Multiple benefits of onsite water reuse.
Funding opportunities.
Equitable application of onsite water reuse.
Recommendations for removing barriers to onsite water reuse systems in affordable housing.
In response to the broadening impact of climate change on water resources, many U.S. cities, including a number in Texas, have begun to embrace the ‘One Water’ integrated approach to water planning. Although such efforts are critical for diversifying and stretching water supplies, the accelerating movement towards more water-resilient buildings raises under-addressed questions of affordability, access, and displacement. Specifically, how can onsite reuse* be implemented in a manner that enhances—rather than worsens— housing affordability? This session explores this question by looking at the barriers and opportunities for expanding onsite reuse in affordable housing construction. It draws on a recent report that collates case studies from around the United States, conversations with affordable housing builders and advocates, and literature on green building. The authors will discuss the particular benefits of reuse in affordable housing; identify barriers; describe available funding sources; and outline specific recommendations for cities, utilities, and developers in Texas.
Jorge Losoya
Jorge Losoya serves as the One Water and Water Equity Fellow. Through his work, Jorge seeks to find the nexus between innovative water management and water equity to bridge equity and justice efforts with water planning and policy in Texas. Jorge has an MS in Community and Regional Planning and …
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Jorge Losoya serves as the One Water and Water Equity Fellow. Through his work, Jorge seeks to find the nexus between innovative water management and water equity to bridge equity and justice efforts with water planning and policy in Texas. Jorge has an MS in Community and Regional Planning and an MA in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. His research interest touches on disaster and hazard mitigation planning, creative engagement methods, and environmental justice. He also holds an undergraduate degree in Geography and Urban Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Jorge is also an artist. His art is informed by the Texas - Mexico borderlands and draws on themes of horror, ecology, and technology.
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Jonathan Seefeldt
Jonathan has over 10 years of experience in environmental and educational communications. He has researched and published on human-water interactions with a particular focus on the long-term ecological footprints of large-scale water projects. His work as a communications specialist has involved organizational re-branding, media outreach, copy writing, and web design. …
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Jonathan has over 10 years of experience in environmental and educational communications. He has researched and published on human-water interactions with a particular focus on the long-term ecological footprints of large-scale water projects. His work as a communications specialist has involved organizational re-branding, media outreach, copy writing, and web design. Jonathan has an MA in Environmental History from the University of Texas at Austin, where he is currently completing his PhD dissertation on the ecological impact of early modern mega-dams. Jonathan also spent a season as the head of an international high school in the Indian Himalayas, a place that occasionally rivals Austin as his one true home.
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Jennifer Walker
Jennifer has 17 years experience focusing on water policy/resources issues in Texas with an emphasis on water planning, water conservation and bay and estuary protection issues. Jennifer strives to work collaboratively and approach resource management challenges with a solution-oriented perspective. She serves on the Water Conservation Advisory Council of Texas …
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Jennifer has 17 years experience focusing on water policy/resources issues in Texas with an emphasis on water planning, water conservation and bay and estuary protection issues. Jennifer strives to work collaboratively and approach resource management challenges with a solution-oriented perspective. She serves on the Water Conservation Advisory Council of Texas and is Chair of Austin's Water Forward Task Force. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Water Efficiency and the Colorado River Alliance. Jennifer has a BS in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology from the University of Texas at Austin. Jennifer and her family like to camp near rivers where they can listen to the frogs sing at night.
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