Water Matters: August – November 2024 Edition
Aug. – Nov. 2024
Just try to imagine what life would be like without easy access to clean water. National Water Quality Month in August, our Open House in September, and Imagine a Day Without Water in October are just a few opportunities
this fall season to take a moment to consider the value of water. There are little things you can do on a daily basis that make a big difference in our water quality and supply. Let’s celebrate water and learn new ways to use it wisely.
Water utilities invest a lot of time and resources toward the maintenance of their community’s water supply and sanitation systems to help ensure its resilience, sustainability, and safety. However, it is often overlooked that residents are indispensable partners in this ongoing effort to maintain a reliable water supply. Beyond being mere consumers of water, residents act as stewards of this essential resource through simple measures such as fixing leaks promptly, using water-efficient appliances and practicing mindful landscaping with efficient irrigation.
AIDS IN WATER SYSTEM RESILIENCE
Water utilities invest a lot of time and resources toward the maintenance of their community’s water supply and sanitation systems to help ensure its resilience, sustainability, and safety. However, it is often overlooked that residents are indispensable partners in this ongoing effort to maintain a reliable water supply. Beyond being mere consumers of water, residents act as stewards of this essential resource through simple measures such as fixing leaks promptly, using water-efficient appliances and practicing mindful landscaping with efficient irrigation.
When residents safeguard their plumbing and irrigation systems, they are taking proactive measures to not only protect their home, but also contribute to the responsible use of water.
Additionally, the improper disposal of trash, oil, grease, or chemicals can have lasting environmental impacts, as well as cause clogs and disruptions in the treatment process.
There are at least two sets of separate plumbing subsystems running through every home that require routine maintenance: pipes that supply clean, treated water into the home and those that carry used water (known as wastewater) out. Both of these systems require the water to be treated. For many homes, clean water originates at a water treatment plant where certified operators convert raw water, such as from a lake, to drinking water standards. Separately, wastewater, if not managed by an onsite sewage facility (septic system), is directed to a wastewater treatment plant, or a recycled water plant, as is the case for Lakeway Municipal Utility District (LMUD), where the wastewater is treated to the highest standards required for safe reuse in irrigation systems throughout the community.
Central Texans understand the importance of preparing for our unpredictable climate, from scorching heatwaves to torrential downpours, and the occasional freeze. Through all of these challenges and other routine wear and tear, our homes must be prepared. When residents safeguard their plumbing and irrigation systems, they are taking proactive measures to not only protect their home, but also contribute to the responsible use of water. A combination of regular inspections, timely repairs, and strategic prevention can significantly enhance the resilience of home plumbing and irrigation systems, such as:
Detect and address plumbing issues before they escalate by inspecting your plumbing system regularly for leaks, drips, or signs of corrosion both inside and outside your home. Look for water stains, mold growth, or unusual odors.
Insulate exposed pipes, wrap outdoor faucets, and seal gaps during colder months to help prevent freezing and potential burst pipes.
Routine maintenance of the irrigation system includes clearing debris from sprinkler heads, checking for clogs in the irrigation lines, and adjusting the watering schedule based on seasonal needs. Upgrading controllers and installing rain sensors also can help optimize irrigation by automatically adjusting schedules based on local weather conditions.
Ensure everyone in your household is aware of proper disposal practices and understands what shouldn’t go down drains or in toilets, including oil, grease, chemicals, and trash.
Although the recent rain has provided us with some improvement, hydrological drought continues, so let us unite in the commitment to conserve water. By fortifying our homes against the challenges of nature and taking swift action when problems occur, we can collectively reduce water loss, ensuring that our community remains resilient and water-wise.
Adapted from LMUD article published in Lake Travis View, Jan. 2024 .
Did you know?
There are four different types of drought. Hydrological Drought is based on the impact of rainfall deficits on the water supply such as stream flow, reservoir and lake levels, and ground water table decline. The other types are Meteorological, Agricultural, and Socioeconomic.
New! Turf Replacement Rebate Available to LMUD Customers
In July, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) launched a new residential rebate available to LMUD customers: turf replacement. Designed to lower the demand on landscape irrigation, homeowners considering converting their turf grass to a more water-wise option may qualify for a rebate of $0.50 per sq.ft., up to $600, for converting a minimum of 200 sq. ft. of healthy turf grass to native garden beds or drought-tolerant landscapes.
Pre-approval from LCRA staff is required (email plans to WaterSmart@LCRA.org): irrigation must be converted to drip or the entire zone capped and include details on what the area will be converted to. For native planting beds, this rebate can be added to mulch and irrigation upgrade rebates to maximize dollars saved. The rebates cover equipment and material costs, but not labor or taxes, unless otherwise specified. Visit LCRA.org/water/WaterSmart/Rebates for details.
