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Working with regional partners, like the Lower Colorado River Authority, SAWS is exploring surface water options as another way to diversify our reliance upon the Edwards Aquifer.

Thanks to the diligence of SAWS leaders and a dedicated community task force, the Water Resource Plan Update 2005 has placed the future supply of water on secure footing. Much of the research and analysis boiled down to a choice for SAWS to either maintain its existing service area or to become a more regional utility.

After careful analysis, the SAWS Board of Trustees endorsed a more integrated, regional approach to providing future water supplies. And the City Council agreed. With this key stepping stone in place, we are now more focused than ever on water quality, regional cooperation, and the efficient delivery of water for a growing community.

We Have a Regional Plan
SAWS is one of the few utilities in the region with defined long-term water resource strategies and a proven track record of success. One of the most significant updates of this plan included the elimination of two risky projects and the addition of a desalination project. Long-term costs have been reduced by $1.4 billion while supply was increased by 2.3 percent.

Twin Oaks Aquifer Storage and Recovery
The ASR facility is the second largest aquifer storage system in the nation. This environmentally sensitive underground “water bank” is expected to store at least 30,000 acre-feet and serve as a key resource during extended drought periods.

The Science of H2O A team of skilled scientists integrates and blends different sources of water while maintaining the high standards of water quality San Antonians have come to expect.

Water Quality
With more than 70 highly trained, professional geologists, hydrogeologists, and water quality specialists, we are focused on maintaining the strictest water quality standards. Because of this, SAWS is routinely cited as a superior water system by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

SAWS Regional Laboratory
The 16,800-square foot lab – opening in mid-2006 – will enhance SAWS’ position as a regional leader in water quality analysis. This state-of-the-art facility will also be available for use by smaller communities, regional water agencies, as well as environmental agencies such as TCEQ and EPA.

Desalination
SAWS is exploring a brackish groundwater desalination project that could contribute up to 22,000 acre-feet annually to our water supply and help offset peak demands during the summer months. Our brackish groundwater feasibility study will conclude in early 2007, with a goal to bring a desalination facility online by 2010.

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