Fix a Leak Week doesn’t officially roll around until March, but the time is always right to fix leaks! You may be walking past a hidden leak every day and not realize it. Most fixes are simple, like swapping out a toilet flapper, or adjusting a sprinkler head that’s spraying the sidewalk instead of your… Continue Reading Fix a Leak Week is March 16-22
Poorly built irrigation systems waste 20% of the water they use. To make sure we’re thoughtfully managing our resources, SAWS will begin inspecting all new in-ground sprinkler systems in 2026 to ensure they’re designed and installed according to state and local regulations. These systems are complex — so much so that Texas is one of… Continue Reading Inspections for new irrigation systems starting in 2026
How much you’re charged for your sewer service is up to you. Save water now, save money throughout 2026. It’s as simple as turning off your irrigation system for the season. SAWS sewer charges are based on your average winter water use. So, the less water you use from mid-November to mid-March, the lower your… Continue Reading Switch off sprinklers now to lock in savings for 2026
Recent dramatic (and sadly deadly) rain events remain fresh in our minds. So it seems odd to many that despite being inundated with rainfall, we are still solidly in drought — and Stage 3 watering rules. A little more than half the water our community uses comes from the Edwards Aquifer. This vast underground system… Continue Reading Drought persists despite recent downpours
Spring has sprung, though it’s a little hard to believe — partly because our plants look just OK, not great. But mostly because we haven’t had any meaningful rain in quite some time. The sad truth is we are still in drought. In fact, this is our sixth dry spring in a row — and… Continue Reading Years-long drought not expected to depart anytime soon
Although leaks and other issues are common in irrigation systems, the biggest single source of water waste occurs where you least expect it — at the control box. While you’re adjusting irrigation for the cool season or just turning off your sprinkler system for the year, remember to also make sure your irrigation controller knows… Continue Reading Don’t lose control of your controller
The twice-annual time change is here. And it’s a good reminder to tend to these landscaping tasks. Change the batteries in your irrigation controller (and smoke alarms, too). If the power even flickers, your irrigation controller can lose the correct time and that could throw off all the settings. A quick battery swap will keep… Continue Reading Fall back on watering
The new Stage 3 watering hours have left some SAWS customers concerned about dragging around their hose-end sprinklers in the dark. That’s because new watering times shifted to earlier in the morning and later in the evening. But hose-end sprinkler users can avoid having to water late at night by applying for a variance. Apply… Continue Reading Hose-end sprinkler users: get a variance to water earlier
Don’t let the spring rains and green grass fool you: San Antonio is in the fifth year of a drought. While landscape watering rules have helped us weather droughts in the past, our per-person water use has been inching higher. That’s why SAWS is proposing reasonable adjustments to our drought plan – to save water… Continue Reading Proposed drought rule changes: Top 5 things you need to know
Some well-timed spring showers have kept things a little greener than we’re used to this time of year. But make no mistake – the drought continues and so do Stage 2 watering rules. Also, did you remember to “spring forward” your irrigation system? Replace your controller’s back-up batteries if it’s been a while and, most… Continue Reading Stage 2 watering rules here to stay awhile
