Council Approves New Plumbing Code Mandating Water Conservation Measures

Austin's Water and Wastewater Commission is making significant strides in water conservation and management, as highlighted in their recent meeting. Key developments from the second quarter of 2025 include a renewed focus on landscape water conservation, enhanced leak detection efforts, and an increase in reclaimed water customers.

One of the standout achievements was the approval of new technical codes by the city council on April 10, which included three local amendments aimed at improving water conservation. These amendments mandate that new irrigation systems for homes can only cover up to 50% of the landscape area, ensuring more efficient water use. Additionally, new homes will be required to have plumbing that allows for the reuse of laundry water for landscaping, further promoting sustainable practices.

The commission also reported a rise in residential rebate programs, which have seen increased participation this spring. Notably, a commercial rebate program yielded significant savings, with one apartment complex retrofitting fixtures to meet above-code standards, projected to save approximately 3 million gallons of water annually over the next decade.

Compliance rates for mandatory programs among commercial customers are promising, with about 90% compliance for landscape irrigation facilities, 75% for cooling towers, and over 80% for vehicle car wash assessments. These programs are crucial for ensuring that businesses contribute to the city's water conservation goals.

As the commission continues to implement these initiatives, they anticipate further progress in the upcoming quarter, reinforcing Austin's commitment to sustainable water management and conservation strategies.