Due to recent water issues, the city of Leander decided to hire a conservation program coordinator. The new coordinator, Bill Teeter, was introduced during the July 7 Leander City Council meeting.

Teeter, who is originally from Horseshoe Bay, has about eight years of experience as a water conservation inspector.

“He’s familiar with the area—the Lower Colorado River Authority—and working with those groups, so we're really happy to have him,” Public Works Director Gina Ellison said.

The coordinator is responsible for organizing water, energy and natural resource conservation programs, projects and plans. He will promote water conservation to utility customers and other groups through educational programs and outreach efforts.

Teeter has been “very busy” since he got here, Ellison said. One of the projects the Leander Public Works Department has been working on is checking high-usage accounts.

“Bill already has thoughts on messaging we can put out,” Ellison said. “Like, ‘Hey, don’t cut your grass so short.’”

Teeter will be making suggestions on how to improve rate sensors and irrigation drips for the larger clients. Additionally, he will be reaching out to the Leander Fire Department and Leander Parks and Recreation Department while “working his way through the city.”

Teeter, who was also at the meeting, said he is excited to be here and glad to have the job. Speaking about his experience in Horseshoe Bay, Teeter said, “I got my hands really dirty in water conservation and irrigation. I’d never thought I would be a sprinkler wonk, but I am.”

He added it was great working in Horseshoe Bay because he saw the impact conservation had on the community. The experience helped him build a bridge with residents to learn about the water system.

“One of the main messages was to help [the residents] learn about the benefits of conservation. It’s not about sacrifice; it’s about using the right amount," he said.

The savings that residents saw from water conservation was pleasing to so many people, he said.

During July, Teeter will meet with multiple homeowners associations to discuss conservation efforts and education outreach for residents.