SAN ANTONIO -- Despite the rain we've had this year in The Alamo City, San Antonio Water System officials say it's time to cut back on water use.
City Manager Sheryl Sculley has declared that Stage 1 water restrictions will go into effect Friday.
The Stage 1 drought plan is triggered when the average level at the Edwards Aquifer drops to 660 feet or below.
SAWS leaders say despite the drought restrictions, the city is not running out of water.
"Dry days are not unusual for summer in San Antonio," said Karen Guz, director of Water Conservation at SAWS. "You can hand water at any time. But days of the week are assigned by street address. You can get a citation."
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.
"While the rain we received earlier this year provided great recharge to the aquifer, it wasn't enough to completely avoid drought restrictions," said SAWS President/CEO Robert R. Puente. "We have an ample supply of water from the Edwards Aquifer as well as seven other sources, but state law requires us to cut back on pumping when the Edwards Aquifer drops to this level."
Under 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
SAWS said 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 still allowed any day, any time.
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