Austin officials are getting ready to vote on changes to the “Water Forward” plan, a long-term sustainable water management blueprint, as the city struggles with mounting worries about its diminishing water supplies. The improvements that are set for council approval this fall were developed after years of public review and modernization efforts to combat drought and accommodate an expanding population, according to a report by Community Impact.
It is anticipated that adjustments would be made to the city’s water conservation plan, which aims to save supplies and optimize usage, to assist Austin in navigating a future with more erratic and dry weather patterns. Similar to the limitations currently in place for other watering systems, a CBS Austin investigation highlighted possible new regulations on drip irrigation. Notably, the revisions come after Austin saw exponential expansion, with over 50,000 more residents per year between 2010 and 2020, all of whom needed access to the same natural water supplies.
Improving water conservation measures and looking at sources other than the Colorado River are important components of the improvements. On November 12, Austin Water Director Shay Ralls Roalson told the city council, “What we’re really trying to do here is identify the range, bracket if you will, the possible futures, and then begin to implement strategies that work for the greatest number of possible futures,” according to Community Impact. Roalson underlined that the updates are dynamic and entail ongoing evaluations every five years to make any necessary strategy adjustments.
Long-term water storage in subterranean aquifers and research into Lake Walter E. Long’s potential as a reservoir are two of the suggested tactics. Desalination is another option that is being considered for the future. The anticipated billion-dollar cost of these tactics has spurred discussions about the financial commitment needed from local clients. “We want to keep equity and affordability top of mind as we develop these strategies, make sure we have a plan for a future that is fair and affordable to all of our customers,” Roalson promised during a conversation that Community Impact reported.
The Austin City Council will consider proposed revisions to the Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan in addition to the expected vote on the larger “Water Forward 2024” plan. According to CBS Austin, these changes were reexamined this summer following community feedback and target particular conservation criteria for citizens, businesses, and the utility’s overarching goals.
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