New East Side road, sidewalks, curbs torn up after miscommunication between Public Works, SAWS
The Public Works Department and San Antonio Water System have given conflicting timelines on why a $972,000 road repair project in an east San Antonio neighborhood was interrupted earlier this year to make way for the installation of a new water main.
SAWS bills could drop for most homeowners, while rising for businesses and apartment complexes
Four of five residential San Antonio Water System customers could see their monthly bills drop under a new, proposed rate structure, though it would also mean higher bills for nearly all business and apartment complexes.
SAWS, CPS Energy team up for pumping station backup power plan
A year-and-a-half after faucets around Bexar County ran dry during the 2021 February Freeze, the San Antonio Water System has a $202 million plan to keep the water flowing should it happen again, and the utility is teaming up with CPS Energy for part of it.
City of San Antonio considers giving $30 million to thousands of CPS Energy, SAWS customers behind on their bills
The City of San Antonio is considering using a $30 million chunk of the federal money it received from the American Rescue Plan Act to help pay off or pay down the overdue utility bills of struggling San Antonio residents.
The Mendoza Line: DeBerry falls back on her experience using water to defend SAWS after winter storm
click to enlarge Facebook / Trish DeBerry“I know water. I bathe in it," County Commissioner Trish DeBerry said. Mendoza LineBexar County Commissioner Trish DeBerry, whose public relations firm has a contract with the San Antonio Water System, denied any bias when lobbing softballs at the utility during hearings about February’s winter storm.“Electricity is so weird and unnatural, not like water,” DeBerry said. “I know water. It’s a wonderful working relationship.”County Judge Nelson Wolff appointed DeBerry and Commissioner Tommy Calvert as county liaisons to a committee reviewing local response to February's devastating winter storm.
sacurrent.comBottled, bulk water distribution sites to close Thursday
SAN ANTONIO – The city of San Antonio and San Antonio Water System will close their bottled and bulk water distribution sites at 5 p.m. on Thursday. According to a news release, the decision to close the sites was made due to lower demand for bottled and bulk water after service was restored to all of San Antonio. The city will continue to provide bottled water delivery to vulnerable residents, including homebound seniors and apartment complexes with no drinking water, through Saturday. “Thanks to their efforts, we were able to distribute more than 500,000 cases of water and provide bulk water to our community.”AdSAWS is accepting applications from customers who need assistance making plumbing repairs to quickly restore service and minimize water loss. They can also get help filing an application by calling 210 233-FIXX (3499) or by emailing to CPR-SA@saws.org.
SAWS Board explains winter storm response
SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Water System Board of Trustees met Tuesday. One of the topics of discussion was how the public utility prepared for and responded to last month’s winter storm. Due to power outages and broken pipes, thousands of San Antonio homes were without running water for days during the week of wintry weather. Those with water were told to boil it for several days following the winter storm. Last week, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg announced that he would be forming a new committee to discover how the city can better prepare for situations like last week’s winter storm in the future.
San Antonio residents can now apply for plumbing repairs assistance from SAWS
SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Water System is now accepting applications from customers who need help making repairs to broken pipes in order to restore service and minimize water loss after last week’s recent winter storm. The program provides assistance to repair burst pipes that resulted in a loss of water service to the residence or made it necessary to turn off water service to the home. The CPR program, in collaboration with the San Antonio Area Foundation, kicked off with $25,000 in seed money from Wells Fargo and a $250,000 donation from the San Antonio Spurs. To help SAWS provide assistance to as many residents as possible, the utility is asking residents and businesses to make a tax-deductible donation online. As an additional resource, the City of San Antonio has established the Emergency Resource Call Center and website to assist residents affected by the winter storm.
