Resource Management Commission backs reauthorization of Austin Water’s Go Purple pilot, adds two‑year limit on most rebates

The Resource Management Commission voted unanimously Sept. 16 to recommend that Austin Water continue its Go Purple pilot incentive program for fiscal 2025–26, authorizing up to $4 million in aggregate incentives and setting a two‑year phase‑out for most rebates except those tied to deeply affordable housing or voluntary projects that go beyond code requirements.

Go Purple is Austin Water’s program of incentives, cost‑sharing and code changes intended to expand nonpotable reuse—commonly called “purple pipe” systems—for uses such as toilet flushing, irrigation and building cooling. Catherine Jasinski, a supervising engineer in Austin Water’s reclaimed and on‑site reuse program, told commissioners the program was adopted by the City Council in March 2024 and aligns with the Water Forward long‑range supply plan. “The Go Purple program ... includes code changes for on‑site water reuse and reclaimed water connections for new commercial and multifamily development projects,” Jasinski said during the commission briefing.

Why it matters: The program is intended to reduce demand for potable water by increasing use of reclaimed effluent and treated rain/condensate in large new developments. The pilot is paid in part by a community benefit charge on water bills (15¢ per 1,000 gallons) and is one of Austin Water’s tools for meeting the city’s supply and conservation goals.

Key details and council direction - Reauthorization and funding: Commissioners recommended continuing the pilot at a total aggregate amount of…