Rainy days welcomed, but drought restrictions remain
(5/11/12)
San Antonio has enjoyed some much-needed rain this week, but that doesn't mean drought restrictions are over. According to the city's Aquifer Management Plan ordinance, the level must stay above 650 feet for 30 days to end Stage Two.
"While the Edwards Aquifer quickly responds to rain, it can also drop quite quickly. So the ordinance allows for 30 days to avoid confusing, rapid changes in restrictions," said Greg Flores, SAWS vice president of Public Affairs. "We hope the current trend of rain will continue and aquifer levels continue to rise.
"In the meantime, we are asking people to continue to be diligent and follow the Stage Two drought rules to help us avoid further restrictions. Plus, with all the rain we've received, most shouldn't need to water anyway."
Demands on the Edwards Aquifer are especially high in the beginning of summer when heavy watering by farmers to the west can represent
2 1/2 times the use of San Antonio. This use can trigger aquifer level drops more than a foot a day.
"Once we get closer to July 4, the corn crop is wrapping up, and we see aquifer levels stabilize," continued Flores. "But it's especially important in this first part of the year to follow the drought restrictions while agricultural use is high."
In Stage Two, 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.
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