Austin city council set to approve new clean water standards

Austin’s pollution-plagued creeks and lakes will get some relief if the city council approves strong new water quality standards on June 9. From toxic spills by Samsung to dog killing algae blooms to fecal bacteria in our creeks, Austin has serious water pollution problems. By stepping up monitoring of our waters and establishing new water quality standards on development (complementing the great work already being done by city staff), we will see tangible improvements to water quality under a measure proposed by Council Member Kathie Tovo. Most exciting is the proposed Functional Green program, which will require nature based infrastructure like green roofs/rain gardens on properties with 80+% impervious cover. These techniques reduce runoff & urban heat while beautifying the city. Only Washington, DC and Seattle have similar standards.