Austin officials are implementing a strategy focused on water reuse, conservation, and storage to address future water needs amid a growing population. The city's water plan emphasizes conservation, benefiting from reclaimed water systems for irrigation and nonpotable uses. Initiatives include on-site rainwater capture and aquifer storage to combat shortages during droughts. The plan aims to sustain Austin's water supply for 40-50 years, delaying the need for new sources like groundwater desalination, as stated by Austin Water Director Shay Ralls Roalson.
Roalson said the conservation approach forms the foundation of Austin's 100-year water plan, since new water supplies are expected to become more scarce and expensive as more residents and resource-intensive businesses move into the area.
These combined efforts, according to city planners, are expected to extend Austin's existing water supply for the next 40 to 50 years.
Austin Water is leaning heavily on conservation and expanding its reclaimed water system, which repurposes highly treated wastewater for nonpotable uses such as irrigation and toilet flushing.
We're really driving forward with these principles of being thoughtful about how we use water.
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