SAN ANTONIO – Water restrictions that have been in effect in San Antonio since 2011 will be lifted on Wednesday, San Antonio Water System officials announced.
Recent heavy rains have sent the Edwards Aquifer level soaring well above the 660 feet at the J-17 Well for 10 days, which allows for the city ordinance to be lifted.
San Antonio has been in some type of water restrictions since 2011 and Stage Two restrictions since 2012.
"We are hoping that citizens will continue their water-saving ways and continue to be restrained about outdoor water use," SAWS President and CEO Robert R. Puente said in a statement. "While the once-a-week restrictions have been lifted, no one should need to do any outdoor watering for the near future."
"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. 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. 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 by clicking here.