The tool, available through the My ATX Water portal, helps customers see how their water use compares to their peers and neighbors, track usage in near real-time, catch leaks and conserve water in a region where every drop matters.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople love it,\u201d said Scott Sticker, a lead on the My ATX Water program. \u201cThey say, \u2018Wow, I didn’t realize I was using so much water,\u2019 or, \u2018Wow, I didn’t realize I was doing such a good job.\u2019 Across the board, the reactions have given a lot of thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Project timeline: the path to 250,000 meters<\/p>\n
Building a smarter water future took time and teamwork. Here is the path Austin took to reach 250,000 smart meters:<\/p>\n
2021: the large-scale installation project began following a successful pilot programAugust 13, 2024: the final meter was installed, marking the official completion of the project2025: crews finished a few straggler meters; special cases where units were paved over or required unique componentsSummer 2025: Austin Water began sending out the first monthly Home Water Reports to help customers manage peak summer usage![\"Austin](\"https:\/\/communityimpact.com\/uploads\/images\/2026\/03\/20\/415668.png\")
Austin Water team installing a smart water meterReal-time data that helps residents spot problems<\/p>\n
Before the upgrade, city staff read meters manually once a month. For most customers, their total water use was a surprise that arrived with their bill.<\/p>\n
Now, readings happen in near real-time, allowing residents to see exactly when they use water.<\/p>\n
This early detection has led to some unexpected discoveries. One resident used the portal to figure out their \u201cleak\u201d was actually their cat turning on a motion-sensor sink tap while they were away. Others have used the tool to find:<\/p>\n
Hoses left running in the front yardIrrigation systems running at the wrong times, or off-scheduleHidden plumbing leaks that are not obvious to the eye![\"my](\"https:\/\/communityimpact.com\/uploads\/images\/2026\/03\/20\/415672.png\")
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Personalized reports and community savings<\/p>\n
So far, nearly 67,000 residents have registered for the portal, and every customer with an upgraded meter has the potential to join. If a resident finds they\u2019re using more water than others, the portal provides several features to help them save:<\/p>\n
Customized profiles: they can tell the portal how many people live in their home or if they have low-flow appliances, to receive more accurate, personalized tipsRain reminders: after it rains, the city sends messages encouraging residents to turn off their irrigation systems to avoid wasteRebates for a water-wise future<\/p>\n
Beyond tips from the My ATX Water portal, Austin Water offers resident rebates to offset the cost of water-saving upgrades:<\/p>\n
WaterWise Landscape Rebate: offers up to $3,000 per property (roughly $100 per 100 square feet) for replacing traditional turf with native plantsYear-round incentives: rebates are available for rainwater harvesting systems, pool covers and weather-based irrigation controllers![\"Native](\"https:\/\/communityimpact.com\/uploads\/images\/2026\/03\/20\/415680.png\")
Native landscapingWhy it matters<\/p>\n
This initiative is a major part of the Water Forward plan, Austin\u2019s 100-year strategy to ensure a reliable water supply for the next century. Central Texas is prone to extended droughts, and these tools help the community move from being reactive to being proactive.<\/p>\n
Click here<\/a> to learn more about the My ATX Water portal today.<\/p>\n