• What is a PRV?
A PRV, or Pressure Regulating Valve controls the water pressure in a home and protects the plumbing system. PRVs should be set to no higher than 80 psi. All homes in the WCID No. 17 district are required to have one.
• Is the PRV on the District’s side or homeowners?
A PRV is on the customer’s side of the meter box after the shut off valve. Customers are responsible for maintaining their PRV to help ensure water pressure is consistent.
• How do I know if my PRV is functioning properly?
We suggest homeowners check their PRV on an annual basis. If water pressure in the home increases or decreases significantly, the PRV should be checked by placing a water gauge on an outdoor spigot. Turn on the spigot and note the reading. On the PRV adjustment bolt, make a mark of the original setting and then turn it in either direction to increase or decrease the pressure allowed and turn on the spigot for a reading. Then return the PRV adjustment bolt to the previous set point and if the pressure has returned to the original reading then the PRV is functioning properly. If the reading has not returned to the original reading, then the PRV should be replaced with a new one.
• How much does a new PRV cost? Can I replace it or do I need to call a plumber?
The required type of PRVs can cost anywhere from $90-$200 and can be purchased at a big box store. A plumber will charge anywhere from $200-$800 for materials and labor but a homeowner with a moderate level of maintenance knowledge might be able to switch out their PRV.
• Don’t water utilities like WCID No. 17 control the water pressure?
Yes, we have valves that control water pressure but if there is a change in pressure due to a main break, individual PRVs at the customer’s home helps regulate the pressure and protects the homeowners plumbing system. Our service agreement states the customer must acknowledge the system water pressure may vary widely from time to time depending on equipment configuration and demand. A properly functioning customer shut-off valve and pressure relief valve (PRV) are required to be installed and maintained by the Customer on all District connections.
• Why are PRVs so prevalent in our area?
Due to the fact that water pressure within the Texas Hill Country is largely influenced by the uneven geology of the terrain, water pressure in distribution mains can range anywhere from 55 to more than 150 pounds per square inch (psi) depending on the elevation in the area. A PRV will help ensure the water pressure remains at a constant level in a customer’s home.
• What are the benefits of having a properly-functioning PRV?
– Increases the lifespan of pipes
– Reduces probability of pipe bursts
– Saves money on water

I received a notice for violating water restrictions. What should I do?
– WCID No. 17 is enforcing the Stage 2 water restrictions as required by the LCRA and set forth in our Drought Contingency Plan. If you have received a violation notice, please visit our website at https://www.wcid17.org/water-restrictions-and-conservation/ to ensure you are watering on your designated day. We suggest you do this as soon as possible in order to avoid being fined and potentially even have service disconnected.

– Check your irrigation controller to ensure it is set properly. We have found many customers were watering correctly with one program on their irrigation controller but inadvertently also had a second program running. Also, remember to check the irrigation controller after a power outage as they tend to reset to factory settings.

– Check for leaks! A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day. If you suspect a leak, please call our office at 512.266.1111 so we can review your account with you.

– View your water consumption and monitor water use by downloading the “My Water Advisor 2.0” app or visit https://mywateradvisor2.com/ to sign up. You will then be able to access your own data and even be notified if you should ever have a leak.

– Pay your fine as soon as possible by visiting our office at 3812 Eck Ln. or call our office at 512.266.1111. Please note, due to heavy call volume, it could take up to 72 hours to return your call.

– It is up to each customer to stay informed on the current water restrictions. You may do so by visiting our website at https://www.wcid17.org/water-restrictions-and-conservation/ or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WCIDNo.17

Why are you issuing fines for violating water restrictions?
– WCID No. 17 adopted a new Drought Contingency Plan in order to help safeguard the water supply for our 50,000 customers. The ongoing drought, record-low inflows into Lakes Travis and Buchanan as well as community growth have made it necessary to conserve our water supply so that we can have water to drink, bathe and use in our homes.

How do you determine which stage we are in?
– Outlined in the new Drought Contingency Plan, the stage of watering restriction is based on the acre-feet of combined storage rather than the current level of the lake.

