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Download 2009 SAWS Annual Report (PDF)
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Members of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Management Team at San Antonio Water System worked in spirited cooperation in 2009 to develop new mission and vision statements, while affirming the core values that serve as a foundation for SAWS' 2015 Strategic Plan.
These statements will guide the utility as SAWS aligns all goals, objectives and tactics for the next five years to ensure a successful future for SAWS and our community.
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Alexander E. Briseño, Chairman and Robert R. Puente, President and CEO
Our vision statement – to be leaders
in delivering responsible water services for life – as well as our
values of excellence, integrity, and respect, make up our core philosophy, describing what we as an organization believe, where we stand today, and where we wish to be in the future.
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Although a weak economy and restrictions on water use resulted in lower revenues during 2009, SAWS' financial position remained strong with a healthy equity ratio and solid debt ratings. Responsible financial management has allowed SAWS to keep rates affordable and among the lowest in the state.
To highlight SAWS' achievements during 2009, the sections of this Annual Report present our mission, vision and values as we share SAWS' story of water management, operational efficiencies, financial strength and environmental responsibility.
One of the first priorities of the year involved formalizing an update to our 50-year Water Management Plan – a plan that effectively manages demand and maximizes the utilization of our existing water supplies while developing new water sources for our future. In accordance with this plan, SAWS acquired 20,000 acre-feet of additional Edwards Aquifer water rights and increased the amount of water stored in the Twin Oaks Aquifer Storage & Recovery facility to an all-time high of 67,000 acre-feet. By the end of 2009 the amount stored in this facility was equal to nearly 40 percent of all water used by our customers during 2009.
Demand management took center stage during 2009. Our community endured – and even thrived – during the record drought because of smart planning and cooperation. SAWS partnered with industries, businesses and residents to keep things “business as usual” in 2009. The city would learn that by working together to minimize outdoor watering efforts, the drought could be managed effectively and economic development could still occur.
SAWS employees teamed up to bring recycled water to large businesses and institutions. We helped residents conserve water and find cost savings by offering free home irrigation checkups. Residents diligently followed water rules to reduce demand despite the long, hot dry spell. Thanks to the conscientious efforts of SAWS customers to keep per capita water use under control, the city successfully navigated through the driest two years in recorded history.
As a result of the long drought, SAWS work crews were busy making a record number of repairs to broken water mains. SAWS also made substantial investments in updating, replacing and expanding our infrastructure – the pumps, pipes and facilities used to deliver, collect and treat your water and wastewater. These investments are critical to maintaining the reliability of our water services.
No matter the opportunity or challenge, SAWS remains committed to providing sustainable water services and delivering those services in a reliable and affordable way.
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