Austin Water Just Scored Two Huge Wins for Sustainability Here’s Why It Matters

Austin Water Is Making Waves (Literally)

Austin’s not just the Live Music Capital of the World; it’s quickly becoming a national leader in water sustainability. In 2025, Austin Water picked up two major national awards recognizing its dedication to clean water, smart management, and long-term sustainability.

The utility was honored by both the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), two powerhouse organizations in the U.S. water industry.

100% Compliance: Five Years of Flawless Performance

Let’s be real, perfect scores are rare. But Austin Water pulled off something incredible: its Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant hit 100% compliance with federal clean water standards for five straight years.

That earned the utility the 2025 NACWA Platinum Peak Performance Award, which celebrates water utilities that consistently meet every environmental requirement without a single slip-up.

It’s not just about numbers. That 100% track record means the city is keeping local waterways clean, protecting ecosystems, and proving that large-scale public utilities can operate sustainably without cutting corners.

The “Go Purple” Movement: Reusing Water Like a Pro

Austin Water also snagged the AMWA Sustainable Water Utility Management Award for its innovative Go Purple reclaimed water program. The initiative takes cleaned wastewater and repurposes it for things like irrigation, cooling systems, and landscaping, saving millions of gallons of drinking water each year.

AMWA’s panel called out Austin Water’s “strong record of effective management” and its “significant contribution to the drinking water industry.” Translation: Austin’s system isn’t just good for the environment, it’s smart business, too.

This marks the second time Austin Water has received these national honors, proving that sustainability isn’t just a trend, it’s part of the city’s DNA.

Austin, Texas

Why Austin’s Wins Hit Different

Water is the backbone of every community, especially in Texas, where droughts are a regular headline. Austin Water’s focus on reuse, compliance, and smart infrastructure makes it a blueprint for future-ready cities.

Their model blends technology, environmental awareness, and long-term planning, exactly what other cities need as populations rise and climate shifts intensify.

Director Shay Ralls Roalson summed it up perfectly:

“This recognition reflects our commitment to providing Austinites with sustainable and reliable services today, tomorrow, and for the next 100 years.”

That’s not just PR talk; it’s a reminder that what Austin builds now will shape the future of water security for generations.

From achieving perfect environmental compliance to reinventing how cities reuse water, Austin Water is setting the bar high for sustainable utilities across the U.S.

The takeaway? Austin isn’t just keeping the taps flowing; it’s showing the rest of the country how to do it right.

About Austin Water

Austin Water delivers safe, affordable water and wastewater services to over 1 million residents across 548 square miles of Central Texas. For more than a century, the utility has prioritized reliability, quality, and sustainability, and 2025 proves it’s only getting stronger.

Sources

City of Austin. (2025, November 10). Austin Water recognized as industry leader with two national awards [Press release]. Austin Water. https://www.austintexas.gov/news/austin-water-recognized-industry-leader-two-national-awards

National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). (2025). Peak Performance Awards program overview. https://www.nacwa.org/about-us/awards/peak

Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA). (2025). Sustainable Water Utility Management Award details. https://www.amwa.net/awards/sustainable-water-utility-management-award