SAN ANTONIO – Per City ordinance the San Antonio City Manager announces the end to water restrictions effective Wednesday, June 10.
Recent deluges have sent the Edwards Aquifer level skyrocketing. Since the 10-day average of the aquifer is currently well above 660 feet SAWS has advised the City Manager it would be appropriate to end drought restrictions. The City of San Antonio has been in some type of water restrictions since 2011, and has stayed in Stage Two restrictions since 2012.
“San Antonio and the region have experienced a tremendous level of rain resulting in some of the highest aquifer levels we have seen in recent years,” said Robert R. Puente, SAWS President/CEO. “We are hoping that citizens will continue their water saving ways and continue to be restrained about outdoor water use. While the once a week restrictions have been lifted, no one should need to do any outdoor watering for the near future.”
According to City Ordinance, drought restrictions may be terminated if the aquifer level at J-17 rises to 660 feet. The ordinance goes on to say that SAWS shall monitor the consistency and conditions of Edwards Aquifer levels for 15 days to determine if termination of water use reduction measures is warranted, unless conditions significantly change to warrant an earlier or later review for stage termination or extension.
“SAWS diversification of water sources has allowed our customers to avoid some of the worst of the drought restrictions that many of our neighbors have dealt with,” said Puente. “However, we are heading into a high use time of year and future forecasts will determine how long we can stay restriction free. We will continue to monitor Edwards Aquifer levels and will consider returning to drought restrictions if exceedingly dry weather returns, or if the aquifer starts dropping significantly.”
Year-round water use rules will be in place effective Wednesday, June 10: Residents can water with an irrigation system or hose-end sprinkler on any day of the week before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Additional information regarding year-round water use is available at saws.org/drought.
