Austin's Water and Wastewater Commission is tackling the challenge of improving water conservation in older multifamily and commercial buildings. During a recent meeting, discussions centered on how to encourage these properties to participate in water-saving initiatives, especially given their outdated infrastructure that complicates measuring discretionary water use.

Commission members explored potential solutions, including regulatory changes and incentives aimed at bringing older buildings into the conservation fold. One key point raised was the difficulty and cost associated with retrofitting these older structures. However, the commission emphasized the importance of changing water use behaviors, such as promoting native and adaptive landscaping.

A significant breakthrough mentioned was the implementation of a metering system that allowed for the extension of conservation program benefits to previously unmetered units. This change has been described as transformative, enabling better tracking of water usage and encouraging conservation efforts.

Looking ahead, the commission plans to continue exploring incentives for commercial properties to enhance their water efficiency. They acknowledged that while redevelopment could trigger compliance with current conservation codes, many older properties may not undergo such changes. Therefore, establishing price incentives for water conservation remains a priority.

As the commission moves forward, the focus will be on balancing the need for water efficiency with the realities of existing infrastructure, ensuring that all properties contribute to Austin's water conservation goals.