Safe to drink! All boil water notices lifted for SAWS customers on Tuesday
On the afternoon of Feb. 23, 2021, SAWS lifted all Boil Water Notices for customers after last week's winter weather. SAN ANTONIO – All San Antonio Water System customers in San Antonio can now use their tap water without boiling, utility officials announced Tuesday. SAWS’ water status map shows green for all of San Antonio. Here are steps recommended by the CDC following a Boil Water Notice:AdFlush pipes by running each hot and cold water faucet for two minutes. Flush, clean, and sanitize appliances that use tap water (such as ice machine and dishwasher) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
San Antonio mayor creates panel to probe power and water outages during last week's winter storm
click to enlarge Sanford NowlinA power outage turned off lights and heat in this San Antonio neighborhood last week. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg has minted a panel to investigate what the city and its utilities got wrong during last week's historic winter storm that left hundreds of thousands without power and water.Former councilman and San Antonio Water System trustee Reed Williams will lead the seven-member group, which also includes attorney and Texas Bar Association President Lisa Tatum and retired Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., along with council members Adriana Rocha Garcia, Clayton Perry, Ana Sandoval and Manny Peláez.“Our community deserves answers," Nirenberg wrote in the memo he issued Monday creating the panel. "I am asking that this effort be done as comprehensively and expeditiously as possible while maintaining the necessary thoroughness.”Nirenberg called on City Manager Erik Walsh to provide necessary support staff and for city-owned utilities CPS Energy and San Antonio Water System to provide experts as needed.During a conference call with reporters Tuesday, CPS Energy CEO Paula Gold-Williams said her organization's board ordered up its own audit of the power failures. CPS Energy officials will coordinate with the city to share findings, she added.
sacurrent.comMore than 90% of SAWS customers off boil water notice
SAN ANTONIO – Additional areas of San Antonio can now use their tap water without boiling, San Antonio Water System announced Monday. After completing the required water quality sampling, and in consultation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SAWS scientists determined that additional areas of San Antonio will be released from the boil water notice immediately. SAWS is continuing to test water samples from other pressure zones to release additional areas soon. A map of the areas released from the boil water notice is attached to this release and shown with a green color. The boil water notice remains in effect for all other areas of the city not shown in green on the map.
Alamo Colleges and San Antonio Food Bank to host another pop-up market Feb. 25
This is the Feb. 21 map for tap water status across Bexar County, per the San Antonio Water System. The water distribution sites remain the same. The Ranger@TheRangerSACPer the San Antonio Water System, this map shows the water status across Bexar County. The green represents areas where the boil water notice has ended, while the orange represents areas where it's still in effect. The illustrated faucets represent bulk water distribution sites.
theranger.org‘Selena: The Series’ actor praises SAWS for service restoration efforts
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 13: Actor Ricardo Chavira attends 2013 NBC Upfront Presentation Red Carpet Event at Radio City Music Hall on May 13, 2013 in New York City. There are still huge chunks of ice inside of pipes, blocking water flow and cracking pipes. Thank you @MySAWS pic.twitter.com/dbw8JEl8CY — Ricardo Chavira (@RicardoAChavira) February 20, 2021“I’ve been without water since Monday,” Chavira said. “There are still huge chunks of ice inside of pipes, blocking water flow and cracking pipes. Large chunks of ice = no water flow,” Chavira said.
SAWS CEO Robert Puente to cover 1,001 lunch tabs for residents on Sunday
SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Water System CEO Robert Puente is picking up 1,001 lunch tabs for San Antonio residents. Puente is partnering with Lil Jay, Eatmigos, and some San Antonio restaurants. The promotion begins at 11 a.m.🌮Our CEO Robert Puente partnered w/ @llljayofficial, @eatmigos & #satx restaurants to pick up 1,001 lunch tabs today (Sun. This comes one day after San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg did a similar promotion and picked up 1,000 lunch tabs on Saturday. RELATED: Mayor Nirenberg picks up 1,000 lunch tabs for residents on Saturday
SAWS: Most areas in San Antonio have water restored
SAN ANTONIO – Most areas in the city of San Antonio have had their water restored, according to the San Antonio Water System. SAWS announced Sunday morning that 98% of households have had their water restored, but a few areas still remain without water in the far North and Northwest Sides of town. As of 3:20 p.m. on Sunday, residents in the castle hills are have had their water service restored. Although water may be restored in most areas of the city, there are still plenty of areas that still fall under the active boil water notice that SAWS enacted last week. RELATED: Parts of San Antonio released from boil water notice, SAWS announcesCustomers that are still under the boil notice may not have a lack of water, but have a lack of pressure.
