SAN ANTONIO – The above-average temperatures and drought conditions are keeping San Antonio Water System maintenance crews on their toes this summer.
"That heat and dry weather really puts a little more pressure on our infrastructure. So we are seeing a higher number of leaks and main breaks than we would in a normal year," said Sarah Gatewood, SAWS spokeswoman.
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Rain that fell on Saturday helped the situation a little bit, knocking the average number of calls down to about 40 per day for a few days, but that slow-down was only temporary.
"Our numbers are up. We're getting on a high day as many as 70 calls a day for leaks and breaks around the city," Gatewood said.
Despite the fact SAWS is seeing an increase in water main breaks, Gatewood that rate payers will not see that translate to higher bills in order to pay for the maintenance.
"Main breaks are a part of our business even in a normal year. So we already have a part of what our rates pay for is maintaining our infrastructure and that's exactly what this is," Gatewood said.
If you see a leak or main break you are encouraged to call SAWS immediately at 704-SAWS. Be prepared to give the exact location of the leak.