NEW Aquifer Level Triggers for Drought Restrictions 660 ft. (Stage 1) Once per week watering on assigned days 650 ft. (Stage 2) Once per week watering; reduced time for water 640 ft. (Stage 3) Watering once per two weeks on assigned days (Stage 4) No Change Adds surcharge for water use over 12,717 gallons. May be declared at City Manager discretion.

Last week, San Antonio City Council approved an updated conservation ordinance that sets new aquifer level triggers for drought restrictions. Each drought stage now begins 10 feet higher than before. What exactly does this mean?

Now, when the aquifer level dips to 660 feet, Stage 1 restrictions kick in. When that happens, irrigation with a sprinkler is limited to once per week on a day determined by street address. Likewise, Stage 2 now starts at 650 feet, and Stage 3 at 640 feet. For a detailed breakdown of the rules, visit www.saws.org.

The new triggers apply to homes and businesses inside San Antonio, as well as those within five miles of the city limits.

Year-round restrictions, which prohibit watering with a sprinkler between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., remain unchanged. Hand watering is still allowed any day or time. And water waste – running down sidewalks, driveways and streets – is always a no-no.

Of course, the suggestions we offer each week in this newsletter will help ensure your turf survives, and the drought tolerant plants we recommend will surely thrive.

Remember, our weekly watering advice is for grass only. Trees, shrubs and groundcovers need much less water. To keep these established plants healthy, hand water them every 3 to 4 weeks.

Even though we are currently in an exceptional drought, the new restrictions are not meant as a short-term fix. By managing our water resources wisely, we can ensure plentiful, affordable water for generations to come.

Dana Nichols is the outdoor conservation manager for San Antonio Water System.