Austin Water has developed a new plan for water conservation, and with diversity being a large component of the strategy, some African-American Resource Advisory Commission members question why this was their first-time hearing about it. The water plan was presented at a commission meeting on Oct. 2.

“Your report said you have advised over 80 community groups, meetings and events, but this is your first time here,” Commissioner Clifford Gillard said.

Water Forward, Austin’s integrated water resource plan’s goal is to “ensure a diversified, sustainable, and resilient water future, with a strong emphasis on water conservation,” according to the proposal.

The program has developed a long-term water resource plan for the next 100 years. Like most conservation efforts, it’s main aim is to combat drought and other issues brought upon by climate change by focusing on methods of water conservation, new ways of obtaining water, and learning about different alternatives for water sources.

“[We’re looking at] ways we can use alternative like storm water harvesting, rain water harvesting, air conditioning condensate or even reusing waste water that is generated,” said Marisa Gonzalez, a program manager for Water Forward.

Although the commissioners had no objections to the plan, Gillard felt that more involvement with board members could’ve helped strengthen it

 “I don’t know anything about water,” Gillard said. “Listening to fellow commissioners I think … [the plan] could’ve been better served if there was some kind of communication going.”

 One of the plans goals is to “bring other voices to the implementation of the strategies” to help address community needs, “according to Gonzalez. Through outreach, Gonzales hopes to start conversations about conservation with people who are often left out.

“Folks who are going to participate in water planning are usually going to be older whiter males,” Gonzales said. “It’s important to have other voices that aren’t just the typical.”

Gonzales believes that public conversation and education is necessary to help conservation efforts.

“We want everybody across the city to have access to these programs,” Gonzales said. “It affects all of us.”

The Commission had no objections to the proposal as it will move on in presenting the Water Forward plan to other community groups and hopes to be finished by the end of this year.

Other topics addressed during the commissions meeting were:

• Stephanie Hayden presented the need for more conversation from the committee about what is to be done with the $500,000 in the Austin Public Health Budget.
• A motion was passed to make Commissioner Miriam Conner as a historic preservation representative
• An update on the Carver Museum and Cultural Center was given to demonstrate the museum’s successful and development progress, despite finding of water leakage throughout the building.
•  A presentation of the African-American Cultural and Heritage Facility Annual Report showed how government funding has been used to further develop programs and activities for community members.

The meeting closed with a call to action for a continuation of involvement in events that are trying to support the local black community.

“Black Austin is beautiful,” said Quincy Dunlap, the president and CEO of The Austin Area Urban League. “[Remaining involved with community events is] the way we should continue to do things.”