Environment Texas delivers 1,000 petition signatures to City Council calling to protect Austin waters

In 2021, Austin had one of the rainiest summers in history. Since much of that water had nowhere to drain, floods carried dangerous pollutants into our city’s beautiful waterways.

Clean water

November 12, 2021

In 2021, Austin had one of the rainiest summers in history. Since much of that water had nowhere to drain, floods carried dangerous pollutants into our city’s beautiful waterways.

After dirty water sickened dozens of people and killed several dogs, Environment Texas canvassers went door-to-door, collecting 1,000 signatures in support of our Natural City, Healthy Water campaign. On Oct. 27, Environment Texas associates delivered the petition signatures to the Austin City Council, urging it to require nature-based infrastructure in new development. Nature-based infrastructure, such as rain gardens and green roofs, can prevent water pollution by allowing rainwater to soak into the ground and filter out pollution on its way to waterways.

“For more than four years now we have been calling on the City Council to adopt requirements for nature-based infrastructure as a way to reduce water pollution,” said Environment Texas Executive Director Luke Metzger.

Environment Texas hopes that city lawmakers will prioritize nature-based solutions to protecting our waterways.