Update on current drought conditions and future outlook presented to the SAWS Board of Trustees by Steven Siebert, SAWS water resources manager.
As of Oct. 1, 2024, the San Antonio region remains in drought. The long-term outlook through the end of the year is for above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall — and with it, Stage 3 watering rules.
San Antonio has been in significant drought over the past five years, averaging 22 inches or 58% of average rainfall. Since 2019, San Antonio has a rainfall deficit of 50 inches.
The lack of rainfall is reflected in the Edwards Aquifer level, which is more than 30 feet below monthly historical averages. 2023 was a record-setting summer with 75 days of temperatures at or above 100 degrees, which resulted in 53 days in which SAWS customer water demand exceed 300 million gallons.
Due to timely summer rains and significantly fewer 100 degrees days, demand only exceeded 300 million gallons three days so far in 2024.
Fortunately, after more than two decades of developing diversified supplies, SAWS has access to 13 water supply projects from seven different water sources. A diversified water supply portfolio reduces the adverse effects of drought on San Antonio and the region, decreases reliance on the Edwards Aquifer, improves spring flows and habitat for threatened and endangered species, increases resilience in managing climate impacts, and provides SAWS customers long-term water security.