San Antonio has been under Stage 1 watering rules for about a month, but hot, dry conditions of La Niña have caused the 10-day average at the Edwards Aquifer J-17 monitoring well to drop below 650 feet, triggering Stage 2 watering rules.
The trigger was reached today, so per City ordinance, City Manager Erik Walsh in consultation with Robert R. Puente, President/CEO of San Antonio Water System, declared Stage 2 rules are in effect beginning Wednesday, April 13.
SAWS has significantly diversified San Antonio’s water supplies and now the Edwards Aquifer represents only about half of our available drinking water because it is just one of the utilities’ 10 water sources.
According to the city’s Aquifer Management Plan ordinance, coming out of drought stages can be considered 15 days after the aquifer is above the trigger level. More information on Stage 2 specifics are at saws.org/stage2
Watering days stay the same in Stage 2 as in Stage 1 – however, the hours during which watering is allowed are shortened. Watering with a sprinkler, irrigation system or soaker hose is allowed only between 7-11 a.m. and 7-11 p.m. on your designated day. Watering with a hand-held hose is still allowed any time on any day.
0 or 1 – Monday
2 or 3 – Tuesday
4 or 5 – Wednesday
6 or 7 – Thursday
8 or 9 – Friday
SAWS customers can take advantage of SAWS WaterSaver coupons and rebates to spruce up their yards and save money. Learn more at https://www.gardenstylesanantonio.com/coupons-and-rebates.