austin water utility water conservation and the central texas drought daryl slusher october 9, 2009
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Austin Water UtilityAustin Water UtilityWater Conservation and the Central Water Conservation and the Central
Texas Drought Texas Drought Daryl SlusherDaryl Slusher
October 9, 2009October 9, 2009
16
Austin Water SupplyAustin Water Supply
– Austin’s supply is the Highland Austin’s supply is the Highland Lakes which are the Colorado Lakes which are the Colorado River that runs through townRiver that runs through town
Why Water Conservation is Why Water Conservation is importantimportant
Water is a finite and essential resource in a city, Water is a finite and essential resource in a city, state and world with a growing population. state and world with a growing population.
The less water removed from the river the more The less water removed from the river the more remains for various needs, including wildlife, remains for various needs, including wildlife, aquatic life, and downstream bays and estuaries. aquatic life, and downstream bays and estuaries.
Delay need for new treatment plant.Delay need for new treatment plant.
Lower bills for customers.Lower bills for customers.
Why Water Conservation is Why Water Conservation is important - 2important - 2
Delay trigger for payments to LCRA, postponing Delay trigger for payments to LCRA, postponing estimated 3-5% rate increase. estimated 3-5% rate increase.
Most direct and effective way to reduce AWU’s Most direct and effective way to reduce AWU’s greenhouse gas emissions. greenhouse gas emissions.
Water conservation is a way that citizens can work Water conservation is a way that citizens can work together with their local government to reduce together with their local government to reduce Austin’s carbon footprint.Austin’s carbon footprint.
Water and Austin climate initiativeWater and Austin climate initiative
Approximately 3% of national greenhouse gas emitting Approximately 3% of national greenhouse gas emitting energy consumption is used for drinking water and energy consumption is used for drinking water and wastewater services. wastewater services.
AWU is the largest user of electricity among City AWU is the largest user of electricity among City departments, about 55-60% of City government’s electricity departments, about 55-60% of City government’s electricity consumption. consumption.
AWU’s electricity use is 1.6% of Austin Energy’s total AWU’s electricity use is 1.6% of Austin Energy’s total generation. generation.
The overwhelming majority of AWU’s greenhouse gas The overwhelming majority of AWU’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, roughly 90%, come from electricity (GHG) emissions, roughly 90%, come from electricity generation. generation.
Austin's Water Conservation Goals Austin's Water Conservation Goals
Austin Water Conservation program established in Austin Water Conservation program established in 19831983
Per capita use began to decline immediatelyPer capita use began to decline immediately
In 2006, City Council set a goal to reduce peak In 2006, City Council set a goal to reduce peak day consumption by 1% annually for 10 yearsday consumption by 1% annually for 10 years
Water Conservation Task Force recommended Water Conservation Task Force recommended ways to accomplish that, saving 32 MGDways to accomplish that, saving 32 MGD
Citizens’ Task Force exploring longer-term goalsCitizens’ Task Force exploring longer-term goals
Austin Water Conservation Austin Water Conservation StrategiesStrategies
Rebates and IncentivesRebates and Incentives RegulationRegulation Reclaimed waterReclaimed water Public InformationPublic Information PricingPricing
Austin Conservation ProgramsAustin Conservation Programs
Washer and toilet rebatesWasher and toilet rebates Free toilet programFree toilet program Irrigation auditsIrrigation audits Reclaimed water programReclaimed water program Commercial and industrial rebatsCommercial and industrial rebats Rainwater harvesting Rainwater harvesting Native plants …Native plants …
Replace Old ToiletsReplace Old Toilets
High Efficiency, High PerformanceHigh Efficiency, High Performance– Tested to ensure flushing powerTested to ensure flushing power– Long-lasting water savingsLong-lasting water savings– New designs = less maintenanceNew designs = less maintenance– Look for EPA WaterSense labelLook for EPA WaterSense label
Toilet replacement programsToilet replacement programs– Free tank-type HET toiletsFree tank-type HET toilets– $60 installation rebate$60 installation rebate– Up to $200 rebate (up to 3 baths)Up to $200 rebate (up to 3 baths)– $50 to "upgrade" 1.6 gpf toilets$50 to "upgrade" 1.6 gpf toilets
Free Irrigation EvaluationsFree Irrigation Evaluations Licensed irrigators on staffLicensed irrigators on staff
Check system for needed Check system for needed upgrades (rebates available)upgrades (rebates available)
Schedule customized to Schedule customized to your landscape needsyour landscape needs
Compliance with watering Compliance with watering scheduleschedule
Potential savings of 500+ Potential savings of 500+ gallons/daygallons/day
Industrial/Commercial RebatesIndustrial/Commercial Rebates
Rebates for installing water-saving equipmentRebates for installing water-saving equipment
Up to $100,000 per projectUp to $100,000 per project– $1 per gallon saved, or$1 per gallon saved, or– half the equipment cost (labor half the equipment cost (labor
not included)not included)
Surgical or dental dry vacuum pumpsSurgical or dental dry vacuum pumps
Removing commercial garbage grindersRemoving commercial garbage grinders
Also eligible for toilet, washer, irrigation rebatesAlso eligible for toilet, washer, irrigation rebates
Direct reuse system - Direct reuse system - “third utility”“third utility”
Targeting expansion of Targeting expansion of the system in high use the system in high use areas (University of Texas areas (University of Texas for example).for example).
