In Summer 2024, the Domestic Subteam partnered with the Festival Beach Community Garden and Food Forest in Austin, Texas to address water insecurity and escalating water costs through practical engineering approaches. Over the Fall of 2024, the team collaborated with local stakeholders to develop a comprehensive Work Plan, focusing on five key components: assessing flow diversion strategies for stormwater management, designing an efficient irrigation system, establishing cistern water storage, evaluating reclaimed water reuse, and integrating solar-powered water pumping.

The project aims to mitigate flooding and optimize water distribution through flow diversion strategies while ensuring consistent irrigation. The cistern design maximizes rainwater capture, and reclaimed water reuse is explored as a way to reduce reliance on potable water. Solar energy is assessed for its feasibility in powering water pumping systems, enhancing energy efficiency, and long-term cost savings.

By leveraging Civil3D, GIS, and hydraulic modeling tools, the team ensures that each component is technically viable and adheres to industry best practices. With guidance from professional engineers and alignment with EWB-USA’s quality standards, the project is positioned to deliver scalable, impactful solutions that enhance climate-resilient infrastructure. In Spring 2025, the team will conduct an alternatives analysis, refine technical designs, and begin implementation, providing pro-bono engineering services that offer tangible, lasting benefits for the community at large.