Water Conservation Standards

In 2001, the 77th Texas Legislative session directed SECO to develop a set of water efficiency standards for state-funded buildings. With help from Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and the City of Austin Water Utility, SECO developed the Suggested Water Efficiency Guidelines (Texas Water Guidelines). The Guidelines set targets for water-use efficiency and provide guidance on effective conservation measures to meet the statewide goals identified in Chapter 447 of the Texas Government Code.

In 2010, following Chapter 447 mandate to update the Guidelines, SECO with help from TWDB, Texas Facilities Commission, The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Austin, developed the Water Efficiency Standards. These Standards apply to new state-funded buildings or state-funded major renovation projects including state-supported institutions of higher education as defined by Texas Administrative Code Chapter 19, subchapter C. The Standards would also apply when purchasing new related equipment to replace existing equipment, for making modifications to existing systems, or equipment that equals more than half the original purchase price of the equipment. The Standards should be used for upgrading existing equipment that works but is nearing the end of its life expectancy.

The Standards

Standard Effective Date

Texas Water Guidelines Sept. 1 2001 – Aug. 31, 2011

Water Conservation Standards Sept. 1, 2011 – Present

Standard	Effective Date
Texas Water Guidelines	Sept. 1 2001 – Aug. 31, 2011
Water Conservation Standards	Sept. 1, 2011 – Present

SECO Compliance Certification

Before beginning construction of a new state building or state-supported institution of higher education of greater than 10,000 square feet, the Water Compliance Certification Form must be completed and submitted to the State Energy Conservation Office for approval.

State Energy Conservation Office,
Attention: Felix A. Lopez, P.E., Senior Engineer,
111 E. 17th Street, Room 1114
Austin, Texas 78701