Water Security and Conservation: Designing for a More Resilient Future

As communities face increasing concerns related to drought, aging infrastructure, and population growth, water security has become an essential part of designing for resilience. Resilient infrastructure and thoughtful planning play a critical role in protecting one of our most valuable natural resources.

Water security means ensuring reliable access to safe, clean water while managing risks such as flooding, drought and pollution. Water conservation is one important part of that effort, helping reduce demand on potable water systems and the energy required for those systems, preserving resources for future generations.

FGMA integrates water-conscious strategies into educational, civic and community facilities through sustainable planning and infrastructure solutions. These strategies may include low-flow fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping, stormwater management systems, rainwater harvesting, permeable paving and water reuse opportunities.

Water Conservation in Practice

FGMA's team has supported water conservation and long-term water resilience through a range of water and wastewater treatment plant projects. This work has included plant expansions for the City of Lakeway MUD, Western Travis County PUA, the City of Leander and the City of Gatesville, helping strengthen treatment capacity, improve operations and support growing community needs.

In addition to expansion work, FGMA is supporting facility assessments and renovation projects for treatment plants including Travis County W.C.I.D. #20, Ullrich Water Treatment Plant and the City of Cedar Park Water Treatment Plant. These efforts have helped modernize essential infrastructure and support the continued reliability of critical water systems.

Supporting Austin’s Go Purple Initiative

FGMA has contributed to Austin’s innovative water conservation efforts through work supporting Austin Water’s GoPurple initiative, part of the City’s long-range Water Forward plan focused on reclaimed water and sustainable infrastructure. Under the Go Purple initiative, expanding reclaimed water use will save an additional 10 million gallons of potable water daily by 2040.

In early 2024, FGMA conducted a dual plumbing cost study for Austin Water in partnership with RGM Engineering and CCS International. The study evaluated 22 building typologies to better understand the costs associated with implementing dual plumbing systems that allow reclaimed water to be used for non-potable applications such as irrigation, toilet flushing and cooling systems.

Designing for Water Resilience

As water challenges continue to impact communities nationwide, responsible water management remains a critical part of resilient design. FGMA is committed to helping clients and communities implement forward-thinking solutions that conserve resources, support long-term growth, and positively impact communities through thoughtful design solutions.

Learn more about FGMA’s sustainable design and resilience planning here or explore additional Insights articles.