Water Conservation Efforts Yield 50% Increase in Outreach Impressions in Q2

The Austin Water and Wastewater Commission convened on August 20, 2025, to discuss various updates and initiatives related to water management and conservation efforts in the city. The meeting focused on water loss reduction, reclaimed water systems, and conservation outreach, highlighting the ongoing efforts to improve water sustainability in Austin.

The session began with updates on water loss reduction initiatives. Staff reported a decrease in the number of water main leaks compared to the first quarter, attributing this trend to weather conditions that affect leak occurrences. The commission noted that the implementation of recommendations from the Black and Veatch report continues, with staff working diligently on standard operating procedures.

Next, the discussion shifted to reclaimed water systems. The Go Purple program, which incentivizes reclaimed dual plumbing and on-site reuse for affordable housing, was amended to enhance its effectiveness. The commission reported an increase in the volume of reclaimed water and the addition of three new customers to the reclaimed system. Progress on various Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) related to reclaimed water was also shared, with three projects currently under construction.

The meeting also addressed on-site water reuse initiatives. Although no rebates were finalized, three projects received permits for on-site water reuse, indicating future growth in this area. Staff continued to work on milestones for on-site water reuse, with plans for new software development to track these efforts set to begin in October.

Conservation outreach efforts were highlighted as well, with a significant increase in audience reach—up 50% from the previous quarter. The number of impressions for conservation outreach jumped from 15 million to nearly 23 million, driven by enhanced social media engagement and the introduction of TV advertisements. The commission noted that the MyITX water portal has been utilized for pilot notifications regarding irrigation schedules, contributing to increased awareness among customers.

In conclusion, the Austin Water and Wastewater Commission's meeting underscored the city's commitment to improving water management through proactive measures in leak detection, reclaimed water systems, and conservation outreach. The next quarterly report is anticipated to provide further insights into the progress of these initiatives and their impact on the community.