Rain is more random than regular in San Antonio. While it’s beneficial to the aquifer when it does come, it also carries with it all the surface gunk along the way.
That’s why SAWS tracks and monitors about 1,700 engineered stormwater basins over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. Grit, oil and other chemicals that wash off parking lots are captured to help prevent pollution from reaching San Antonio’s largest drinking water supply.
When it rains, contaminants settle to the bottom and are filtered out by sand, while clean water is gradually released over several days.
A team of three SAWS specialists inspect between 800-900 stormwater basins a year to make sure they are working correctly. Property owners are responsible for maintaining the basins. This may include repairing or replacing filtration systems, pumps and other equipment.