Six years into a record-breaking drought and counting, San Antonians know their well-practiced, water-wise routines by heart: following once-a-week watering rules, getting rid of some grass (to prep for drought-hearty planting later) and being mindful of leaks. To these water-savvy citizens we offer a heartfelt thank you. Our landscapes may look a little crispy, but… Continue Reading Working together for a water-secure San Antonio
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
Despite a wetter-than-normal July, August came and went with little meaningful rainfall — and forecasters say there’s not much relief in sight. And so year five of San Antonio’s current drought marches on. On the plus side, the new watering rules are helping. Since Stage 3 was declared in June, SAWS customers have been using… Continue Reading Your questions answered about the new watering rules
San Antonio Water System customers will have new watering rules effective immediately, after the change was approved at today’s City Council meeting. The watering rule changes include new watering hours, a non-compliance charge instead of a municipal process and an update to drip irrigation. The updates, which are part of the 2024 Water Conservation Plan,… Continue Reading City Council Approves New Watering Rules for SAWS Customers
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
Watering hours in Stage 2 have been 7-11 a.m. and 7-11 p.m. for over five years and people have gotten used to them. So why is SAWS proposing a change? One reason: many people have expressed a desire to water earlier in the morning. Another reason is energy use. Those evening watering hours of 7-11… Continue Reading The (watering) times, they are a-changin’
San Antonio has been under Stage 2 watering rules for more than two years. Unfortunately, the Edwards Aquifer is not expected to recover this summer. That means even more pumping cutbacks are expected, along with the need to further reduce water demand. SAWS has never imposed its current Stage 3 rules, which would limit landscape… Continue Reading New Stage 3 watering rules proposed
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
If you’ve lived in San Antonio very long, you know our city boasts a unique, vibrant culture. And just like breakfast tacos and Fiesta medals, water conservation has long been part of our “Puro San Antonio” vibe. For decades, San Antonio’s conservation ordinance has helped us work together to save and extend our water resources.… Continue Reading Update to watering rules nears completion
Late January downpours were a welcome relief, especially to the Edwards Aquifer. But they haven’t put an end to the drought — or Stage 2 watering rules. But that’s okay because after all the rain, your landscape doesn’t need any extra water. Besides, your lawn is still dormant, so you’d only be feeding winter weeds.… Continue Reading Drought continues and so do Stage 2 watering rules