I was issued a violation but I’m only watering on the wrong days. Why is this even a restriction?
– Some customers may wonder why watering on the wrong day is a violation since they aren’t over watering or even watering outside the allotted times. If just 25% of the District’s customers are watering on the wrong days, it could amount to a little more than 5.6 million gallons of unplanned water use. This, on top of normal daily use, would significantly impact the District’s ability to serve all of our customers as there is a limit to how much water our treatment plants can provide on a given day.

Are commercial accounts and HOAs held to the same restrictions?
– Yes, both commercial accounts and HOAs are only able to water on Fridays unless they have an effluent water account meaning they use reclaimed water to irrigate. Customers who use reclaimed water should irrigate during cooler parts of the day.

Can my fine be waived?
– Unfortunately, our customer service representatives are not able to waive fines for customers who violate water restrictions. We take water conservation seriously and would encourage our entire community to do so as well.

Where does the money from fining customers go?
– All fines are treated as revenue and are used to help support programs like our water conservation credit.

Can I get on a variance list for filling my newly-constructed pool?
– Draining and re-filling a pool is permitted only onto pervious surfaces or onto a surface where water will be transmitted directly to a pervious surface, and only if: Draining excess water from pool due to rain or in order to lower water to maintenance level; Repairing, maintaining or replacing pool components that have become hazardous; or Repair of a pool leak.
– Pool-owners can get on a variance list by completing the form on our website at https://www.wcid17.org/forms/

What about installing new landscapes/planting sod?
New landscapes may be installed and re-vegetation seeding performed under these specific criteria: 1. A completed variance form for new landscapes has been submitted to the District and has been approved prior to the installation of the landscape, or re-vegetation seed application 2. Irrigation of the new landscape follows the schedule identified in the new landscape variance. The schedule will be developed to minimize water waste. 3. Areas being re-vegetated for soil stabilization must also comply with the (1) and (2) specific criteria above. Alternative options to re-vegetation such as mulch may be available in times of low water supply. Specific information regarding options is available in the LCRA Highland Lakes Watershed Ordinance Technical Manual. 4. Variances for new landscapes may be issued for a period of no more than 30 days from the day of issuance. A variance is not an exemption from Drought Contingency Plan Page 10 compliance with the permanent water use restrictions under Section 9.2 of this plan. Variances will not be granted for seasonal “color bed” or temporary grass installation (overseeding).

According to my Homeowners Association (HOA) guidelines, I am required to maintain a well-landscaped and green lawn. However, due to the restrictions in place during Stage 2, I am unable to meet the requirement at this time.
WCID No. 17 informs HOAs about water restrictions and encourages them to not enforce green lawn requirements for homeowners. If your HOA is enforcing restrictions, please let us know so we can reach out to them.

Learn where you can find the water shutoff valve in case of an emergency.

During working hours, call Water District No. 17 office at 512-266-1111 Ext 110. After hours, call the emergency phone number; 512-537-8302. If the leak appears to be on your property call a plumber.  If the leak appears to be near the street call the District. The District will investigate the issue and repair it if it is on the District’s equipment.

The Board of Directors meets every month on the third Thursday at 6:00 pm at the WCID No. 17 office at 3812 Eck Lane. There is always a posting for public comment at 6:30 pm, and everyone is welcome. The agenda is posted each month in a public bulletin case next to the front door of the WCID No. 17 office, and on our website (www.wcid17.org) tabbed: About Us / Board Meetings.

If you have abnormally high usage as a result of a water leak, you may apply for an Unintentional Water Loss Adjustment once per calendar year. You will need to submit your request in writing, providing the date when you think the leak may have started, the cause of the leak, and the date the leak was repaired. You will also need to attach a copy of the repair receipts for materials used to repair the leak. You may walk in and drop off your request at the District Administration Office or you may submit your request by:

• Mail: WCID No. 17, 3812 Eck Lane, Austin, Tx 78734 Attn: Billing Department
• Fax: (512) 266-2790
• Email: Payments.billing@wcid17.org

This type of adjustment can take 45 – 60 days and you are still responsible for paying your bill each month or making a payment arrangement prior to any due date.  If an adjustment is awarded, it will appear as a credit on your account.

