LCRA awards $7,478 grant to promote water conservation
Enhanced irrigation system controllers will help Island on Lake Travis condos reduce water use
OCT. 17, 2024
LAGO VISTA, Texas – A $7,487 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority will enable a condominium community on Lake Travis to upgrade its irrigation system, decreasing the amount of water the community uses and improving conservation efforts.
The LCRA Firm Water Conservation Cost-Share Program grant will enable the Island on Lake Travis to replace five out-of-date irrigation controllers with two new evapotranspiration controllers. The new controllers will use state-of-the-art sensors to monitor existing weather conditions and adjust irrigation schedules accordingly.
The new controllers will consolidate irrigation monitoring and water flow control operations, helping ensure irrigation at The Island on Lake Travis will only occur if and when plants and the soil need water. The new controllers also will flag leaks and line breaks in real time through an online portal, prompting quicker repairs and lessening water waste.
The Island on Lake Travis draws water from Lake Travis to irrigate the residential community’s grounds. The updated irrigation system is projected to save 3.2 acre-feet of water annually. An acre-foot of water is equivalent to just under 326,000 gallons.
Kenieshiear Czetty, board president of The Island on Lake Travis, said community residents have been interested in adding a weather-based irrigation system for several years. She said the new evapotranspiration controllers represent the first step toward the goal of a full-scale water-wise system.
“The first priority was minimizing water waste by putting sensors in strategic areas,” Czetty said. “We want to know sooner rather than later if there’s a leak so we can fix if immediately. We are very excited to have LCRA’s support to help us go forward with a project that will benefit water-saving initiatives at The Island.”
John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of Water, said LCRA strongly supports efforts to reduce outdoor water waste.
“Outdoor watering is one of the highest uses of water, so reducing overuse is one of our top priorities,” Hofmann said. “We should all do our part to use water wisely, and we are proud to provide this grant to assist The Island on Lake Travis in implementing weather-based technology to reduce water waste.”
The cost-share grant is 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 residents rebates to help offset the cost of upgrading irrigation systems, maintaining landscapes and pools, 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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