Building on lessons learned during the drought, Austin Water is proposing to move to a permanent once-per-week watering schedule. This would mark a significant change for our community and we are seeking your input as we move this proposal forward to City Council. Watering restrictions are our biggest water savings measure and the one-day-per-week restrictions, along with positive community response, were critical in keeping the Highland Lakes above emergency levels during the worst parts of the drought. Given scientific predictions that this region is likely moving permanently to a hotter and dryer climate, Austin Water believes that permanent one-day-per-week restrictions are a sound direction for our community.
Along with consideration of one-day-per-week watering restrictions, Austin Water also wants public input on other parts of the conservation code to help develop the best overall package of conservation strategies. For example, if one-day-per-week watering restrictions become permanent, other restrictions might be relaxed in earlier conservation stages, such as those on power washing, fountains, commercial patio misters, and home car washes. We would like your input and participation in putting together a package that best protects our water resources in these challenging times.
To kick off the public input process we will hold the first of several meetings on December 2nd. Residents will have an opportunity to engage in small group discussions that will help us craft the regulations that support this new watering schedule. Please come and share your ideas and recommendations.
Wednesday, December 2
Waller Creek Center
625 E. 10th Street, Room 104
6:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
Free garage parking
If you plan to attend or have any questions about this process, please let us know by emailing Geneva Guerrero,
geneva.guerrero@austintexas.gov. Austin Water’s current Water Conservation Code can be reviewed online by visitinghttp://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Water/ordinance.pdf .