Austin Water Utility currently operates two water treatment plants, two major wastewater treatment plants, a number of small wastewater plants, and a biosolids reuse facility. The Utility actively participates in state and regional water planning and manages a comprehensive water conservation and reuse program.

General Functions

The seven member Water and Wastewater Commission was created by the Austin City Council (Ord. 20071129-011) and empowered to review, analyze, and advise the city council on the policies and resources relating to the city water and wastewater utility and water quality;

The Commission is charged with assisting the city council in ensuring that the City's residents are provided with an adequate, economical, and potable supply of water and a stable, economical, and environmentally safe system of wastewater disposal.

Commission acts as an advisory board to the City Council regarding:

  • The protection and integrity of the water resources for the City;
  • Minimization of water quality impacts to downstream areas;
  • Implementation of programs that achieve goals and objectives relating to water supply management, water demand management, and land water quality control;
  • The fiscal solvency of said programs; and
  • The fiscal health of the utility.

Each year the Commission develops an annual work plan setting out its goals, objectives and actions for the year in these areas:

  • Water supply distribution;
  • Water demand and conservation management;
  • Wastewater treatment and collection;
  • Water quality;
  • Service area master planning and capital improvement project development;
  • Utility operating budget;
  • Rates and fees; and
  • Citizen education;

Membership Term and Limitation

Members are appointed at large by the City Council. A board member is appointed for a term of three years. The term of office for a board member runs concurrently with the term of office for the city council member who appoints the member.

Qualifications Must be qualified electors of the City. Six members of the Commission must be residents of the City and must have resided within the City for at least six months prior to their appointment. One member may reside outside the corporate limits of the City but inside the Utility's service area.

Meeting Schedule The Commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at Waller Creek Center, 625 E. 10th Street, Room 104, Austin, TX 78701. (Note: This date can change, please verify the dates on the calendar.)

Financial Disclosure Requirement Members must file a Statement of Economic Interests upon appointment, annually and when leaving the advisory group.

Compensation None.

City Staff Blanca Madriz, Austin Water, (512) 972-0115

Authority Established by City Ordinance and the Robert's Rules of Order.