Water Matters: Dec 2024 Edition
Dec. 2024 – Mar. 2025
Household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide, so each year in March we hunt down the drips during Fix a Leak Week. Use this opportunity to find and fix leaks inside and outside your home to save valuable water and money all year long. For more information, visit epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week.
SUSTAINABILITY MEANS WORKING WITH NATURE (NOT AGAINST IT)
Working with or against nature is, and always will be, a powerful driving force in our decision making. We can either adapt to it or modify it: build around a tree or plow through it. Nature’s elements can inspire us or provide us with an opportunity to exert control. Our interaction with nature not only applies to our physical environment, but to everything we do and even to how we think. Sustainable decisions start by observing what naturally exists and working within those limits. Anything other than this can require a greater upfront investment and produce short-term results that require ongoing maintenance. It’s a delicate balance of “nature versus nurture” that our biodiverse planet relies on for quality of life.
Sustainability has become a buzzword that is gaining traction in many different industries from fashion to engineering to landscaping and even personal growth and development. For something to be sustainable, we have to learn to co-exist with nature to meet the needs of today without compromising the ability to meet the needs of tomorrow. In the water industry, that means educating our customers to use only the water they need while simultaneously developing new ways to reuse the water we have. Since water usage habits are deeply engrained into our daily routines, changing how we think about water requires tapping into our innate level of acceptance to change.
The decision to work with nature could be as simple as using
less water…
“Nature versus nurture” is the concept that all decisions we make are shaped by personal traits that have both genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) components. This “environment” includes such factors as how we are raised, what we eat, who we socialize with and how we spend our time. But not just anyone can be the next Albert Einstein or Jane Goodall. We also have a genetic predisposition with (natural) tendencies that provide the foundation on which everything else is built. These innate characteristics, including how inclined we are to accept change, are firmly ingrained personality traits that we may be able to modify, but not easily. This foundation establishes the limits we must work within when making, or encouraging others to make, decisions.
Nature’s foundation is maintaining biodiversity so it has spent billions of years refining processes and systems that are efficient, sustainable and resilient to support quality of life for all living things that share this planet. Why would humans want to make decisions that go against this? Access to water is essential to sustaining biodiversity so how it is used has a lasting impact.
Making the decision to support conservation efforts that prioritize the protection and restoration of the natural habitat in your area is fundamental to sustainability. The decision to work with nature could be as simple as using less water, which includes incorporating landscaping decisions that require less ongoing maintenance. Choosing to minimize the size of your grass lawn and add native planting beds is a sustainable decision. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water, fertilizer and maintenance than non-native species. They also provide essential habitat and food sources for local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are crucial for the health of our ecosystems.
Decision-making starts with assessment and understanding, such as being conscious of how and how much you use water. All we can do is plant seeds, literally and figuratively, by setting an example, observing which ones grow naturally and which ones require constant nurturing to thrive. Nature should be seen as less of an obstacle to be conquered, and more as a partner to be cherished and respected. By embracing this perspective, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for ourselves, our future generations and the environment. •
Previously published in Lake Travis View, Aug. 2024.
LTISD Participates in Imagine a Day Without Water
Imagine a Day Without Water is a national day of recognition, held annually in October, that brings together diverse participants to highlight how water is essential, invaluable, and in need of continuous investment. In celebration, LMUD hosted 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. All entrants were featured in an exhibition at the Hive Gallery in the Hill Country Galleria on November 15 and were entered for a chance to have their artwork in a state-wide 2025 calendar sponsored by The Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT) and the Texas American Water Works Association (TAWWA). LMUD chose three winners who received special prize packs and a trophy in three categories. Winners included: Rockwell H., 6th grade, Original Idea Award; Andi A., 4th grade, Most Inspiring Award; and Florence G, 5th grade, Best Use of Color Award. In an accompanying statement, Andi said, “It is important to be waterwise because someday we might run out of clean water.”
Visit imagineadaywithoutwater.org for more information.•
EVENTS
December 2024
Winter Garden Tour
On Dec. 5, the Lakeway Garden Club is hosting an informative field trip to the Lakeway Church Garden. Free event. For details, visit lakewaygardenclub.com.
January
Water for Texas
From Jan. 27 – 29, the Water for Texas 2025 conference will bring together industry
experts, innovators, influencers, and leaders to discuss current and future water issues impacting Texans. For details, visit waterfortexas.twdb.texas.gov/2025.
February
Winter Averaging Ends
LMUD uses the lower water volume from the Winter Averaging timeframe each year (Nov. 1 – Mar. 1) to calculate each customer’s next fiscal year wastewater volume charge. For details, visit lakewaymud.org/update/winter-averaging.
March
Fix A Leak Week
March 10 – 16: The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Many leaks are often easy to fix, requiring only a few tools and hardware that can pay for themselves in water savings. For details, visit epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week.
Understanding Your Billing Statement
Base Charge
The treatment and distribution of drinking water (called “potable water”), the collection and treatment of wastewater, and the disposal or distribution of treated wastewater (called “effluent”) are highly skilled tasks requiring the precision and dedication of certified professionals operating sophisticated equipment. Administrative staff are also needed for management and planning as well as customer care and billing. As such, the fixed-fee “base charge” on water bills helps pay for ongoing costs such as staffing, maintenance and system improvements. Through operational efficiency, a utility is able to minimize the “base charge” on a customer’s bill.
