Cooling Tower Efficiency Requirements; Commercial Irrigation Meter Waiver

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Consultation has concluded

Cooling Tower Efficiency Requirements

Beginning in 2021, administrative penalties of up to $500 will be assessed for failure to timely submit fully completed cooling tower registration and annual water efficiency inspection forms. These penalties would be similar to those currently being assessed for the commercial irrigation assessment and car wash inspection programs. In addition, efficiency standards for drift eliminators will be established and the use of biocides will be required. Finally, failure to meet these requirements will make the tower owner ineligible to receive evaporative loss credits on their wastewater bills. This page serves to help you understand the proposed changes and provides a venue for stakeholder input.

Commercial Irrigation Meter Waiver

Codification of the commercial irrigation meter waiver process for new and existing projects is also being proposed. Generally, a separate irrigation meter is required to help customers better manage outdoor water use, typically an area of high water consumption. In addition, water use measured at the irrigation meter is not used for calculating wastewater charges since this water is not returned to the city's wastewater treatment system. However, waivers of the irrigation meter requirement may be given if there is ninety percent or more impervious cover (typically in the downtown central business district), limited landscape where there are adequate hose bibs to hand water the landscape, well water is being used to meet outdoor water demands, or commercial landscape ordinances do not require an irrigation system. The waiver and avoidance of costs for related tap fees may also act as an incentive to remove irrigation systems where not required.

You will find:

FAQs about cooling tower water efficiency standards and equipment requirements, cooling tower registration and inspection forms, and applicable rebate programs

EMAIL FOR QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/CONCERNS

WaterCon@austinwater.gov

Cooling Tower Efficiency Requirements

Beginning in 2021, administrative penalties of up to $500 will be assessed for failure to timely submit fully completed cooling tower registration and annual water efficiency inspection forms. These penalties would be similar to those currently being assessed for the commercial irrigation assessment and car wash inspection programs. In addition, efficiency standards for drift eliminators will be established and the use of biocides will be required. Finally, failure to meet these requirements will make the tower owner ineligible to receive evaporative loss credits on their wastewater bills. This page serves to help you understand the proposed changes and provides a venue for stakeholder input.

Commercial Irrigation Meter Waiver

Codification of the commercial irrigation meter waiver process for new and existing projects is also being proposed. Generally, a separate irrigation meter is required to help customers better manage outdoor water use, typically an area of high water consumption. In addition, water use measured at the irrigation meter is not used for calculating wastewater charges since this water is not returned to the city's wastewater treatment system. However, waivers of the irrigation meter requirement may be given if there is ninety percent or more impervious cover (typically in the downtown central business district), limited landscape where there are adequate hose bibs to hand water the landscape, well water is being used to meet outdoor water demands, or commercial landscape ordinances do not require an irrigation system. The waiver and avoidance of costs for related tap fees may also act as an incentive to remove irrigation systems where not required.

You will find:

FAQs about cooling tower water efficiency standards and equipment requirements, cooling tower registration and inspection forms, and applicable rebate programs

EMAIL FOR QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/CONCERNS

WaterCon@austinwater.gov

Consultation has concluded