Long-range system plan Long-range system plan over 130 miles of pipe, 7 over 130 miles of pipe, 7 tanks and 5.5 billion tanks and 5.5 billion gallons of annual use.gallons of annual use.
Water Reclamation InitiativeWater Reclamation Initiative
Monthly Variable Water Charges
$24.84
$91.09
$346.09
$10.36
$163.43
$18.84
$94.18
$22.80
$67.50
$218.10
$69.17
$191.49
$36.05 $37.67
$29.86
$-
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
10,000 20,000 50,000
Usage, gallons
Mo
nth
ly c
har
ge
Austin
San Antonio (peak rates)
Albuquerque
Dallas
East Bay MUD
Water Conservation & Rates
Watering RestrictionsWatering Restrictions
Permanent Year-round RestrictionsPermanent Year-round Restrictions– Limit commercial, multifamily to Tuesdays & FridaysLimit commercial, multifamily to Tuesdays & Fridays
– Prohibit automatic irrigation between 10am and 7pmProhibit automatic irrigation between 10am and 7pm
Stage 1 RestrictionsStage 1 Restrictions
– May 1 – September 30May 1 – September 30
– Single family homes have 2 watering days a weekSingle family homes have 2 watering days a week
Odd addresses: Wednesdays and SaturdaysOdd addresses: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Even addresses: Thursdays and SundaysEven addresses: Thursdays and Sundays
– Only hand watering allowed between 10am and 7pmOnly hand watering allowed between 10am and 7pm
Watering VariancesWatering Variances Large property varianceLarge property variance
– For systems that can't water landscape in one dayFor systems that can't water landscape in one day– Divides property into sections, each watered no more than Divides property into sections, each watered no more than
current schedulecurrent schedule
New landscape varianceNew landscape variance– New installations affecting >50% of landscaped areaNew installations affecting >50% of landscaped area– Allows 30 days of extra watering to establish plants Allows 30 days of extra watering to establish plants – Does not apply for overseeding, color bedsDoes not apply for overseeding, color beds– In Stage 2, allowed only for new constructionIn Stage 2, allowed only for new construction
Health & Safety Health & Safety (fertilizer applications)(fertilizer applications)
Athletic fields Athletic fields (dust abatement & game schedule)(dust abatement & game schedule)
Implementation SuccessImplementation Success
Average Water Use by Weekday, Summer 2008
140
145
150
155
160
165
170
175
180
185
SundayAverage
MondayAverage
TuesdayAverage
WednesdayAverage
ThursdayAverage
FridayAverage
SaturdayAverage
MG
D
Savings from Summer Watering Schedule
5.00
9.06
0.00
2.67
5.43 5.53 5.63 5.73 5.83 5.94 6.05 6.16
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
7.00
8.00
9.00
10.00
FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017
MG
D
Est FY08 Savings - Lower Range
Est FY08 Savings - Upper Range
Task Force Projections
Summer Watering Schedule Summer Watering Schedule SuccessSuccess
Implementation SuccessImplementation Success
Listed in order of Peak Day Listed in order of Peak Day Savings AmountsSavings Amounts
Ten Year Ten Year Estimated Peak DayEstimated Peak Day
Savings Savings
WCTFWCTFFY 2008FY 2008
ProjectedProjected
FY 08FY 08ActualActual
Watering RestrictionsWatering Restrictions 6.166.16 0.000.00 5.0 to 9.05.0 to 9.0aa
Reclaimed Water UseReclaimed Water Use 5.955.95 0.000.00 0.000.00bb
Utility Water RatesUtility Water Rates 5.005.00 0.000.00 0.000.00
Reducing Water LossReducing Water Loss 4.804.80 0.000.00 1.311.31
Mandatory Toilet RetrofitMandatory Toilet Retrofit 2.102.10 0.290.29 0.000.00
Annual Irrigation System AuditsAnnual Irrigation System Audits 1.471.47 0.450.45 0.000.00dd
Residential Irrigation StandardsResidential Irrigation Standards 1.321.32 0.130.13 0.070.07ee
Commercial Irrigation StandardsCommercial Irrigation Standards 0.740.74 0.070.07 0.000.00ee
Enhanced Irrigation Audit ProgramEnhanced Irrigation Audit Program 0.630.63 0.210.21 0.040.04
Pressure Reduction ProgramPressure Reduction Program 0.290.29 0.030.03 0.0010.001ff
Car WashesCar Washes 0.150.15 0.000.00 0.000.00 e e
TOTALS (MGD)TOTALS (MGD) 32.6532.65 1.181.18 6.4 to 10.4 6.4 to 10.4
Drought Triggered Watering Drought Triggered Watering RestrictionsRestrictions
Stage 2 RestrictionsStage 2 Restrictions– Based on supply or demand triggersBased on supply or demand triggers
– Watering limited to once per weekWatering limited to once per week
– Automatic systems limited to before 10 amAutomatic systems limited to before 10 am
– No washing sidewalks, driveways, paved surfacesNo washing sidewalks, driveways, paved surfaces
– Vehicle washing restrictionsVehicle washing restrictions
