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- From Round Rock’s school board to City Hall, District 6 newcomer Krista Laine gives conservatives a run for their money
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Water
Dripping Springs still seeking effluent permit
The city of Austin is continuing efforts to convince Dripping Springs not to go through with its plan to release treated effluent into Onion Creek, the tributary that provides the greatest amount of direct recharge to Barton Springs, according to…
Water • By Jo Clifton • Nov 4, 2016
Dripping Springs plans effluent reuse but wants discharge permit
The city of Dripping Springs, facing an array of opponents to its plan to discharge nearly 1 million gallons per day of treated effluent into Onion Creek, has come up with a proposal to reuse the treated wastewater and is…
Water • By Jo Clifton • Sep 15, 2016
Dripping Springs' proposed wastewater plan could threaten aquifers
The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District is moving quickly to prevent a change in the city of Dripping Springs’ wastewater management that could threaten Dripping Springs’ drinking water. The city of Dripping Springs has applied for a permit to discharge…
Hays County • By Cate Malek • Jul 19, 2016
Commission OKs drainage discount for rain barrels
The city’s Environmental Commission endorsed a proposed ordinance last week that will give property owners the chance to lower their drainage fees if they make efforts to reduce runoff from their properties. Austin Water utility already provides a one-time rebate…
Water • By Jack Craver • Jun 21, 2016
MUDs still fighting city over water bills
The long-running argument between the city of Austin and four municipal utility districts continues, with lawyers for the North Austin MUD No. 1, Northtown MUD, Wells Branch MUD and Travis County WCID No. 10 claiming Austin Water is again overcharging their…
Water • By Jo Clifton • Jun 9, 2016
Council approves permanent water restrictions
After an hour-and-a-half debate, City Council voted Thursday to approve an ordinance that will permanently restrict residents from using automatic sprinklers on their lawns more than once a week. “We should be really proud of Austin,” said Jennifer Walker, the…
Water • By Jack Craver • May 6, 2016
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Council debates water restrictions
Home car-washing may soon be coming back to Austin. If City Council approves Austin Water’s proposed reforms of water restrictions, homeowners will be able to spray down their cars in their driveways every day if their hearts so desire. That…
Water • By Jack Craver • May 4, 2016
Austin's summer likely won't be a hot mess
Bob Rose, the head meteorologist for the Lower Colorado River Authority, has some good news. “I was thinking this was going to be a really hot, dry summer,” he told press attending the LCRA’s annual “Meteorologist Day” at the Redbud…
Water • By Jack Craver • Apr 28, 2016
Council moves to make major water investments
City Council voted Thursday for the city to apply for nearly $190 million in loans as part of a plan to make major investments in local water infrastructure in the coming years. The city will apply for a loan of…
Water • By Jack Craver • Apr 22, 2016
Zimmerman proposes funding for climate change skeptics
City Council Member Don Zimmerman, a self-described advocate for taxpayers, is not proposing that the city nix spending $116,000 to assess the impact of climate change on local water systems. But he is unhappy that all of the money in…
Water • By Jack Craver • Apr 21, 2016
Council to address water utility debt
Issuing and selling bonds, paying off debt and applying for state loans for the Austin Water utility will be up for discussion at City Council’s meeting Thursday. At their work session on Tuesday, Council members seemed generally supportive of the…
Water • By Eva Ruth Moravec • Apr 20, 2016
Council to consider new policy for high water bills
If City Council approves the idea, Austin Water customers who find themselves puzzled and/or outraged by a sudden unexplained jump in their water bills will have an additional way to appeal the bill and gain some relief. A resolution sponsored…
