SAWS Encourages Conservation Awareness as Aquifer Level Drops
(5/14/09)
After a month of observing Stage One watering restrictions while watching water levels continue to decrease, San Antonio Water System officials are asking customers to remain vigilant and continue water conservation measures at home, at work and in the community.
“We thank San Antonians for taking Stage One restrictions seriously. Most are following the one-day-per-week watering schedule which helps protect the aquifer level but still allows landscapes to do well,” said Greg Flores, SAWS vice president of public affairs. “But summer is just beginning, and current indications are that this dry weather pattern will persist.”
“It’s in everyone’s interest to reduce outdoor watering as much as possible to stave off tighter restrictions,” said Flores. “Every day that we can put off Stage Two is another opportunity for rain.”
Stage One drought restrictions were declared on April 10 when the aquifer level hit 660 feet. Stage Two restrictions are triggered when the aquifer level drops to 650 feet.
Since watering hours will be further reduced if San Antonio enters Stage Two restrictions, it makes sense to hold off from installing tender new plants now. 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.
Water waste can be reported 24 hours a day to 704-SAWS and on our Web site at www.saws.org. All reports receive follow-up.
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