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Press release for August 13, 2008
Media Contacts: Emlea Chanslor, LCRA, (512) 473-3342
Melanie Carr, City of Cedar Park, (512) 401-5007
Sonja Stefaniw, Austin Water, (512) 974-3901
Cedar Park, Austin and LCRA Partner to Save Water, Lessen Confusion
Edouard has little effect on Central Texas drought; Regional conservation efforts build
(CEDAR PARK, Texas) — For the first time, three major water suppliers are banding together to help consumers save more water. The City of Cedar Park, the City of Austin, and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) announced their water conservation partnership today.
Cedar Park will now join forces with Austin and LCRA to promote water conservation through Water IQ — Texas’ official water awareness public education campaign. As a result, more than 821,000 Central Texas water users will receive the same message about when and how to use water more efficiently.
“When it comes to saving water, we’re all in this together,” said Cedar Park Mayor Bob Lemon. “We wanted to make it easier on citizens and businesses. That’s why we introduced similar watering guidelines between our neighboring communities. With the tremendous growth happening in Central Texas, Water IQ will help inspire smarter use of our water supply, which we all share.”
Tropical Storm Edouard did little to lessen drought conditions. The U.S. drought monitor shows most of Central Texas is still experiencing an “extreme” drought. Some areas are in a “severe” drought, with part of Travis County in an “exceptional” drought — the driest, or most severe, status possible.
Regional Watering Schedule
The partnership has put customers of the three entities on the same watering schedule — eliminating past confusion. The schedule is mandatory for Austin and LCRA customers of the West Travis County Regional Water System and recommended for Cedar Park residents. It is determined by street address: Odd-numbered addresses may water as needed Wednesday and/or Saturday. Even-numbered addresses may water as needed Thursday and/or Sunday. Automatic irrigation systems and hose-end manual sprinklers can only be used before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Businesses must also water during the same hours on Tuesdays and/or Fridays.
“One million Central Texans rely on the same water source — the Colorado River — and we all must do our part to extend our water supply,” said LCRA General Manager Tom Mason. “While we have enough water today even during the drought, the population of this region is expected to double in the next 50 years. With a more standardized watering schedule and tips offered by Water IQ, every business and homeowner can save water, without sacrificing their lawns.”
The Colorado River basin includes three of the 100 fastest-growing counties in the U.S. (Hays, Travis, Williamson) and the population in the Central Texas region is expected to double to more than 2.7 million by 2060.
A giant calendar at today’s announcement showed off the easy-to-understand watering schedule. Additionally, Mayor Lemon, Austin City Council Member Lee Leffingwell and LCRA General Manager Tom Mason signed a giant pledge card, showing their commitment to a regional water conservation partnership. City leaders hope other areas of Central Texas will join the effort to further eliminate confusion caused by varying water schedules.
“We waste the most water on our lawns, so people can make the biggest difference by reducing their outdoor water use,” said Council Member Lee Leffingwell. “We’re asking people to consider plant selection, leaky faucets, soil preparation and make smart use of their irrigation system — all of the things that reduce how much water they use.” Using less water also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions because water treatment requires so much electricity.
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) estimates in hot climates, households use 59 to 67 percent of water outdoors. AWWA also estimates homes with in-ground automatic sprinkler systems use 35 percent more than homes without.
About Water IQ
Water IQ is a public awareness campaign offering simple tips to help consumers save water. Today’s news conference took place at the home of Scot and Callie Nelsen, Cedar Park residents who are following their city’s recommended watering schedule. “Two days a week has been plenty to keep our grass green over the summer. We de-thatched the old soil and made sure there was enough topsoil. Even our new apple tree is surviving the drought,” said Callie Nelsen. Using the Nelsen’s lawn, conservation experts demonstrated tips such as how to properly operate an in-ground sprinkler system and installed native, drought-tolerant plants that can survive Texas summers. To further raise the Nelsen’s Water IQ and cut their water consumption, experts also installed soaker hoses and extra mulch in landscape beds.
The City of Cedar Park is the newest water supplier to utilize Water IQ; LCRA and the City of Austin jointly adopted it in 2006. Other entities that use Water IQ to educate their citizens include the North Texas Municipal Water District, the City of Lubbock, the City of San Angelo, the City of Tyler, the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1, the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District and the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District.
About the City of Cedar Park
Founded in 1973, Cedar Park has grown into a thriving community. It was named One of the Top 10 Places to Raise a Family by Family Circle magazine and the 11th fastest growing suburb in the nation. Cedar Park is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all its residents and strives to be a community where you can live, work and play.
About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority provides public services that help protect people, property and the environment in Texas. LCRA serves customers and communities in the region by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and selling electric power, ensuring a clean, reliable water supply, operating parks and supporting local economic development initiatives. An affiliate also provides transmission services to help maintain electric reliability in Texas. LCRA, a nonprofit agency created by the Texas Legislature, cannot levy taxes or receive tax money.
About the City of Austin
The City of Austin is one of the 20 largest in the country. Austin City government owns and operates both Austin Energy and Austin Water Utility, and provides a broad range of economic development, water conservation and quality protection, and recreational services to the local community. Austin Water Utility delivers treated water to more than 192,500 customers.
LCRA and the City of Austin are the first organizations in Central Texas to implement the “Water IQ: Know Your Water“ campaign, which was developed for the Texas Water Development Board.