To make a payment with Discover Card, Mastercard, Visa or to enroll in Auto-Pay, please visit the new customer service billing portal at
https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/traviscowcidtx or call 833-795-7142 to use the automated phone system.

In order to not be assessed a processing fee, payments may be mailed, paid in person with cash or check, or deposited in the mail slot located by the flagpole near the front entrance to the WCID No. 17 office at 3812 Eck Lane.

No. Schedules are set each January for the entire year. The due dates are time sensitive because all meters are read within a short time window. The bill processing schedule includes notices, meter reads. disconnects, formulating and mailing bills on this set schedule.  But, there are things you can do to help you get your bill paid on time.

A Water Control and Improvement District (WCID) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, and is empowered to purchase, construct, operate, and maintain everything necessary to provide water, wastewater and drainage services. Like school districts and fire districts, a WCID can collect taxes, charge service fees, operate facilities, own land, condemn property, and pass ordinances. A five (5) member Board of Directors is elected by the residents to serve four (4) year staggered terms. Elections are now held on the November Uniform Election Date in even-numbered years. WCID No. 17 is a non-profit public utility regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), now under the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

System Data Availability – Consumption information is made available to water utility and user through a communication network that continually monitors consumption through the water meter.

Estimation Purposes Only – Keep in mind the information displayed in My Water Advisor is for estimation purposes only. It is to advise the utility customer of current consumption which may not reflect any potential delays in the transmission of usage information.

Accurate Billing – The user consumption information shared through My Water Advisor is NOT the same data used to generate the water bill. The information used for billing purposes comes directly from the water meter at the time of generating month-end billing. The hourly information that consumers can access during the month are for informational and general budgeting purposes.

TAKEWAY NOTE: Because of system data availability, your consumption data is for estimation purposes only. However, accurate billing data is still retained.

User Guide:
Under Water Consumption, you can choose Monthly, Daily, or Hourly.
Hourly consumption focuses on showing consumption for 24 hours starting at 12 a.m. for the selected day.

*Please note if irrigation is set for 6:05 a.m. and runs for two hours, My Water Advisor would display the usage in the 7 a.m. data line. If the sprinklers ran until 8:05 a.m., part of that water use would show up in the 9 a.m. data line.

I received a notice for violating water restrictions. What should I do?
– WCID No. 17 is enforcing the Stage 2 water restrictions as required by the LCRA and set forth in our Drought Contingency Plan. If you have received a violation notice, please visit our website at https://www.wcid17.org/water-restrictions-and-conservation/ to ensure you are watering on your designated day. We suggest you do this as soon as possible in order to avoid being fined and potentially even have service disconnected.

– Check your irrigation controller to ensure it is set properly. We have found many customers were watering correctly with one program on their irrigation controller but inadvertently also had a second program running. Also, remember to check the irrigation controller after a power outage as they tend to reset to factory settings.

– Check for leaks! A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day. If you suspect a leak, please call our office at 512.266.1111 so we can review your account with you.

– View your water consumption and monitor water use by downloading the “My Water Advisor 2.0” app or visit https://mywateradvisor2.com/ to sign up. You will then be able to access your own data and even be notified if you should ever have a leak.

– Pay your fine as soon as possible by visiting our office at 3812 Eck Ln. or call our office at 512.266.1111. Please note, due to heavy call volume, it could take up to 72 hours to return your call.

– It is up to each customer to stay informed on the current water restrictions. You may do so by visiting our website at https://www.wcid17.org/water-restrictions-and-conservation/ or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WCIDNo.17

Why are you issuing fines for violating water restrictions?
– WCID No. 17 adopted a new Drought Contingency Plan in order to help safeguard the water supply for our 50,000 customers. The ongoing drought, record-low inflows into Lakes Travis and Buchanan as well as community growth have made it necessary to conserve our water supply so that we can have water to drink, bathe and use in our homes.

