Austin Enters Stage 2 of Drought Contingency Plan

New watering restrictions take effect August 15

AUSTIN – (Austin)—The combined storage level of water in Lakes Travis and Buchanan is projected to drop below 900,000 acre-feet within the next few days. Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan identifies this as the point at which Stage 2 water conservation measures should be enacted. To give the community advance notice that these new restrictions are coming, and consistent with the City’s Water Conservation Code, Interim City Manager Jesus Garza has ordered implementation of Stage 2 watering restrictions to be effective and enforceable, beginning on August 15, 2023.

“For many years, Austin has leaned into water conservation in normal weather as well as drought,” said Austin Water Director Shay Ralls Roalson. “As our current drought continues, we know that the entire Austin community will respond to the need to conserve our most precious resource. We’re all in this together, and there is no substitute for water.”

Stage 2 Watering Restrictions Summary

  • Automatic irrigation and hose-end watering is restricted to one day per week.
  • Automatic irrigation runtime is reduced by 3 hours with cutoff at 5 a.m. instead of 8 a.m.
  • Water waste is prohibited.
  • Restaurants may serve water only upon request.
  • Charity car washes are prohibited, and home car washing must use an auto-shut-off valve or a bucket.
  • Patio misters at commercial properties, including restaurants and bars, may operate only between 4 p.m. and midnight.
  • Large ornamental fountains can no longer be operated.
  • New landscape-establishment irrigation is no longer exempt from the watering schedule.


Austin Water will continue its investigations of reported non-compliance received via Austin 3-1-1 and water waste patrols. To report a violation, call 3-1-1 or use the 3-1-1 mobile app.

For complete details about the Austin Water drought response, visit austinwater.org.

Austin Enters Stage 2 of Drought Contingency Plan2023-08-30T10:24:10-05:00

Shady Hollow MUD is Changing the Way We Bill for Wastewater

Shady Hollow MUD is changing the way we bill for wastewater. Your wastewater charges moving forward will be based on the average amount of water used in the preceding months of December, January and February. This type of billing is commonly referred to as winter averaging and is common in the water utility industry. Prior to this change, Shady Hollow MUD used a flat rate billing method where all customers paid the same amount.

The new wastewater charges are as follows:

  Old Rate 0-2,000 Gallons

(Minimum Charge)

 Per 1,000 Gallons above 2,000 Gallons
In-District $82.41 $60.00 $8.00
Out of District $94.77 $69.00 $9.20

 

The Enclave at Shady Hollow and Shady Hollow West are out of district customers.

Estates of Shady Hollow wastewater charges will be based on Shady Hollow average winter water usage.

For customers whose winter average water use is greater than 10,000 gallons per month billing will be based on a 10,000 gallon per usage. This “cap” will remain in effect for the first year of the new billing method to give large water users an opportunity to adapt.

Examples for an in-district customer:

Your usage is 1,500 gallons, your wastewater bill will be $60.00

Your usage is 5,000 gallons’ your wastewater bill will be $84.00

Your usage is 10,000 gallons or more, your wastewater bill will be $124.00

Shady Hollow MUD is Changing the Way We Bill for Wastewater2023-04-10T14:28:03-05:00

Current Water Restrictions

For Shady Hollow Residents

Austin residents can protect their lakes, the environment, and their future water supply by watering only one day a week with automatic sprinklers and a second day, if need be, with hoses. Join your neighbors in helping your community and wallet by adhering to the mandatory watering days and times.

By watering only one day a week with a typical automatic irrigation system rather than two to three times a week, a household could save 7,000 to 14,000 gallons a month. That could be a savings of up to $150 a month, depending on how much additional water is used by a household.

The City of Austin is currently in Conservation Stage Water Use Restrictions.

  • Residential
    • Hose-end Sprinklers – ​two days per week – midnight to 10 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to midnight
      • Even address – Thursday, Sunday
      • Odd address – Wednesday, Saturday
    • Automatic Irrigation -one day per week – midnight to 10 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to midnight
    • (Residential customers may also water a second day with a hose-end sprinkler)
      • Even address – Thursday
      • Odd address – Wednesday
  • Commercial / Multi-family / Public Schools
    • ​Hose-end Sprinklers or Automatic Irrigation – ​​one day per week – midnight to 10 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to midnight
      • Even address – Tuesday
      • Odd address – Friday
  • Wasting water is prohibited
  • Washing vehicles at home is permitted with an auto shut-off hose or bucket
  • Charity car washes may only be held at a commercial car wash
  • Fountains must recirculate water
  • Restaurants may not serve water unless requested by a customer
  • Patio misters at commercial properties (including restaurants and bars) may only operate between 4 p.m. and midnight
  • Commercial power/pressure washing equipment must meet efficiency requirements

 

Current Water Restrictions2022-05-17T11:31:47-05:00

Leaks Can Run- But They Cannot Hid

Drip, Drip, Drip…Let’s Talk Leaks!

Guess what! National Fix A Leak Week is March 14-20th and we want to be sure you have the best resources to keep you informed of the little problems caused by water leaks. Awareness of what to look for and knowledge of how to fix any leak issues can go a long way in prevention and saving money. Leaks can run, but they can’t hide!



