San Antonio Moves Out of Stage Two Watering Restrictions

Community goes to Stage One rules, still following once per week watering

San Antonio Water System, in consultation with City Manager Sheryl Sculley, has announced the end to Stage Two drought restrictions effective Wednesday, January 4. Stage One restrictions are now in place.

“It’s been a long, dry year with little rain, but recent weather has helped the Edwards Aquifer begin to recover,” said Chuck Ahrens, SAWS Vice President of Water Resources and Conservation. “Thanks to the community’s cooperation we were able to hold off more stringent watering restrictions, even during one of the worst one-year drought periods on record.”

Drought restrictions are designed to help water managers in the region, like SAWS, manage water resources for the long term. San Antonio entered Stage Two drought restrictions on May 31, and first entered Stage One restrictions earlier this year on April 12.

To come out of Stage Two restrictions, water levels at the J-17 Edwards monitoring well had to stay above 650 feet for 30 days. Water levels rose to 650.7 feet on December 3, and have stayed above 650 feet since then. While Stage Two restrictions have been lifted, Stage One drought restrictions will remain in place until water levels stay above 660 ft. for 30 days, as outlined in the city’s aquifer management plan.

“While we are still under Stage One restrictions, the weather is cooler and wetter, so there’s not much need for outdoor watering right now anyway,” added Ahrens. “However, weather predictions show that dry weather is expected to continue, so we suggest that San Antonians continue their water-saving habits in the event the Edwards Aquifer falls back to Stage Two.”

As a reminder, in Stage One you can still water your landscape once per week on your designated day. Watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system is allowed only before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. on your assigned day, as determined by the last number of your street address.