The document discusses the future of Austin's reclaimed water system as part of the city's water reclamation initiative, with projections for population growth and water demand through 2115. It highlights the current business model, funding structure, and upcoming changes including mandatory connections and decentralized systems. The purpose of the reclaimed water system is to enhance sustainability as Austin grows, with a focus on water conservation and efficient resource management.

1. The Future of Austin Water’s
Reclaimed Water System
CenTex Water Conservation Symposium
February 13, 2020
City of Austin
Water Reclamation Initiative
City of Austin
Water Reclamation
Program
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2. Lets Get Started
• Austin
• State Capital
• Growing
• Water
• Annual precipitation – 32”
• Drinking water use – 45 billion gallons/yr
• Wastewater treated – 32 billion gallons/yr
• Reclaimed use – 1.5 billion gallons/yr
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3. Water Forward
• 100-year water supply plan
• 1 million  4 million population
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Year Water
Demand (af)
Centralized
Reclaimed (af)
Decentralized
Reclaimed (af)
2020 138,000 4,460 – 3.2% 140 – 0.1%
2040 190,000 15,960 – 8.4% 3,290 – 1.7%
2070 250,000 28,960 – 11.6% 14,610 – 5.8%
2115 370,000 58,560 – 15.8% 30,190 – 8.2%

4. Current Business Model
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WHO PAYS ?
Water Wastewater Reclaimed
Distribution/Collection Developer Developer AW
Trans./Interceptor Developer (CRFs) Developer (CRFs) AW
Pump/Lift Stations Developer (CRFs) Developer (CRFs) AW
Tanks Developer (CRFs) Developer (CRFs) AW
Treatment Plants Developer (CRFs) Developer (CRFs) Developer
Rates Medium Highest Lowest
Capital Recovery Yes Yes No

5. Google Fiber
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“Google’s Most Successful Failure”
-- Harvard Business Review

6. Upcoming Changes
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• Mandatory Connections
• Decentralized System
• Capital Recovery Fee ???
• Planned Unit Developments
• Municipal Utility Districts
• Rates – slow increases
• Temporary drinking water feed

7. THANK YOU
Q&A
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