Embracing a One Water vision
The plan unites water supply, reuse and stormwater under a single framework for long-term sustainability and reliability.
Facing rapid growth and worsening droughts, Austin Water partnered with CDM Smith to build a 100-year integrated plan ensuring long-term resilience and supply.
Austin Water
Austin, Texas
Austin’s booming population and increasing drought risks placed tremendous stress on its limited water resources. To safeguard its future, Austin Water worked to develop a 100-year Integrated Water Resource Plan, a roadmap for sustainable supply diversification, reuse and conservation.
The plan unites water supply, reuse and stormwater under a single framework for long-term sustainability and reliability.
With detailed modeling and risk analysis, 47 supply and demand options were screened to identify the best long-term strategies.
Economic, environmental and social benefits guided decisions, ensuring equitable and climate-resilient water solutions.
Austin’s plan involved 80+ outreach events and a citizen task force, delivering transparency and shared ownership.
Austin’s plan sets a national benchmark for forward-looking water management, expanding conservation, water reuse and alternative supplies while enhancing drought resilience and environmental protection. “This groundbreaking plan diversifies Austin’s water supplies and strengthens resiliency during droughts and climate change,” said Greg Meszaros, director of Austin Water.