Lakeway recycles water

Lakeway (KXAN) - The lack of rain has led to water conservation efforts across the state and Lakeway has had a program in place for years that has made a big difference.

“This course is the Live Oak Golf course here at Lakeway," said Aaron Shilek, Director of Golf at the Hills of Lakeway.

It's a busy spot early in the morning, as many golfers try to beat the heat. And despite the heat the grass is green as can be.

"As warm as it is, the grass really thrives this time of year, so we have to stay on top of it daily," said Shilek.

That means mowing it daily and of course spraying lots of water.

"Here we're watering every other night, where as usually when water conservation isn't as big of an issue we'll water almost daily," said Shilek.

But the water being sprayed is recycled water otherwise known as waste water.

"It would be silly to waste this water while we've got it," said Richard Eason, the General Manager of the Lakeway Municipal Utility District. "We've got it contained, instead of distributing it and getting new fresh lake water."

It's the water that's been flushed down the toilet or runs down the drain.

"We recycled 230 million gallons of water last year," said Eason.

Since it can't go back into the lake its best use is for irrigation. And businesses that choose to use it over potted water save 75 percent on their bill.

"We're able to save quite a bit of money by using the recycled water and for the general public you can't tell the difference between the regular water and the recycled water," said Shilek.

Right now 25 businesses use it. More will in the future as the infrastructure continues to grow in Lakeway.

Austin uses recycled water on its municipal golf courses. By 2011 the city will use the water for irrigation at UT and the Mueller development.