In a recent government meeting, city officials addressed the pressing need for enhanced water supply strategies to meet projected demand increases by 2050. The discussions highlighted a significant gap of over 9 million gallons per day (MGD) anticipated due to rapid growth in the area. Officials emphasized the importance of evaluating various strategies for reliability, affordability, sustainability, and public engagement.
Susan, a key speaker at the meeting, outlined ongoing conservation efforts and the necessity of integrating these strategies into the broader water supply plan. She shared insights from neighboring cities, such as Leander and Georgetown, on successful conservation practices and the importance of public communication. Notably, she suggested potential partnerships for joint media campaigns to promote conservation efforts effectively.
The meeting also touched on advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) as a crucial tool for monitoring water usage and enforcing conservation measures. Officials discussed the possibility of utilizing seasonal staff to monitor compliance with watering schedules, leveraging AMI data to identify high water usage areas.
In addition to conservation, the city is exploring various supply strategies, including tapping into additional groundwater sources, enhancing connections with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), and considering advanced water purification methods. The concept of aquifer storage and recovery was also introduced, allowing for the storage of excess water during low-demand periods for use during peak times.
As the city prepares to address future water needs, officials are committed to developing a comprehensive capital improvement plan to ensure infrastructure can support the growing demands while maintaining compliance with emergency water use requirements. The collaborative approach and focus on innovative solutions reflect the city's proactive stance in tackling its water supply challenges.