On Nov. 27, the Austin City Council approved a $3 million increase in funding for water conservation. Central Texas had been suffering from one of the worst droughts in history, causing significant harm to Lake Travis and Barton Springs. Environment Texas worked all summer to increase investment in water conservation in Austin, which due to wasteful practices, continues to use 26 per cent more water than recommended by the state. Regrettably, earlier in the year the city council voted 4-3 to build an expensive new water treatment plant, which could compromise conservation efforts. 

Barton Springs, the Edwards Aquifer and Lake Travis are some of Texas’ most important water sources. They provide us with clean, safe water to drink and beautiful places to escape the demands of the city and let our children play and swim.

But Central Texas is suffering from one of the worst droughts in 100 years and lake levels and spring flows have fallen to alarming levels. If we want these treasures to be around for future generations, we must do more to conserve water.

Environment Texas is pushing local and state governments to make water
conservation a priority.

Please e-mail the Austin City Council and the Mayoral and Council candidates and urge them to increase funding for water conservation by at least one-third. This will help save Barton Springs and Lake Travis and will save the city hundreds of millions of dollars that won’t have to be spent on new projects such as the proposed Water Treatment Plant 4.

Drought, development threaten water supply

Barton Springs, Edwards Aquifer and Lake Travis are some of Texas’ most important water sources. They provide us with clean, safe water to drink and beautiful places to escape the demands of the city and let our children play and swim.

But Central Texas is suffering from one of the worst droughts in 100 years and lake levels and spring flows have fallen to alarming levels. If we want these treasures to be around for future generations, we must do more to conserve water.

Leaky pipes and wasteful behavior cause billions of gallons of water to be wasted in Texas each year. With leak detection programs, audits of the largest water users, incentive programs and public education, we can protect our waters. Environment Texas is pushing local and state governments to make water conservation a priority.
Fight wasteful water use

Reduced aquifer flows to Barton Springs are hurting wildlife and could jeopardize swimming and recreation. Lake Travis is currently 38 feet below full and levels are falling.

There are many easy ways we can save water, such as replacing old shower heads and toilets with new models that use less water, capturing
rainwater off roofs for use in gardens and using drought-resistant plants in landscaping.

By increasing funding and standards for water conservation, we can guarantee our water supply for the future and help save consumers
money by avoiding the need for expensive new reservoirs and treatment plants.