Why is the City of Austin interested in decentralized wastewater management?
Relatively rapid growth has occurred in the Austin, Texas area during the past two decades. Largely due to its many natural, cultural, and educational amenities, Austin has become one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. Areas in the western, southwestern , and northern portions of the metropolitan area have been undergoing particularly intense growth, with the accompanying pressures to develop infrastructure in response to that growth. Without careful planning and adequate controls, increased urbanization can have adverse impacts on environmental quality resulting in the permanent loss of important or unique natural resources that would diminish the overall aesthetic appeal of the area. Questions and concerns have been raised locally and at the State level about appropriate planning approaches and development densities that would prevent adverse impacts to the Edwards Aquifer and other sensitive areas in and around the City of Austin. These questions directly relate to wastewater
