Water Loss Reduction Target
SAWS has engaged in proactive efforts to reduce non-revenue water for more than a decade. Our teams have worked together to identify specific sources of water loss and implement solutions.
SAWS’ goal is to reduce water loss by 50% per connection per day by 2035.
GCD: Gallons per connection, per day is an industry-standard reference to water loss volume. The purpose of GCD is to tie the loss amount to the water infrastructure. This is similar to GPCD used by conservation specialists to look at volume per capita.
How much have we reduced water losses?
Edwards Production Flow Meter Replacement
Accurate metering is essential to every phase of a water audit. Building on the citywide completion of the ConnectH2O electronic meter project, SAWS is now upgrading and replacing water production meters at the source, improving our ability to accurately measure the volume of water coming into our system and delivered to our customers.
Located at SAWS facilities across the city, there are 106 Edwards production meters that will be replaced by the end of 2026.
Breaks, Leaks and Response Times
SAWS crews work 24/7, year-round diligently repairing pipes to minimize water loss and service disruptions. While repairing all leaks is a priority, prioritizing leaks is necessary. Leaks are repaired based on priority numbering that evaluates the impact to service disruption, property damage and water loss: P1, P2 and P3.
Additional staffing dedicated to leak response, has enabled SAWS to significantly improve response times.
In 2023, the prolonged drought and record-setting temperatures led to the highest number of main breaks and leaks in SAWS history.
Learn more about how we categorize and prioritize leak repairs on our reported leaks and outages map.
Finding Leaks. Saving Water.
Early detection helps us address leaks before they turn into major breaks. Deploying a range of different technologies and techniques, SAWS leak detection teams locate potential leaks throughout the distribution system.
By performing regular monitoring and scanning, 277 potential hidden leaks have identified and flagged for inspection and repair.
Strengthening Our Infrastructure
Water loss caused by aging infrastructure is not unique to San Antonio. Since most underground leaks never reach the surface, reducing water loss will require proactive pipe replacement and advanced technology. SAWS’ comprehensive Capital Improvement Program addresses the city’s long-term needs to renew and revitalize essential systems across the city.