The overview
The LCRA’s firm water conservation cost-share program provides funding for water efficiency projects and programs. On March 31, the LCRA awarded just over $114,000 in grants for two Travis County water utility providers and their conservation projects.
A $100,000 grant from LCRA will contribute to the West Travis County Public Utility Agency installation of new high-tech water meters.
Jennifer Riechers, general manager of the West Travis County PUA, said in a statement the new metering system, which will cost a total of close to $5 million, will enable the utility provider and its customers to track water use in real time instead of monthly.
The new technology quickly alerts customers and district staff to leaks and analyzes water usage patterns in order to promote conservation.
The West Travis County PUA, which serves western Travis and northern Hays counties, is estimated to save roughly 53.4 million gallons of water annually with the enhanced metering system.
The second grant recipient, Senna Hills Municipal Utility District, will use the awarded $14,609 in funding towards software that enables water pressure monitoring to pinpoint the location of leaks within its water distribution system.
“It is a priority for us to reduce the time it takes to detect and locate leaks within our distribution infrastructure,” Chet Palesko, Senna Hills MUD board president, said in a statement. “A few years ago, we had a million gallons-per-month leak that took seven months to find and fix. That’s a lot of wasted water and money.”
Senna Hills MUD estimates it will save an estimated 5.7 million gallons of water annually. The district serves about 420 customers in western Travis County.
Of note
LCRA strongly supports efforts to reduce water waste, according to a press release from the agency. The LCRA recently issued Stage 2 outdoor watering restrictions in response to continuing drought conditions.
“We all need to use water wisely, especially during this drought. These grants will help the utilities save water and lower costs. It’s a win-win.” John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of Water, said in a statement.
The LCRA, which oversees access to the lower Colorado River water supply, determined that preservation efforts were necessary after early-month reports showed a decline in water levels.
LCRA’s cost-share grants are intended to help cities, utilities, industries, and other water customers fund projects that improve water efficiency. Eligible projects focus on reducing water loss, upgrading equipment, switching to recycled water and using new technology for conservation.
Anyone interested can learn more at www.WaterSmart.org.
LCRA also offers rebates for homeowners to upgrade irrigation systems, maintain landscapes and pools, switch to drought-friendly plants and test soil. Details at www.WaterSmart.org/rebates.
