Although Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) has announced Stage IV restrictions based on Comal Spring flows, San Antonio Water System customers should still adhere to Stage 2 watering rules. SAWS is tapping into its diversified water portfolio to meet the 40 percent required cutback in Edwards Aquifer pumping.
SAWS has significantly diversified San Antonio’s water supplies and now the Edwards Aquifer represents only about half of the city’s available drinking water because it is just one of the utilities’ nine water sources.
San Antonio Water System customers have been in Stage 2 watering rules since April, and despite differing stages from the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), there are no foreseeable outdoor watering changes for SAWS customers.
“Our community is experienced in managing the effects of drought because of strategies that we’ve initiated over the past 15 years,” said Robert R. Puente, SAWS President and CEO. “We’ve created a culture of water stewardship and conservation that is making the community water secure, while demonstrating what could be a model for other cities. We can manage this again together if everyone complies to the watering rules.”
SAWS’ water supply portfolio consists of 15 water projects from nine different sources. The utility’s diverse non-Edwards Aquifer water supplies such as the Vista Ridge Project, stored water at the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) site and customer compliance with Stage 2 rules will make up for the reduced Edwards pumping requirements from EAA that affect pumping permit holders only.
“This year has had a historically low level of rain, as well as historically high temperatures this past summer,” said Karen Guz, SAWS Senior Director of Conservation. “With milder temperatures, it may be tempting to replace grass, but instead consider alternative landscaping that uses less grass and instead go towards low water-use plants. A variance is required to water in new plants during drought stages, which only lasts five weeks.”
The utility continues to educate and remind customers about Stage 2 rules – and those who don’t comply with the rules can receive a citation with municipal fines costing about $150 for first-time offenses. So far this year, increased patrolling around the clock has resulted in 3,460 citations issued or in process.
According to the city’s Aquifer Management Plan ordinance, coming out of drought stages can be considered 15 days after the aquifer is above the trigger level. More information on Stage 2 is at saws.org/stage2.
Watering days are determined by address. Watering with a sprinkler, irrigation system or soaker hose is allowed only between 7-11 a.m. and 7-11 p.m. on your designated day. Watering with a hand-held hose is still allowed any time on any day.
0 or 1 – Monday
2 or 3 – Tuesday
4 or 5 – Wednesday
6 or 7 – Thursday
8 or 9 – Friday