Welcome to the Austin Climate Protection Program website
The Water-Energy-Climate Connection
Conserving water not only helps to protect a valuable natural resource, it also lessens greenhouse gasses (GHGs). Water services are often the single largest use of energy for municipalities. Austin Water Utility is responsible for:
- About 54 percent of City of Austin total energy purchases;
- Nearly 2 percent of Austin Energy's total electricity load;
- An estimated 109,056 tons CO2-equivalent greenhouse gasses per year due to electricity use.
Austin Water is pursuing a diversified strategy to reduce GHG emissions including:
- Water conservation programs;
- Reducing electricity use in operations;
- Generating renewable energy onsite where possible;
- Improving fleet fuel mix;
- With Austin Energy, supporting improving the electric fuel mix.
The simplest way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from water pumping and treatment is to use and treat less water. Utility customers can take part in climate protection by reducing their own water use, including following the new water management ordinance (PDF, 54 KB).
The following activities are some ways that Austin Water Utility customers can reduce their carbon footprint - while conserving water:
Learn about more ways to reduce your water use at Austin Water's water conservation website at www.WaterWiseAustin.org.