How do you determine which stage we are in?
– Outlined in the new Drought Contingency Plan, the stage of watering restriction is based on the acre-feet of combined storage rather than the current level of the lake.

I was issued a violation but I’m only watering on the wrong days. Why is this even a restriction?
– Some customers may wonder why watering on the wrong day is a violation since they aren’t over watering or even watering outside the allotted times. If just 25% of the District’s customers are watering on the wrong days, it could amount to a little more than 5.6 million gallons of unplanned water use. This, on top of normal daily use, would significantly impact the District’s ability to serve all of our customers as there is a limit to how much water our treatment plants can provide on a given day.

Are commercial accounts and HOAs held to the same restrictions?
– Yes, both commercial accounts and HOAs are only able to water on Fridays unless they have an effluent water account meaning they use reclaimed water to irrigate. Customers who use reclaimed water should irrigate during cooler parts of the day.

Can my fine be waived?
– Unfortunately, our customer service representatives are not able to waive fines for customers who violate water restrictions. We take water conservation seriously and would encourage our entire community to do so as well.

Where does the money from fining customers go?
– All fines are treated as revenue and are used to help support programs like our water conservation credit.

Can I get on a variance list for filling my newly-constructed pool?
– Draining and re-filling a pool is permitted only onto pervious surfaces or onto a surface where water will be transmitted directly to a pervious surface, and only if: Draining excess water from pool due to rain or in order to lower water to maintenance level; Repairing, maintaining or replacing pool components that have become hazardous; or Repair of a pool leak.
– Pool-owners can get on a variance list by completing the form on our website at https://www.wcid17.org/forms/

What about installing new landscapes/planting sod?
New landscapes may be installed and re-vegetation seeding performed under these specific criteria: 1. A completed variance form for new landscapes has been submitted to the District and has been approved prior to the installation of the landscape, or re-vegetation seed application 2. Irrigation of the new landscape follows the schedule identified in the new landscape variance. The schedule will be developed to minimize water waste. 3. Areas being re-vegetated for soil stabilization must also comply with the (1) and (2) specific criteria above. Alternative options to re-vegetation such as mulch may be available in times of low water supply. Specific information regarding options is available in the LCRA Highland Lakes Watershed Ordinance Technical Manual. 4. Variances for new landscapes may be issued for a period of no more than 30 days from the day of issuance. A variance is not an exemption from Drought Contingency Plan Page 10 compliance with the permanent water use restrictions under Section 9.2 of this plan. Variances will not be granted for seasonal “color bed” or temporary grass installation (overseeding).

According to my Homeowners Association (HOA) guidelines, I am required to maintain a well-landscaped and green lawn. However, due to the restrictions in place during Stage 2, I am unable to meet the requirement at this time.
WCID No. 17 informs HOAs about water restrictions and encourages them to not enforce green lawn requirements for homeowners. If your HOA is enforcing restrictions, please let us know so we can reach out to them.

Water waste is defined as:

1. Failing to repair a controllable leak including sprinkler heads, valves , pipes, or faucets.
2. Allowing irrigation water to run off into the street for a distance of 50 feet or more, or allowing it to pond in the street or parking lot to a depth greater than 1/4 inch.

Contact Water District No. 17, Texas Water Development Board, WaterWise Council of Texas, or City of Austin Water Conservation.

Your irrigation professional can tell you, or you can easily figure it out yourself. Set out several empty tuna cans on your lawn about eight to ten feet from the sprinkler. Turn on the sprinkler and mark the time. Measure the amount of time it takes to accumulate about one inch (use the average of the depth in the cans). Longer watering is only wasting water and costing you money.