Water Volume Charge
A “volume charge” for water service is dependent on the amount of water the customer uses at their property. The Lakeway Municipal Utility District implements a tiered rate structure to help keep essential water use affordable while promoting conservation (the more water used per bill cycle, the more the customer pays per thousand gallons). LMUD, like other utility providers, charges customers for the water they use by installing a water meter at the edge of each customer’s property, which is tied to a customer-maintained service line going into a home or place of business. Utilizing Advanced Metering Infrastructure technology, these meters are read virtually, by radio signal, every 12 hours, connected to software capable of automatically notifying customers if they have a potential leak or higher-than-normal water use. Customers who utilize this technology have a better understanding of their household water use and can cut down on unintended use, saving them money.
Wastewater Volume Charge
Since wastewater is not metered, many utilities utilize what is known as “Wastewater (or Winter) Averaging” to assess a customer’s wastewater volume charge based on their water usage from meter readings. The goal is to estimate how much wastewater a customer is sending to the utility’s treatment plant for processing, which is captured by wastewater pipes from indoor water use; outdoor water use soaks into the ground or is evaporated. Wastewater volume charges are averaged to remain the same on each bill cycle over a 12-month period. LMUD customers who limit their outdoor water use during the Winter Averaging months (November through February) can greatly decrease their wastewater volume usage on utility bills for the following year.
Taxes and Other Fees
A water utility can be a publicly-owned municipality or other political subdivision, such as LMUD, an investor-owned (for-profit) entity, or a nonprofit. It helps to know which category your water utility falls under to understand their taxation authority, which may appear as a separate line item on your bill or yearly tax statement. Customers should also be aware of additional charge options their utility may assess such as late payment fees or penalty fees for operating outside of current watering restrictions. Each water utility bill also includes a mandatory state regulatory fee of 0.5% of the total, assessed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Each utility must operate as a business, managing income and expenses as they relate to operational needs and “product” availability and demand. LMUD recently released the results of a rate study prepared in collaboration with NewGen Strategies & Solutions
outlining a five-year initiative that aims to keep the utility ahead of capital improvement costs amidst the uncertainties associated with ongoing drought and economic stability. This type of planning outlook allows a utility to retain competitive service rates while funding upcoming capital projects and replenishing reserves for reinvestment in the reliability of existing infrastructure. Fiscally responsible utilities prioritize their customers’ needs while also holding them accountable for their conservation efforts. Rate increases and added fees are often necessary to ensure a sustainable future for the communities they serve. Understanding your water bill can help you make more informed decisions about your water use and gain an appreciation for the efforts involved to provide you with such essential services. •
Previously published in Lake Travis View, Oct. 2024.
QUICK TIP
LMUD’s WaterSmart platform allows customers access to detailed information about their household water use. Customers are able to track their hourly and daily 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.
Visit lakewaymud.org/update/watersmart for details.
What great customer service!
David W.
RE: Customer Service Call
[my irrigation had] a stuck valve on one zone.
James C.
Your email alerted me and I fixed it the same day.
RE: WaterSmart Alert
We appreciate feedback!
Send yours to
customerservice@lakewaymud.org.
Your whole team was outstanding,
Ted G.
and the entire process happened much more
smoothly than we could have hoped for.
This makes a huge difference in our quality of life.
RE: ODWW Project Install
WINTER AVERAGING IN EFFECT THRU MARCH 1
LMUD determines their customers’ volume charges for wastewater service based on “Winter Averaging” which takes place November through February each year. This period of lower outdoor water usage helps your water utility get a better average for how much of our customers’ water use is directed to our water recycling plant for treatment. Because wastewater is not metered, your wastewater volume charge for the year is based on your lowest monthly water use during the prior “Winter Averaging” time period. Using less water (such as limiting your irrigation) will help to minimize your bills for the following year. For more information about Winter Averaging, visit lakewaymud.org/update/winter-averaging.
FY2025 BUDGET INCLUDES UPDATED SERVICE RATES
At the September 12, 2024 Board of Directors meeting, General Manager Earl Foster presented the final revisions to a rate study prepared in collaboration with NewGen Strategies & Solutions outlining a five-year initiative. The goals included keeping essential water use affordable while allowing the utility to stay ahead of capital improvement costs amidst the uncertainties associated with ongoing drought and economic stability. Chris Ekrut, Partner and CFO at NewGen, said, “From everything I have reviewed during this rate study, Lakeway MUD has demonstrated that they are a fiscally responsible public utility that operates in the best interest of their customers. The proposed [service] rate changes are a necessary component of ensuring their continued vitality.” New service rates, effective with the December 2024 bill cycle, and the full rate study presentation can be found at lakewaymud.org/update/lakeway-mud-fy2025-budget-review.
MONITOR HIGHLAND LAKE LEVELS WITH LCRA’S RIVER OPERATIONS REPORT
Lakeway’s only source for raw water is Lake Travis, part of the Highland Lakes chain, managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). Lakes Buchanan and Travis are the two water supply reservoirs in the Highland Lakes system. Both lakes fluctuate, capturing water during rainy times to provide a reliable water supply for our region during drier times. Their combined levels trigger LMUD watering restrictions to take effect. Lake levels can be monitored using LCRA’s River Operations Report, available at hydromet.lcra.org/riverreport. Current watering restrictions can be found at lakewaymud.org/customers/irrigation-schedule.
LMUD CELEBRATED 53 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE ON FEBRUARY 17
On February 17, 1972 TCEQ approved the formation of ‘Lakeway Municipal Utility District No. 1’ (soon after dropping the ‘No.1’) becoming one of the first MUDs in Texas and the first utility company in Lakeway. We are proud to continue serving Lakeway residences and businesses a clean, reliable source of drinking water and wastewater services that support environmental and public health initiatives through sustainable management practices. •
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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