Summary
San Antonio Water System customers have been in Stage 2 watering rules for well over a year, and despite more severe pumping reductions from the Edwards Aquifer Authority, SAWS will continue Stage 2 watering rules for the foreseeable future.
San Antonio Water System (SAWS) customers have been in Stage 2 watering rules for well over a year, and despite more severe pumping reductions from the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), SAWS will continue Stage 2 watering rules for the foreseeable future.
Portions of the water system show tank levels dropping overnight beyond normal demand levels. This is from outdoor watering and provides a focus for increased patrol and ticket citation efforts in these areas. Customers who do not comply with the watering rules will receive a citation with Municipal Court fines costing up to $150 for first-time offenses. More than 3,000 water waste citations have been issued so far this year, and neighborhood patrolling will continue, including inside gated communities.
SAWS’ water supply portfolio consists of 14 water projects from eight different sources. The utility’s diverse non-Edwards Aquifer water supplies and customer compliance with Stage 2 rules will make up for the reduced Edwards pumping requirements from EAA that only affect well owners and permit holders like water utilities.
The EAA cutbacks to Stage IV are triggered when the 10-day average of the J-17 well dropped below 630.’ However, SAWS is able to meet the cutback requirement through conservation and non-Edwards water sources without passing along stricter watering rules for customers.
“Our current conditions are exactly what we plan for,” said SAWS President/CEO Robert R. Puente. “We have worked for years, investing and diversifying San Antonio’s water resources, building conservation programs, and ensuring that we can recycle wastewater to make the most of every drop. Our system has the flexibility to meet the pumping permit cutbacks without impacting our customers. Our community has been saving water for years. The current dry weather is nothing new to us.”
Coming out of drought stages can be considered 15 days after the aquifer is above the trigger level. More information on Stage 2 is 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 while saving water. Learn more at gardenstylesanantonio.com/coupons-and-rebates.