Most landscape plants get more water than they need. You can keep landscaping alive even during the worst summer heat by following these tips:

• Start early in the year! (Late March is best) to condition your lawn to the watering schedule. (From October to March, you probably will not have to water at all.) Water deeply 1 to 1.5 inches. This practice will encourage deep root systems and make for healthier, drought tolerant grass.
• Use native plants that do well on little water.
• Try not to plant or install new sod in the summer months. New grass, plants and shrubs require frequent watering for quite a while. Many new plants will die in the Texas summer heat even with constant watering. Give your plants time to get established before facing the summer heat.
• Mulch around plants to hold in water and discourage weeds.
• Install efficient irrigation systems. Avoid sprinklers with fine sprays. Don’t water during the heat of the day (10AM to 7PM) when 60% of the water will be lost to evaporation. Install a moisture sensor system so that you will not be watering when it is raining.
• Use Drip irrigation for bedded plants, trees, and shrubs.
• Adjust automatic sprinkler systems so they water the landscaping and not sidewalks, driveways and pavement.
• Don’t water on windy days.
• Water only enough to restore water lost to evapotranspiration (ET). If it rains during the week, subtract the rainfall from your required watering amount.

Without a doubt, the most important thing you can do is to carefully follow your utility’s watering schedule, and be efficient with your water use outside. If you hire a landscaper or irrigator to set your watering schedules, be clear about your expectations. Some companies over water automatically to avoid complaints. Discuss over watering, routinely fixing broken heads and leaks, and not over spraying. Participate in rebate programs provided by Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) using water smart irrigation systems.  LCRA is WCID No. 17’s water provider and as customers you can reap the same rebates offered to all LCRA customers.

Be aware of how much water you are using. Look at your water bill, and in the summer, keep your usage under 35,000 gallons for a 5/8″ meter and 45,000 gallons per month for a ¾” meter.

The majority of Texas water systems, including WCID No. 17, produce more than enough drinking water year-round. Even though the District is experiencing a period of explosive growth, we are constantly constructing new facilities to ensure all present and future customers have an adequate water supply. It is only during excessively hot and dry periods that demand may occasionally outpace supply as when everyone tries to water their lawns every day at the same time. If the lake level drops, the pumps have to work a lot harder to get water up to the plant, and they pump less. Electric companies often experience the same problem in the summer, and power “brownouts” are common. Anytime the temperature reaches 100 degrees (very common in central Texas) for several days, evaporation rates rise sharply, and vegetation loses much more water. Utility systems (and their customers) would incur huge costs to expand facilities to allow unlimited usage for only a short time during the summer.

Adequate supply does not mean unlimited use. The water treatment plant is designed for a maximum peak day production of 1 gallon per minute per living unit equivalent (single family home) or about 35,000 gallons per month for a 5/8 inch meter in a hot summer month. This is 30 percent greater capacity than the state requires.

No, because all of that water doesn’t belong to us. What many people don’t realize is that essentially all of the water we see in lakes is already appropriated to river authorities, municipalities, and farm irrigation. The State appropriates water to applicants through a system of water rights. The applicants are responsible for making productive use of the water; otherwise the State can re-appropriate the water to other users through a process called adjudication. While all water carried in rivers and lakes is appropriated, all appropriated water is not sold. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) which holds the rights to much of the water stored in Lake Travis is attempting to sell it to entities in the Brazos, Guadalupe and San Antonio River basins.

The water in Lake Travis is believed by many to be over appropriated. In a year of average rainfall, all water carried by rivers is fully committed for use. It is the storage volume of reservoirs that permits us to have water in years with less than average rainfall. When the state experiences another prolonged drought such as the one which occurred during the 1950s, there will not be enough water available to support all current uses.

• Why the change to using MGO Connect?

There are many benefits to using the online portal including
– Having the ability to apply for permits online and see status of those applications in real time rather than visiting or calling the WCID No. 17 office during business hours.
– Users will receive program reminders and notifications
– Many area builders are already familiar with the website as other jurisdictions are already using it.
– Users can apply for permits, pay online, request inspections, submit files, download inspection reports and approved plans, check status of permit,
– Ability to view all projects simultaneously in system

• Why is there a need for permits and why is WCID No. 17 involved?

Travis County WCID No. 17 is responsible by law to the state regulatory agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), for protecting the drinking water supply from contamination or pollution that could result from improper plumbing practices. All plumbing within the boundaries of WCID No. 17 must be installed in accordance with the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition with District amendments. Plumbing permits may now be obtained via the My government online portal by click here.