The History of Recycled Water Use in Lakeway
Did you know that LMUD has been recognized as a leader in the beneficial reuse of recycled (also referred to as “reuse” or “reclaimed”) water for land application which is a massive conservation effort? Since the 1970s, LMUD has been using this treated wastewater to irrigate golf courses, common areas, parkland, and cedar breaks.
Under TCEQ Chapter 210 Authorization, LMUD rigorously tests and treats reclaimed water to the highest standards, known as “Type I reclaimed water”, which is regularly monitored, tested, and known to be safe and environmentally friendly. Application of Type I reclaimed water is permitted for use in areas where public contact is likely, such as irrigating public parks, school yards, residential lawns, and athletic fields. As we expand our reuse system to more residential locations, it decreases the demand on our potable (drinking) water treatment plant and saves the amount of water we have to pull out of Lake Travis to treat to drinking water standards.
Best Time & Method for Watering Your Yard
The best time to water your yard is in the early morning, between 6am and 10am when the temperature is cooler. This leads to less evaporation before it can be absorbed into the ground as well as avoids the risk of lawn diseases associated with nighttime watering. For deeper root growth and more resilient plants, water deeper, not more often, mimicking a slow, soaking rainfall. To avoid runoff, you may need to schedule several shorter water cycles in the same day, allowing about 30 minutes in-between for the water to soak in.
EVENTS
August
National Water Quality Month
National Water Quality Month is dedicated to making the most of the relatively small amount of fresh water we have because having clean water is vital to our individual health, our collective agricultural needs, and the needs of our environment. Knowing where your water comes from makes it easier to appreciate the quality of your local waterways, and can motivate you and your community to keep these water sources as clean as possible. NationalWaterQualityMonth.org
September
LMUD Open House
All Week: September 23 – 27, with presentations at 10am and 2pm daily, LMUD Administration Office, 1097 Lohmans Crossing
Stop in any day this week to peruse a wide assortment of literature (such as this watering guide) and water-saving giveaways. Presentations will be held each day at 10am and 2pm on a variety of water-related topics from landscaping tips to managing leaks and more. The full schedule available here.
October
IMAGINE A DAY WITHOUT WATER: HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM
Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 1pm – 2pm, Lake Travis Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing
Bring your detective skills to find out about the value of water! Learn about exciting science-related topics then investigate further with a fun activity as well as ideas for projects to do at home and outside. We’ll answer questions such as: Where does rain come from? What happens during the water cycle and how do humans impact it?
November
World Toilet Day
November 19, 2024
Join the United Nations in recognition of Toilet Day: Today, 3.5
billion people live without access to safely managed sanitation
and around 1,000 children under age five die every day from diseases caused by unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Art Contest: Imagine a Day Without Water
This year, in recognition of Imagine a Day Without Water, Lakeway Municipal Utility District (LMUD) is hosting an art contest open to all Lake Travis Independent School District (LTISD) students as well as local private or homeschool students in kindergarten through 6th grade.
Three winners will be chosen and awarded at their school or LMUD Office in November. (additional details to be provided at a later date).
Entries can also be submitted for consideration in the state-wide 2025 Calendar Art Contest sponsored by The Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT) and the Texas American Water Works Association (TAWWA). Details provided on the LMUD Website.
Participating students:
- Artwork must be developed by a Texas student in kindergarten through 6th grade (homeschool and individual entries are welcome – entry is not required to be part of a school or class activity).
- Artwork must be original (no copyrighted products or images).
- Only one entry per student is allowed.
- Entries must be submitted using 8.5”x11” size paper in a horizontal layout (landscape). High-resolution, quality scans or photos of art will be accepted.
- Do NOT write your name on the front of the artwork.
- The artwork must encompass the theme with a focus on the value of water. Late entries will not be judged. Any entry that does not adhere to the rules will not be judged.
Submission Deadline: Thurs., Oct. 24, 2024
Include student’s name, age, grade, and school as well as a parent’s or teacher’s contact information on a separate paper.
Send submissions to:
Lakeway MUD, attn: art contest
1097 Lohmans Crossing, Lakeway, TX 78734
or CustomerService@LakewayMUD.org
All submissions become the property of LMUD. LMUD has the right to display or otherwise use the submission for future promotions. Student’s first name and age will be credited.
Thank you LMUD for making informative presentations available to us. We attended one which provided information on proper irrigation system equipment and understanding our usage! We are also working to improve swimming pool water usage.
