Much needed rain, but the drought’s not over yet...
(9/11/09)
We've all enjoyed the rain this week, receiving more in the past few days than we have all summer. But as the aquifer registered just above 650 feet today, San Antonio Water System officials are reminding everyone that the drought isn't over yet – we are still in Stage Two drought restrictions. According to the city's Aquifer Management Plan ordinance, the level must stay above 650 feet for 30 days to end Stage Two restrictions.
"With the help of San Antonians we have been able to hold off the more draconian Stage Three restrictions for almost three months – a testament to community participation during the hottest summer on record for our area," said Karen Guz, SAWS conservation director. "We hope the current trend of rain will continue, but in the meantime we are asking people to continue to be diligent and follow the Stage Two drought rules."
San Antonio has followed drought restrictions since April, working together to reduce outdoor irrigation at our homes and businesses. Stage Two drought restrictions were announced June 15, when San Antonio's J-17 Edwards monitoring well dropped below 650 feet. During Stage Two restrictions, San Antonians can water with a sprinkler, soaker hose or irrigation system 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:
0 or 1 – Monday
2 or 3 – Tuesday
4 or 5 – Wednesday
6 or 7 – Thursday
8 or 9 – Friday
Overnight watering is not allowed. Watering with a handheld hose is still allowed, any day, any time. For more information on Stage Two drought restrictions, click here.
While the rain is bringing some much-needed moisture and some lawns start to look green again, the drought isn't over yet! The rain may take care of your lawn's watering needs for a while, but we are still way below normal rainfall levels.
"Now is not the time to lay thirsty sod or new plantings," added Guz. "It's the perfect time to rethink our landscapes to make them more drought-tolerant, like low-maintenance beds with mulch or hardscapes such as a deck or patio."
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