Vehicle washing restrictionsVehicle washing restrictions

– No charity car washesNo charity car washes

– No ornamental fountains, automatic pool fill valvesNo ornamental fountains, automatic pool fill valves

– Restaurants may serve water only on requestRestaurants may serve water only on request

Citations Citations

Violation is Class C misdemeanor with fine of up to Violation is Class C misdemeanor with fine of up to $500 per occurrence$500 per occurrence

105 citations issued as of September 25105 citations issued as of September 25

Majority of citations for Majority of citations for • Watering on wrong dayWatering on wrong day• Watering at wrong timeWatering at wrong time• Operating an ornamental fountain Operating an ornamental fountain • Ponding / RunoffPonding / Runoff

Stage 2 ImpactsStage 2 Impacts

Since August 24, overall water use has dropped Since August 24, overall water use has dropped below anticipated levelsbelow anticipated levels

Analysis of first week of Stage 2 restrictions Analysis of first week of Stage 2 restrictions showed water use reduction of approximately 20% showed water use reduction of approximately 20% from Stage 1from Stage 1

Restrictions estimated to be responsible for saving Restrictions estimated to be responsible for saving between 10 and 30 million gallons of water per between 10 and 30 million gallons of water per day. day.

Stage 2 Water PumpageStage 2 Water Pumpage

Weekly Water PumpageWeekly Water Pumpage

Stage 3 Watering RestrictionsStage 3 Watering Restrictions

Stage 3 RestrictionsStage 3 Restrictions– Triggered by emergency supply or system limitations Triggered by emergency supply or system limitations

– No outdoor watering except by hand on assigned dayNo outdoor watering except by hand on assigned day

– No vehicle washing No vehicle washing Except for health reasons, at efficient commercial facility during Except for health reasons, at efficient commercial facility during

limited hourslimited hours

– Foundation watering restricted to designated day/timeFoundation watering restricted to designated day/time

Additional RestrictionsAdditional Restrictions– As needed for emergency weather conditions or system As needed for emergency weather conditions or system

failurefailure

For more information:For more information:

Daryl SlusherDaryl Slusher

Daryl.slusher@ci.austin.tx.usDaryl.slusher@ci.austin.tx.us

512-972-0218512-972-0218

www.WaterWiseAustin.orgwww.WaterWiseAustin.org

watercon@ci.austin.tx.uswatercon@ci.austin.tx.us

512-974-2199512-974-2199

Additional/backup slidesAdditional/backup slides

Beyond this point are backup slidesBeyond this point are backup slides

New Plumbing Code RequirementsNew Plumbing Code Requirements

Design standards for new irrigation systemsDesign standards for new irrigation systems

Efficiency requirements for new cooling towersEfficiency requirements for new cooling towers

Garbage grinders prohibited in food serviceGarbage grinders prohibited in food service

Liquid ring vacuum pumps prohibitedLiquid ring vacuum pumps prohibited

Maximum flush volume of 0.5 gpf for urinalsMaximum flush volume of 0.5 gpf for urinals

QuestionsQuestions

Get in the jingleGet in the jingle Add recent weeks to Stage 2 graphsAdd recent weeks to Stage 2 graphs

32

Downstream of Lady Bird Lake - Exceptional

Lady Bird Lake - High

Lake Austin - High

Water Quality of Various Segments of theWater Quality of Various Segments of theColorado River near AustinColorado River near Austin

Drinking Water

Treated Effluent

Lake Travis - Exceptional

AWU Greenhouse Gas InventoryAWU Greenhouse Gas Inventory Austin Water electricity use is 54% of City of Austin Water electricity use is 54% of City of

Austin total energy purchasesAustin total energy purchases

Austin Water electricity use is 2% of Austin Austin Water electricity use is 2% of Austin Energy total generationEnergy total generation

90% of Austin Water’s greenhouse gas 90% of Austin Water’s greenhouse gas emissions stem from electricity use for emissions stem from electricity use for treatment and distributiontreatment and distribution

2005 Inventory estimates 125,000 annual 2005 Inventory estimates 125,000 annual tons of CO2-equivalenttons of CO2-equivalent

Austin and San AntonioAustin and San Antonio• San Antonio has very a strong

conservation program and Austin is modeling some programs after San Antonio

• San Antonio planning at least two water treatment plants

• Brackish WTP in near term

• $_ billion desalination plant on the Texas coast long term

• San Antonio also aggressively pursuing new water supplies on multiple fronts

• Including from the river that runs through Austin

• In contrast Austin has secured 50-100 year supply through LCRA contract

San Antonio Lower Colorado, Desalination