Stage One Water Rules Reinstated for San Antonio

Although the region enjoyed a mild and wet winter, aquifer levels never fully recovered and once again San Antonio’s J-17 Edwards monitoring well has dropped to 659.7 feet. With this news, San Antonio’s City Manager Sheryl Sculley announced that Stage One demand management rules are in effect.

“Pursuant to City Ordinance, the city manager must declare Stage One,” said San Antonio City Manager Sheryl Sculley. “Based upon the recommendation and in consultation with SAWS, Stage One is in effect.”

“San Antonians are accustomed to the impacts of our semi-arid climate,” added Sculley. “We appreciate their support of water conservation while the region awaits the next rainfall.”

Stage One of the city’s drought plan is triggered when the official daily level of the Edwards Aquifer drops to 660 feet or below at the J-17 monitoring well. According to the city’s Aquifer Management Plan ordinance, to end Stage One the level must return and stay above 660 feet for 30 days.

“Thanks to the water smart ways of San Antonians, our city was able to weather the drought last year,” said SAWS President/CEO Robert R. Puente. “It’s reassuring to know that we’re prepared and have the methods and resources ready, even during dry weather.”

“While we have an ample supply of water from the Edwards and other sources, state law requires us to cut back on pumping when the Edwards Aquifer reaches certain levels,” continued Puente. “Our neighbors around the Edwards region are subject to the same law, so our actions are a cooperative effort.”

Under Stage One, outdoor watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system is allowed only before 10 a.m. and after 8 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, soaker hose, or drip irrigation is still allowed any day, any time.

Source: http://www.saws.org/latest_news/NewsDrill.cfm?news_id=829