– No charity car washesNo charity car washes
– No ornamental fountains, automatic pool fill valvesNo ornamental fountains, automatic pool fill valves
– Restaurants may serve water only on requestRestaurants may serve water only on request
Citations Citations
Violation is Class C misdemeanor with fine of up to Violation is Class C misdemeanor with fine of up to $500 per occurrence$500 per occurrence
105 citations issued as of September 25105 citations issued as of September 25
Majority of citations for Majority of citations for • Watering on wrong dayWatering on wrong day• Watering at wrong timeWatering at wrong time• Operating an ornamental fountain Operating an ornamental fountain • Ponding / RunoffPonding / Runoff
Stage 2 ImpactsStage 2 Impacts
Since August 24, overall water use has dropped Since August 24, overall water use has dropped below anticipated levelsbelow anticipated levels
Analysis of first week of Stage 2 restrictions Analysis of first week of Stage 2 restrictions showed water use reduction of approximately 20% showed water use reduction of approximately 20% from Stage 1from Stage 1
Restrictions estimated to be responsible for saving Restrictions estimated to be responsible for saving between 10 and 30 million gallons of water per between 10 and 30 million gallons of water per day. day.
Stage 3 Watering RestrictionsStage 3 Watering Restrictions
Stage 3 RestrictionsStage 3 Restrictions– Triggered by emergency supply or system limitations Triggered by emergency supply or system limitations
– No outdoor watering except by hand on assigned dayNo outdoor watering except by hand on assigned day
– No vehicle washing No vehicle washing Except for health reasons, at efficient commercial facility during Except for health reasons, at efficient commercial facility during
limited hourslimited hours
– Foundation watering restricted to designated day/timeFoundation watering restricted to designated day/time
Additional RestrictionsAdditional Restrictions– As needed for emergency weather conditions or system As needed for emergency weather conditions or system
failurefailure
For more information:For more information:
Daryl SlusherDaryl Slusher
Daryl.slusher@ci.austin.tx.usDaryl.slusher@ci.austin.tx.us
512-972-0218512-972-0218
www.WaterWiseAustin.orgwww.WaterWiseAustin.org
watercon@ci.austin.tx.uswatercon@ci.austin.tx.us
512-974-2199512-974-2199
Additional/backup slidesAdditional/backup slides
Beyond this point are backup slidesBeyond this point are backup slides
New Plumbing Code RequirementsNew Plumbing Code Requirements
Design standards for new irrigation systemsDesign standards for new irrigation systems
Efficiency requirements for new cooling towersEfficiency requirements for new cooling towers
Garbage grinders prohibited in food serviceGarbage grinders prohibited in food service
Liquid ring vacuum pumps prohibitedLiquid ring vacuum pumps prohibited
Maximum flush volume of 0.5 gpf for urinalsMaximum flush volume of 0.5 gpf for urinals
QuestionsQuestions
Get in the jingleGet in the jingle Add recent weeks to Stage 2 graphsAdd recent weeks to Stage 2 graphs
32
Downstream of Lady Bird Lake - Exceptional
Lady Bird Lake - High
Lake Austin - High
Water Quality of Various Segments of theWater Quality of Various Segments of theColorado River near AustinColorado River near Austin
Drinking Water
Treated Effluent
Lake Travis - Exceptional
AWU Greenhouse Gas InventoryAWU Greenhouse Gas Inventory Austin Water electricity use is 54% of City of Austin Water electricity use is 54% of City of
Austin total energy purchasesAustin total energy purchases
Austin Water electricity use is 2% of Austin Austin Water electricity use is 2% of Austin Energy total generationEnergy total generation
90% of Austin Water’s greenhouse gas 90% of Austin Water’s greenhouse gas emissions stem from electricity use for emissions stem from electricity use for treatment and distributiontreatment and distribution
2005 Inventory estimates 125,000 annual 2005 Inventory estimates 125,000 annual tons of CO2-equivalenttons of CO2-equivalent
Austin and San AntonioAustin and San Antonio• San Antonio has very a strong
conservation program and Austin is modeling some programs after San Antonio
• San Antonio planning at least two water treatment plants
• Brackish WTP in near term
• $_ billion desalination plant on the Texas coast long term
• San Antonio also aggressively pursuing new water supplies on multiple fronts
• Including from the river that runs through Austin
• In contrast Austin has secured 50-100 year supply through LCRA contract
San Antonio Lower Colorado, Desalination
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