Reclaimed water is already one of the most proven and scalable tools for strengthening water security in drought-prone regions. Across the country, some cities now reuse more than half of their wastewater, treating it as a reliable water supply rather than a waste stream. Meanwhile, Austin is still capturing only a small fraction of this resource, even as long-term projections show that Central Texas is moving toward increasingly strained water conditions.

This is a moment to act.

The choices made today will shape regional resilience for decades to come. Reclaimed water is already being used at scale elsewhere to:

• Expand dependable water supplies in arid regions
• Reduce pressure on rivers and aquifers
• Support growing cities without over-drafting natural systems
• Provide both non-potable and advanced potable reuse water supplies

We are asking residents, stakeholders, and water advocates to urge decision-makers to prioritize reclaimed water as a core part of Austin’s long-term water strategy.

Add your voice:

If you believe Austin should expand reclaimed water use as a central water supply strategy, write in and let local water policymakers know this matters today. Use the form letter below to contact the Water and Wastewater Commission and the Water Forward Task Force to press City leadership toward smarter, more responsible water management. We urge you to add your own voice by including a short, personal message.