Commission backs ordinance to allow engineered wastewater ‘flow factor’ billing for on‑site reuse systems

The City of Austin Water and Wastewater Commission on Feb. 19 voted unanimously to recommend approval of an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 15‑9 to authorize a wastewater flow factor billing method for customers with on‑site water reuse systems and to allow customers with evaporative losses from cooling towers the option to apply for flow‑factor billing at renewal.

Catherine Jasinski, supervising engineer on the reclaimed and reuse plan review team, told commissioners the change is intended to resolve a billing challenge created by on‑site reuse projects required under the Go Purple program. "The Go Purple program...includes code changes related to on‑site water reuse and reclaimed water connections for commercial and multifamily, new development projects," she said, describing the program’s goal of increasing reclaimed water use and extending drinking water supplies. Staff said incentives for some projects are funded by a community benefit charge adding…