After a four-month reprieve and despite recent rains, San Antonio is again entering Stage 1 water rules effective Wednesday, Sept. 1. Stage 1 rules begin when the 10-day rolling average of the Edwards Aquifer level drops to 660 feet mean sea level at the monitored well.
Per City ordinance, City Manager Erik Walsh in consultation with Robert R. Puente, President/CEO of San Antonio Water System, declared Stage 1 management rules are in effect. San Antonio came out of Stage 1 at the beginning of May 2021.
“After a wet start to the summer, recent dry weather resulted in the aquifer drop in aquifer levels,” said SAWS Conservation Director Karen Guz, “But remember that SAWS has Conservation programs and advice available to reduce outdoor watering.”
According to the city’s Aquifer Management Plan ordinance, coming out of drought stages can be considered 15 days after the aquifer is above the trigger level.
When in Stage 1, outdoor watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system is allowed only before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m., one day per week, as determined by the last number of your street address:
0 or 1 – Monday
2 or 3 – Tuesday
4 or 5 – Wednesday
6 or 7 – Thursday
8 or 9 – Friday
Watering days begin and end at midnight; overnight watering is not allowed. Water waste, such as water running down the street, is prohibited year-round. However, watering with a handheld hose is allowed any day, any time.
SAWS customers can take advantage of SAWS WaterSaver coupons and rebates to spruce up their yards and save money.
