LCRA awards $114,600 in grants to two Travis County utilities for water conservation projects
West Travis County Public Utility Agency, Senna Hills Municipal Utility District adding technology to boost water conservation efforts
MARCH 31, 2025
With the help of a $100,000 grant from LCRA, the West Travis County Public Utility Agency will install new enhanced water meters that can track real-time water usage over a wireless network, making it easier to detect leaks more quickly. A second grant – for $14,609 – will enable the Senna Hills Municipal Utility District to use cutting-edge software and water pressure monitors to pinpoint the location of leaks within its water distribution system. Both grants are provided through LCRA’s Firm Water Conservation Cost-Share Program.
Jennifer Riechers, general manager of the West Travis County PUA, said the utility has wanted to add advanced meters to its water delivery infrastructure for several years. The new metering system, which will cost about $4.9 million, will enable the utility and its customers to track water use in real time instead of month-long segments. An online portal will quickly alert customers and district staff to leaks and will assist in analyzing water-usage patterns and promoting conservation.
West Travis County PUA, which serves western Travis and northern Hays counties, estimates it will save about 156 acre-feet – or roughly 53.4 million gallons – of water annually with the enhanced metering system. Over the projected 10-year life of the system, the utility expects to save about $100,000 because of the new technology.
“I believe this project shows fiscal responsibility by our agency and a commitment from LCRA to assist local utilities by promoting conservation measures and upgraded technology for customers,” Riechers said. “This new metering system aids the utility and customers in lessening the amount of water lost throughout our service area.”
Chet Palesko, Senna Hills Municipal Utility District board president, said the district will use its grant to purchase water pressure monitors and license the technology to isolate a leak’s location. The district will contribute $3,652 in matching funds for the project.
“It is a priority for us to reduce the time it takes to detect and locate leaks within our distribution infrastructure,” Palesko said. “A few years ago, we had a million gallons-per-month leak that took seven months to find and fix. That’s a lot of wasted water and money. This emerging technology we’re adding shows a lot of promise, but it would have been difficult to justify it without the grant.”
Senna Hills MUD estimates it will save about 17.5 acre-feet – about 5.7 million gallons – of water annually because of the project. The district serves about 420 customers in western Travis County.
John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of Water, said LCRA strongly supports these and other efforts to reduce water waste.
“Incorporating tools that detect leaks sooner is a smart way to integrate technology into water conservation efforts,” Hofmann said. “We all need to use water wisely, especially during this drought. These grants will help the utilities save water and lower costs. It’s a win-win.”
The cost-share grants are awarded through LCRA’s Firm Water Conservation Cost-Share Program, which provides funding for water efficiency projects and programs established by LCRA’s firm water customers, including cities, utilities, industries and irrigation and recreational water users. Eligible projects must help reduce or maximize the efficient use of surface water, including water loss reduction efforts, equipment efficiency upgrades, conversion of irrigated areas from raw or potable water use to recycled water, and emerging technology projects focused on education, outreach or technology advancements. Learn more at www.WaterSmart.org.
LCRA also offers residential rebates to help offset the cost of upgrading irrigation systems, maintaining landscapes and pools, converting turf to drought-tolerant landscapes, and soil testing. See www.WaterSmart.org/rebates for more information.
About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations.
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