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Download 2008 SAWS Annual Report (PDF)

This information is extracted from the full 213-page 2008 Annual Report. Download the full report in Adobe Acrobat format: 2008 Annual Report 7.86 MB Adobe PDF

In this Annual Report, we are sharing some of the “Refreshing Ideas” that will drive the utility into a successful future – smart insights that benefit the community today while laying the groundwork for a sustainable tomorrow. As San Antonio’s major water utility, we are going beyond what is expected and acting on that urgent responsibility to be conscientious stewards of not just our water supply, but of the environment as a whole.

Transforming our proven recycled water program into what we call an “environmental trifecta” was one of the noteworthy achievements in 2008. Wastewater byproducts represent a substantial opportunity for SAWS. Customers who use our recycled water already save billions of gallons of potable water each year. Now, in addition to a significant expansion of our biosolids composting operation, we have added groundbreaking gas-to-energy capabilities to our portfolio.

Our utility’s strong financial position also proved to be a great asset in 2008. In December, despite the ongoing turmoil in national and global financial markets, the three major rating agencies upgraded SAWS’ bond ratings. These upgrades will save our ratepayers millions of dollars in future interest costs. It’s important to note that we achieved this while keeping our water and wastewater rates among the lowest in the region.

Perhaps the most impactful accomplishment of the year was the groundwork for a 2009 update of our 50-year water management plan. By leveraging the utility’s proven successes in water supply conservation, development, management and policy, we have extended our pledge to help communities flourish – even in times of drought – to 2060 and beyond.

Ultimately, we are committed to providing quality water and wastewater service to the San Antonio community at an affordable price. Toward that end, we accomplished much together in 2008, leading the nation in water conservation and reuse – programs that maximize innovation and technology to generate operational efficiencies and savings for our ratepayers.

And for the sake of our natural resources, more than commitment is required from SAWS – we know that investing in our future today will allow us to effectively manage San Antonio’s water for generations to come. Now that’s a refreshing idea!

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