San Antonio Water System customers will have new watering rules effective immediately, after the change was approved at today’s City Council meeting.
The watering rule changes include new watering hours, a non-compliance charge instead of a municipal process and an update to drip irrigation. The updates, which are part of the 2024 Water Conservation Plan, come after a months-long process, during which SAWS solicited public input.
“These changes create a more fair and efficient system for all of our customers – even those that reside outside of San Antonio city limits,” explained SAWS Vice President of Conservation Karen Guz. “San Antonio is in the fifth year of drought, and we are seeing Edwards Aquifer water levels continue to drop.”
The new watering times (5 to 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight in Stages 2, 3 and 4) give customers more time to water in the morning, and in the evening, to help offset peak energy demand. Watering days are still determined by the last digit in one’s address.
Previously, water waste citations went through a municipal process. Now, water waste non-compliance charges will appear on the customer’s bill. The new process will be more efficient and avoid taking up municipal court resources and time. Customers who disagree with the fee will still have an opportunity to appeal through a committee composed of NON-SAWS employees.
SAWS has also restructured Stage 3 and 4 watering rules during drought. In deeper stages of drought, a new “high use surcharge” will encourage both residential and commercial customers with very high outdoor use to conserve. This will only affect the top five percent of water users. The change also moves existing Stage 3 rules for twice-monthly watering to Stage 4.
For single family accounts, the Stage 3 surcharge of $10.37 per thousand gallons will take effect for water use above 20,000 gallon a month. In Stage 4, that threshold drops to 12,000 gallons.
Drip irrigation rules have also been limited to once to three times a week depending on the drought stage. Watering hours will also be 5-10 a.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight.
For commercial customers, the threshold of water use past which the surcharge is applied varies with meter size.
For a detailed breakdown of the approved changes, see the attached fact sheet.
Customers with ConnectH2O electronic water meters can closely monitor their usage and prevent high water bills before they happen.
“Managing this drought has been challenging, but we’ve also learned a lot about our water use,” Guz said. “These new rules will help us conserve and manage our resources and reduce water waste so that we can minimize the need for stricter rules in the future.”