Cali Hibbs urges Austin to relax water restrictions for conservation efforts

Residents of Austin may soon see changes to water restrictions following a compelling argument presented at the City Council meeting on April 24, 2025. Cali Hibbs, a District 3 resident, raised concerns about the current watering schedule, which she believes inadvertently encourages wasteful water use.

Hibbs highlighted that the rigid watering rules, which designate specific days for residents to water their lawns, do not account for weather conditions. She shared her personal experience of having to water on scheduled days despite forecasts of rain, leading to unnecessary water usage. For instance, she noted instances where she used over 2,400 gallons of water on days when rain was expected the following day, suggesting that more flexible watering options could conserve significant amounts of water.

The resident proposed two potential solutions: allowing homeowners to water the day after their scheduled day or permitting them to choose any one day of the week to water. Hibbs emphasized that with the city’s recent investment in waterless meters that track usage, there is now ample data available to analyze and potentially revise the watering rules.

She urged the council to consider how flexibility in watering schedules could lead to better water conservation, especially as residents express concern over lake levels. The discussion reflects a growing interest in adapting city policies to promote sustainable practices while addressing the needs of the community.

As the council reviews these proposals, the implications for water conservation and community engagement remain significant. The outcome of this discussion could pave the way for a more adaptable approach to water management in Austin, aligning with residents' desires to save water while maintaining their lawns.