Kay B.
RE: Open House event
I’m a new homeowner in Lakeway and am very impressed by how great LMUD has responded to our information and service needs. Thank you!
Jordana D.
CUSTOMERS TO REMAIN AWARE OF CHANGES TO WATERING RESTRICTIONS
In July, thanks to some much-needed rain, local news stations reported that the US Drought Monitor has removed the Austin area from any drought classification for the first time in more than two years. This is great news, but it is not the full story. It will take an unseasonable amount of rain in the right places to replenish our water resources (Lakeway’s only source for raw water is Lake Travis), reversing the impact of years of, and continuing, ”hydrological drought.” How Texans decide to use (or not use) water has a major impact on the available water supply.
LMUD’s Drought Contingency Plan triggers allow for “Stage 1” watering restrictions (not to exceed two-days per week on assigned days for automatic irrigation), when the combined storage of lakes Buchanan and Travis is above 900,000 acre-feet (check hydromet.lcra.org/riverreport for current level). Watch for updates from LMUD for changes to watering restrictions; contact LMUD customer service to ensure your contact information is up to date.
The irrigation schedule restrictions apply to all unattended irrigation (inground irrigation system, timed soaker/drip, hose-end sprinkler). No irrigation is allowed between 10am and 7pm. Hand watering is allowed at anytime. For current watering restrictions and enforcement efforts, see Drought Contingency Plan or visit the Irrigation Schedule.
ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT AVAILABLE
PA requires community water systems to deliver a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also known as an annual drinking water quality report, to their customers each year by July 1st. The most recent version of this report is mailed or e-mailed annually to customers upon publication as well as made available on our website and at our office located at 1097 Lohmans Crossing Road throughout the year. LMUD complies with all state and federal water quality standards and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) confirms each year the safety of our drinking water. Visit About Your Water for a copy of the report.
LMUD PROVIDES 24/7/365 EMERGENCY SERVICE
In the case of a plumbing emergency, customers should contact LMUD by phone at (512) 261-6222 if they need help shutting off their water at the water meter or see an issue on an LMUD maintained water, wastewater, or recycled water system. If the call is made outside of regular business hours, a fee may apply. The
After Hours Call Out fee of $50 applies to all customer calls resulting in a District personnel visiting a customer’s property before or after Business Hours. Customers requesting repairs to their Grinder Pump system who are currently paying a Grinder Pump Service Fee are excluded from this charge. See Rate Order for details.
BOIL WATER NOTICES ARE ISSUED AS PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
It is important to understand that a Boil Water Notice is issued as a precautionary measure to alert our water customers if there is a possibility of unsafe water. It does not mean the water is unsafe to drink, however is issued with our customers’ welfare in mind. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires that these notices be sent to impacted customers if specific conditions occur. Once lab test confirm the water is safe for consumption, LMUD will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice. These notices are sent by email, phone, and/or text so it’s important to ensure your contact information is up to date by contacting LMUD customer service. For more information, visit the Boil Water Notices page.
WATERSMART HELPS CUSTOMERS STAY AWARE OF THEIR HOUSEHOLD WATER USE
Since its launch in November 2022, LMUD’s WaterSmart portal has allowed customers access to detailed information about their household water use. Customers are able to track their daily and hourly water usage, self-identify and resolve leaks, understand where their water is being used, compare their water use to similar households, and set water use alerts. This is a separate log in from the LMUD bill payment portal. LakewayMudTX.WaterSmart.com.
| Allowances | ||||
| Activity | Stage 1 Mild | Stage 2 Moderate | Stage 3 Severe | Stage 4 Emergency |
| LCRA Firm Water Customer Required Demand Reduction Goal | 10% | 20% | 25% | 30% |
| Combined storage levels of lakes Buchanan and Travis according to LCRA River Operations Report | at or above 45% | below 45% | at or below 38% | at or below 30% |
| at or above 1.1M AF | at or below 900,000 AF | at or below 750,000 AF | at or below 600,000 AF | |
| Required: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Irrigation (inground, timed drip/soaker, unattended hose-end sprinkler) | 2 days/wk on designated days | 1 day/wk on designated day | 6-hour limit, 1 day/wk on designated day | X |
Lakeway Municipal Utility District (LMUD), established in 1972, provides water, wastewater, and some reuse services to many of the homes and businesses in the City of Lakeway and a portion of the Village of the Hills.
District Office:
1097 Lohmans Crossing
Lakeway, TX 78734
(512) 261-6222
CustomerService@lakewaymud.org
www.LakewayMUD.org
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