Travis County, TX Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Network operator
- Austin Water
- Authority
- 30 TAC Chapter 210
- Graywater threshold
- 400 gallons per day
- Pipe color
- Purple, mandatory
Summary
Recycled and reclaimed water service in Travis County is largely confined to the City of Austin reclaimed water network, which serves downtown, Mueller, and select east-side districts. Most unincorporated Travis County has no reclaimed water access for irrigation or cooling.
Sec. 341.039. STANDARDS FOR GRAYWATER AND ALTERNATIVE ONSITE WATER. (a) The commission by rule shall adopt and implement minimum standards for the indoor and outdoor use and reuse of treated graywater and alternative onsite water for:(1) irrigation and other agricultural purposes;(2) domestic use, to the extent consistent with Subsection (c);(3) commercial purposes; and(4) industrial purposes.(a-1) The standards adopted by the commission under Subsection (a)(2) must allow the use of graywater and alternative onsite water for toilet and urinal flushing.(c) The commission may not require a permit for the domestic use of less than 400 gallons of graywater or alternative onsite water each day if the water originates from a private residence.
Full Breakdown
Austin Water operates a Type 1 reclaimed water system regulated by TCEQ Chapter 210 that distributes treated effluent through purple-pipe mains to qualifying customers like Mueller Town Center, the State Capitol Complex, and downtown chillers. Outside the City of Austin service area, reclaimed water is generally unavailable in unincorporated Travis County because surrounding utility districts lack purple-pipe infrastructure. Onsite graywater reuse from showers and clothes washers is allowed under TCEQ rules without a permit if volume stays under 400 gallons per day, and condensate harvesting from air conditioning is unrestricted for landscape use.
Violations & Fines
Improper cross-connections between reclaimed and potable lines or unpermitted graywater systems exceeding 400 gallons per day can trigger TCEQ enforcement under 30 TAC Chapter 210, with penalties up to 25,000 dollars per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use reclaimed water at my home?
Do I need a permit for graywater?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Travis County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas water use rules overview
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