San Antonio Moves Into Stage Two Watering Rules
(4/30/12)
Spring’s dry weather continues, and the Edwards Aquifer level dropped to 649.9 feet on Friday. As a result, City Manager Sheryl Sculley announced Monday, April 30, that San Antonio is entering Stage Two drought restrictions.
According to City Ordinance, the City Manager must declare Stage Two water restrictions. "Based upon their recommendation and in consultation with SAWS, Stage Two is in effect," said City Manager Sheryl Sculley. "It is important as a community that we all continue to conserve water, especially as we approach the hot San Antonio summer months."
"Dry spring weather combined with increased water demands across the Edwards region, especially agricultural use, have caused the Edwards Aquifer level to drop quickly," said Robert R. Puente, SAWS President/CEO. "The Edwards Aquifer is hitting the Stage Two level a month earlier than it did last year during the driest year on record."
Since the area has been in drought restrictions for a few weeks, residents and businesses should be familiar with watering days and other restrictions. Approximately 500 warnings have been issued to date. Beginning Tuesday, May 1, citations will be issued without warnings for watering on the wrong day and water waste.
Stage Two of San Antonio’s Drought Management Plan ordinance goes into effect when the level of the Edwards Aquifer drops to 650 feet at the J-17 monitoring well. State law mandates that SAWS and other municipal pumpers must reduce the amount of water pumped from the aquifer by 30 percent when the Edwards Aquifer Authority declares Stage Two.
Watering days stay the same in Stage Two as in Stage One, however the hours during which watering is allowed are shortened. Watering with a sprinkler, soaker hose or irrigation system is allowed only during the hours of 3-8 a.m. and 8-10 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
Water waste, such as water running down the street, is prohibited year-round. Watering with a handheld hose is still allowed at any time, but watering with a bucket or drip irrigation is only allowed during the hours of 3-8 a.m. and 8-10 p.m.
More details on watering days and hours, and restrictions on swimming pools, fountains and washing cars are available online.
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