Why this matters

 

Drought has historically threatened Austin's water sources. From 2008 to 2016, Central Texas experienced one of the worst droughts on record. Though Austin didn't run out of water, the Highland Lakes were drained to only 1/3 full and water restrictions were placed city-wide. The drought highlighted the dangers of having only one drinking water source.

Climate scientists have predicted that Austin will likely see even longer and deeper periods of drought, punctuated by very heavy rain events. Texas could also see drier conditions in the second half of the 21st century than it has in the past 1,000 years (according to a 2020 UT and A&M study). Add rapid population growth onto that and it's clear the city needs to plan for a more resilient water future.

live
live
Community Engagement

Engage the Austin community in a meaningful and intentional way

planned
planned
Refine planning methodology

Revisit methodology from 2018 plan and update plan development process to select water management strategies and portfolios

planned
planned
Forecast baseline water demands

Estimate and forecast population, employment, and baseline water demands

planned
planned
Update climate & hydrology analysis

Develop streamflow projections that reflect impacts of climate change and drought

planned
planned
Identify water resource needs

Determine preliminary water supply needs by comparing forecasted demands and supply

planned
planned
Identify, screen, and characterize strategies

Develop information about potential water management strategies

planned
planned
Develop and evaluate 50-year water resource portfolios

Develop near-term (50-year) water resource portfoloios to meet future needs

planned
planned
Develop plan recommendations and 100-year adaptive management plan

Develop long-term (100-year) plan recommendations