Water efficiency in Austin, Texas, 1983‐2005: An historical perspective

Abstract

Despite surging population growth between 1983 and 2005, the city of Austin, Texas, has managed to keep the growth of water demand well below the rate of population growth through a combination of programs targeting water use practices. in 1983, Austin implemented a water efficiency program in response to this spike in demand. The success of these early watering restrictions led to a longer‐term effort to reduce the rate at which demand increased, delay the need to add plant capacity, and extend the time before the city exceeds its water rights. The city now views efficiency as one of the strategies required to continue to meet its long‐term water needs. Since 1983, Austin implemented a number of water conservation initiatives, including monetary incentives, equipment giveaways, subsidized sales, plumbing code changes, and ordinance enforcement, which have all met with varying successes. Combined, however, the water conservation efforts in Austin contributed to a substantial reduction in per capita water use during this period.