Did you know that simple faucet leaks amount to approximately 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year? That’s huge! And so easily preventable! Not to mention, leaks are costly. Taking time each year to perform a preventative check, can help keep your check book in order.
When you are on the hunt for possible leaks, it is important to start with the data… Begin with your water bill, check your meter, and test your toilets. These will give you some clue as to the prevalence of a water leak in your home.

The EPA recommends the following checklist for tracking down a leak! Here are some of the best-known hiding places to start. Keep your ears open!
  • Bathroom
    • Toilets
    • Faucets
    • Showerheads
    • Under the sink
    • Don’t forget the tub!
  • Laundry Room
    • Check all of your hook-ups!
    • Look for pooling in the washer itself (it could indicate a source leak)
  • Kitchen
    • Check all appliances, such as the dishwasher and fridge. Many times, there are leaks behind them.
  • Basement and Garage
    • Sinks
    • Exposed pipes
    • Water Heaters
  • Outside
    • Spigots
    • Irrigation controls and sprinkler heads

Well, that all depends on your plumbing skills. Whether you choose to call in a professional or venture down the DIY path, below are a few steps everyone should take… just in case.

  1. Turn off the water line to the leaking location.
  2. Identify the primary source of the leak.
  3. Document any and all damage (date, time, photos, description, etc.).
  4. If necessary, call your insurance company.
  5. Call in the professionals or DIY to fix any damage caused by the leak.
  6. Look for any secondary impacts caused by the leak, such as mold or mildew.

It’s important that everyone learn the ins and outs of their plumbing system to avoid costly repairs or surprise damages. Not only does it help protect your home and family, but you also help reduce any wasteful impacts to our water sources.
Enjoy Fix a Leak Week! Best of luck to all you DIY’ers!

Article Sources

Detect and Chase Down Leaks With Watersense
EPA- Fix a Leak Week
Home is Being Destroyed- Act Now.
How To Find Water Leaks In Your Home’s Plumbing
Dangers and Causes of Hidden Water Leaks in the House

Want to Learn More?

EPA- At Home Activity
Home Water Works
YouTube ~ Just search “Plumbing”
WaterSense- Fix a Leak Week

Other Resources

wikiHow- Find a Water Leak in Your House
Fancy Pants Homes- Common Household Water Leaks to Watch Out For/
Water Use It Wisely- Fix a Leak Week/
White House Utility District- Fix a Leak Week/

For Kids

EPA- Student Fact Sheet
EPA- Leak Detective

Leaks Can Run- But They Cannot Hid2022-04-01T12:27:41-05:00

Austin Water Boil Water Notice Rescinded

Austin Water, along with Shady Hollow MUD, have lifted the boil water notice for all customers. You no longer need to boil water used for drinking, cooking, and making ice. Water quality testing submitted to the state has confirmed that tap water meets all regulatory standards and is safe for consumption. For more Information, visit AustinTexas.gov/Alerts

El Departamento de Agua de Austin, y Shady Hollow MUD, ha cancelado el aviso de hervir el agua para todos sus clientes. Ya no tienen que hervir el agua para tomar, cocinar y hacer hielo. Las pruebas de calidad del agua enviadas al estado confirmaron que el agua del grifo cumple con todos los estándares reguladores y es segura para consumir. Para más información visite, AustinTexas.gov/Alerts

Austin Water Boil Water Notice Rescinded2022-02-15T09:59:07-06:00

Incorrect Date on Water Bill

Customers in your October water bill from Shady Hollow MUD the penalty date is incorrect, the correct date is 11-2-2021. We apologize for the confusion and billing errors for this month’s billing cycle.

If you have questions please call 512-280-6622

Incorrect Date on Water Bill2022-03-03T12:31:47-06:00

Billing Error

Customers if you received an e-bill for shmud6 , please disregard bill with a late fee these were in error the corrected bill has been sent.
If you have questions please call 512-280-6622.

Billing Error2022-03-03T12:32:17-06:00

Winter Averaging

Shady Hollow MUD is considering changing the way customers are charged for their wastewater services from a flat rate method to a winter averaging method. No changes are planned for the immediate future, but the MUD will be collecting data this winter to use in deciding whether a change in the current billing method would benefit the MUD’s customers.

Currently the MUD’s customers are charged flat monthly rates for wastewater: $82.41 for customers in the District and $94.77 for customers outside the District. These rates are constant from month to month and are the same for every customer in the same rate class. Shady Hollow MUD has billed this way since it was created in 1980.

While Shady Hollow MUD is not the only utility to use this flat rate method, most utilities determine charges for wastewater service using a method commonly referred to as winter averaging. In this method, the average water use during the winter months is used to determine wastewater charges for the upcoming year. Usually, December, January and February are used because outdoor water use is minimal during those months so the water used gives the best estimate of how much is actually entering the sewer. It is thought that this billing is fairer to small households and encourages water conservation.

After the water use data from this winter is available, the MUD’s rate consultant will be asked to develop rates that will generate the revenue needed to provide wastewater service. The MUD Board will then consider making changes in the current method. This will likely happen in May – June of 2022.

Citizens are welcome to submit any comments or concerns regarding this on the MUD’s website at shmud.org/contact.

Winter Averaging2023-05-08T11:28:51-05:00
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