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Austin Water OKs $100,000 agreement with Colorado River Alliance for education and outreach
Summary
The Water and Wastewater Commission voted unanimously to authorize negotiation and execution of an agreement with the Colorado River Alliance to deliver school and public water-education programs, with $100,000 included in Austin Water’s FY2025–26 operating budget and future funding contingent on later budgets.
The Water and Wastewater Commission on Aug. 20 recommended approval to negotiate and execute an agreement with the Colorado River Alliance to provide educational and engagement activities aimed at equipping Austin Water customers with tools to protect the Texas Colorado River, Austin’s primary water source. Funding of $100,000 is included in Austin Water’s fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget; funding for remaining contract terms is contingent on future budgets.
The agreement would support the Alliance’s existing school- and community-facing programs, including the Mobile River exhibit and classroom activities aimed at increasing student understanding of water sources and conservation. Randy Jenkins, assistant director at Austin Water, described the Mobile River as “very educational” and noted it will be on display at City Hall when City Council considers the agreement on Sept. 11.
Adrienne Longenecker of the Colorado River Alliance described workforce and learning outcomes the Alliance tracks. “We do work with our middle schoolers to connect them with high school opportunities,” she said, and said the Alliance has records of at least five students who later applied to intern with the organization. Longenecker also summarized the Alliance’s pre- and post-knowledge assessments: “about 10% of students clearly know the source of their water before taking an experience with us. And after which, about 98% are clear on the source of their water.”
Commissioners asked about measurable outcomes and how education stacks into Austin Water’s conservation strategy. Austin Water staff said the contract will support a longer-term plan for the Mobile River exhibit and expand curriculum delivery; staff said a goal is to make the Mobile River and related presentations repeatable beyond a single presenter.
The commission moved to approve the recommendation. Commissioner Pandarangi made the motion and Commissioner Wollstonecroft seconded; the commission voted unanimously in favor.
The agreement’s funding and future-year extensions are subject to availability in subsequent budgets. The commission and staff said City Council will review the agreement and the Mobile River exhibit at its Sept. 11 meeting at City Hall.
