This page provides an overview of Austin’s Water Forward Plan, the city’s long-term water supply and conservation strategy. The plan is designed to ensure that Austin has a reliable, sustainable water supply through 100 years of population growth, climate change, and increasing demand.
What Is the Water Forward Plan?
The Water Forward Plan is Austin’s integrated water resource strategy. It focuses on conservation, reuse, infrastructure improvements, and new water supply options. The plan is updated regularly to reflect new data, technology, and environmental conditions.
Key goals include:
- Ensuring long-term water reliability
- Reducing dependence on the Colorado River
- Expanding water reuse and conservation
- Improving drought resilience
- Protecting environmental resources
Water Conservation
Conservation is a major component of the Water Forward Plan. Austin encourages residents and businesses to reduce water use through efficiency programs and incentives.
- Water-efficient appliances
- Outdoor irrigation limits
- Leak detection and repair
- Rebate programs
- Water-saving landscaping
Water Reuse
Austin is expanding its reclaimed water system to reduce demand on drinking water supplies. Reclaimed water is treated wastewater used for irrigation, cooling, and industrial processes.
- Purple pipe system
- Non-potable reuse
- Future potable reuse options
Embed reclaimed water system map or usage dashboard here.
Aquifer Storage and Recovery
The Water Forward Plan includes developing an aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) system. ASR allows the city to store treated water underground during wet periods and recover it during droughts.
- Long-term water banking
- Drought resilience
- Reduced surface water dependence
Stormwater and Rainwater Strategies
The plan promotes capturing and using rainwater and stormwater to reduce demand on the drinking water system.
- Rainwater harvesting
- Stormwater reuse
- Green infrastructure
- On-site water systems for new developments
Climate and Drought Planning
Austin’s water supply is vulnerable to drought and climate variability. The Water Forward Plan includes strategies to prepare for extreme weather and long-term climate shifts.
- Drought contingency planning
- Water supply modeling
- Emergency response strategies
- Environmental protection measures
Infrastructure Improvements
To support long-term water reliability, Austin is investing in upgrades to treatment plants, pipelines, reservoirs, and monitoring systems.
- Pipeline replacement and expansion
- Treatment plant upgrades
- Advanced metering technology
- System monitoring and leak detection
Community Engagement
The Water Forward Plan includes public input through community meetings, advisory groups, and stakeholder outreach. Resident participation helps shape conservation programs and long-term strategies.
Data Sources
- Austin Water
- City of Austin Water Forward Plan
- Texas Water Development Board
- City of Austin Open Data Portal