• Who needs a permit?

While most often needed by builders and plumbers, homeowners may also need to apply for a permit if they are doing any of the following:
– installing a sprinkler/irrigation system
– installing a swimming pool or gas spa
– adding on a bathroom or kitchen
– remodeling a house that will affect current plumbing

• How long is a permit valid?

Permits for residential homes are valid for a period of one year, irrigation permits and water heaters are valid for three months and pool permits are valid for six months. Commercial permits are valid for a period of two years. If the permit expires before the work is complete, a permit may be extended for an additional fee. A permit should be extended prior to expiration.

• Who may do the work?

A homestead permit may be issued to a person who is not licensed to perform plumbing work provided the residence is the person’s homestead and principal residence. For commercial work, a master plumber is required. If a homestead permit is issued and the homeowner performing the work fails multiple inspections, the District may require the homeowner to hire a competent plumbing contractor to complete the work.

• What are the payment options for permits and inspection fees?

Now with MGO Connect, you can make your payment online at https://www.mgoconnect.org/cp/portal with Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Credit card transactions will be assessed a 3% convenience fee. If you need assistance, please call 985-851-0760.

If you prefer to pay in person, please bring your invoice and check or money order payable to WCID No. 17 to our office at 3812 Eck Ln. Austin, TX 78734. Our office is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Travis County WCID No. 17 is responsible by law to the state regulatory agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), for protecting the drinking water supply from contamination or pollution that could result from improper plumbing practices. All plumbing within the boundaries of WCID No. 17 must be installed in accordance with the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition with District amendments. Plumbing permits may be obtained at the WCID No. 17 offices at 3812 Eck Lane.

The following people may apply for plumbing permits:

• Homeowners/Business owner/Property owner
• Certified Pool or Irrigation Specialists
• Licensed Master Plumber

If a permit is obtained under a master plumbers license, that master plumber must supervise the work and will be held responsible for the quality of the work.

Permits are required prior to the start of construction from the following types of projects:

1. Building a new home for yourself or prospective buyer.
2. Building a commercial business or building.
3. Installing a new yardline to an existing house, trailer, prefabricated house or structure formerly using a well or cistern.
4. Installation or replacement of water heaters or water softeners.
5. Installing a sprinkler/irrigation system.
6. Installing a swimming pool, gas spa or auto-fill equipment.
7. Adding on a bathroom, kitchen or room(s) requiring additional plumbing.
8. Remodeling an existing house, room(s), or commercial building, if it necessitates changing the existing plumbing.

Persons plumbing without a permit or illegally connecting to the water system may be subject to fines.

Permits for residential homes are valid for a period of one (1) year; irrigation permits are valid for three (3) months; and pool permits are valid for six (6) months. Commercial permits are valid for a period of two (2) years. If the permit expires before the work is completed, a permit may be extended for an additional fee. After two (2) years for a residential permit, or three (3) years for a commercial permit, that expires without the work being completed, any unused inspection fees will be forfeited and the permitting process must start over.

If a tap is already done, a service can be established within one to three (1-3) days. If a tap is required, it may take two to four (2-4) weeks to get service. If a tap with a road cut is required, it can take four to six (4-6) weeks because permits must first be obtained by the WCID No. 17 from Travis County for the road cut. If a meter has already been set and you are transferring service, new service can usually be transferred within 24 hours.

A red tag is an indication of a failed inspection or improper plumbing practices discovered by WCID No. 17 personnel. The problem must be corrected within 10 days and re-inspected. All further plumbing work must be stopped on the project until the inspection is passed. Red tags may be issued by your plumbing inspector or by WCID No. 17. Failure to correct red tagged plumbing could result in termination of water service. A green tag indicates that the inspection was passed by the inspector.

A homestead permit may be issued to a person who is not licensed to perform plumbing work provided the residence is the person’s homestead and principal residence. For commercial work, a master plumber is required. If a homestead permit is issued and the homeowner performing the work fails multiple inspections, the District may require the homeowner to hire a competent plumbing contractor to complete the work.