SUSTAINABILITY: Water

Condensation from the building's air handling system is used to supply water for the two water features on the plaza of City Hall, allowing the flow of water even during times of water rationing.

A small underground spring was discovered on site during the excavation of the parking garage, so a holding tank is used to collect the water and irrigate the landscaping. If the tank goes dry, potable water will be used for irrigation. The tank ran dry for the first time in the fall of 2008 after a long, hot drought year.

The sinks in all of the restrooms are equipped with sensors that turn on the water when motion is detected in the bowl, and automatically turn off the water when not in use. Low-flow fixtures are also installed throughout Austin City Hall including the sinks, toilets and locker room shower heads.

Timers are used for the irrigation systems and follow the criteria set by the water use management ordinance which requires watering to only occur at night and on designated watering days.