The West Travis County Public Utility Agency (PUA) is making significant progress in upgrading its water metering system, with help from a $100,000 grant awarded by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). This funding is helping support the ongoing installation of enhanced water meters across the PUA service area, a project that will provide long-term benefits to both customers and the utility.
The advanced meters will allow customers to track their water usage in real time through a secure online portal, helping them detect leaks sooner and better understand their water consumption. For PUA staff, the technology will make it easier to identify system inefficiencies and improve overall water management. Importantly, the LCRA grant has helped PUA begin this major infrastructure upgrade.
The total cost of the metering project is estimated at $4.9 million. Once fully implemented, the new system is expected to save about 156 acre-feet of water annually, which is approximately 53.4 million gallons.
The grant was awarded through LCRA’s Firm Water Conservation Cost-Share Program, which provides financial assistance for projects that reduce or more efficiently use surface water. The program supports a wide range of efforts, including leak reduction, equipment efficiency improvements, irrigation system upgrades, and emerging water-saving technologies.
In addition to grants for utilities, LCRA offers rebates to individual homeowners for projects that improve water efficiency around the home. These include irrigation system upgrades, converting traditional lawns to drought-tolerant landscaping, pool and landscape maintenance, and soil testing. More information is available at www.WaterSmart.org and www.WaterSmart.org/rebates.
The new metering system is part of PUA’s ongoing commitment to conservation, efficient infrastructure, and responsible use of public resources. The agency appreciates LCRA’s support in helping move this important project forward.