In Stage 2, once-a-week watering with a sprinkler, soaker hose or irrigation system is allowed only during the hours of 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on your designated day.

The long, dry spell has finally triggered the next level of water restrictions. San Antonio City Manager Sheryl Sculley officially announced Stage Two water restrictions after the Edwards Aquifer dropped below 650 feet.

The major difference people will notice are time changes to the one-day-per-week landscape watering schedule. Watering with a sprinkler, soaker hose or irrigation system is allowed only during the hours of 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on your designated day, as determined by the last number of your street address.

Also in Stage 2, the rules for soaker hoses change because they are less efficient than drip irrigation. During Stage 2, soaker hoses may only be used on your designated watering day and only during the approved hours of 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Drip irrigation can be used on any day as long as it's during the approved hours. Watering with a hand-held hose is still allowed any time on any day in Stage 2.

Since watering hours are reduced during Stage Two restrictions, it makes sense to hold off from installing tender new plants. If you must put in new plantings, ensure that they are low-water use varieties that can survive the heat with little or no watering.

The best option is to instead focus on ways to help your current landscape do well in this current harsh drought. As an example, mulching helps plants retain moisture around their roots, and helps enrich the soil. This is also an important time to check sprinkler systems to ensure that they are operating properly. Shifting soils can result in broken sprinkler heads or misaligned spray. Homeowners and business owners should inspect them frequently and work with irrigation professionals to keep water use efficient.