San Antonio Water System lifts its boil-water notice for some areas. This map shows where.
click to enlarge Screen Capture / SAWS.orgSan Antonio Water System has lifted its recommendation for some customers that they boil water before drinking or cooking with it.The city-owned utility posted an interactive map on its website showing which neighborhoods no longer need to follow the notice. Most are inside Loop 410 or in the northern suburbs.SAWS issued the recommendation Wednesday after power outages from last week's winter storm reduced pumping pressure across much of the Alamo City.Those in areas where the notice has been lifted should still run taps to flush their pipes before drinking or cooking with the water, according to recommendations on the utility's website The map also shows where SAWS is operating bulk distributions of bottled water for those still under the order.
sacurrent.comThese boil water notices have been lifted in the San Antonio area
Boil water notice issued as city of Kerrville experiences ‘unprecedented strain’ on water systemSAN ANTONIO – Millions of residents across the state and in the San Antonio region have had to undergo a boil water notice following this week’s winter storm. The Boil Water Notice Rescinded for customers in the Enchanted River Estates water system , Public Water System ID No. Boil Water Notice Rescinded for customers in the River Bend Estates water system , Public Water System ID No. Boil Water Notice Rescinded for customers in the Lake Medina Shores water system, Public Water System ID No. Boil Water Notice Rescinded for customers in the Woodhaven Mobile Home Park water system , Public Water System ID No.
SeaWorld lawyers question SAWS about using parking lot as water distribution site
SAN ANTONIO – Lawyers for SeaWorld apparently had some concerns about the San Antonio Water System wanting to use its parking lot as a water distribution site for residents in desperate need of water. According to SAWS president and CEO Robert Puente, the lawyers had a lot of questions. The SeaWorld site was among seven water distribution sites at SAWS pump stations where the utility is giving away free water for customers who have no water or low water pressure due to the winter storm. The sites will be open until the water system is back to normal operating conditions. Check below for the water distribution site closest to you:NACO (drive-thru), 13655 O’Connor RoadSeale, 254 Seale RoadMission, 615 E Theo AveMaltsberger (drive-thru), 8910 Jones MaltsbergerUniversity (drive-thru), 7172 Hausman RoadSeaworld, 10349 Military Dr. W.SE Booster (drive-thru), 1208 S Loop 1604 W.Related:
Frozen or burst pipes? SAWS helps affected customers with free water
The melted ice and snow on the roadways allowed for easier transit for people to fill their containers with water after being days without water due to frozen or burst water pipes. SAWS employees at some locations helped customers affected by the winter weather pump water. Customers for SAWS are required to bring their own 5-gallon bucket or water jug in order to receive a maximum of 5-gallons of water each day. Take care of turning it off right away.”Beginning Saturday, all water distribution pump stations will open at 8 a.m. and wrap up services at 6 p.m..Customers at the Seale, Mission and Seaworld locations must pump their own water. Check below for the water distribution site closest to you:
Here are the water, food distribution centers open in the San Antonio area
Volunteers are needed to help staff the distribution sites. Volunteer shifts are available Monday, February 22nd through Friday, February 26th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers will assist with loading cases of water into vehicles and provide instructions at the distribution sites. Volunteer shifts are available Monday, February 22nd through Friday, February 26th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers will assist with loading cases of water into vehicles and provide instructions at the distribution sites.
SAWS will update billing so San Antonio customers aren't slapped with high charges after winter storm
click to enlarge Sam Cox / Flickr Creative CommonsBREAKING: SAWS will charge all customers the LOWER of 2 amounts on their next bill: either the total charges for current month, or last month’s charges, whichever is lower ⬇️ to aid customers who might have a high bill due to a freeze-related leak ➡️https://t.co/WZmi8Zewiv pic.twitter.com/cDtVQFcoK7 — 𝐒𝐀𝐖𝐒 (@MySAWS) February 18, 2021For those worrying they'll be hit with an astronomical water bill after flooding and pipe breakages from this week's storm, San Antonio Water System has announced plans that may provide peace of mind.On Thursday, the utility unveiled a relief program that will apply to all customers' next monthly bill. Under the initiative, customers will be charged the lower of two amounts — either last month's charges, or the charges for the current month.“This extreme weather event has caused unimaginable hardships, and the last thing our neighbors need to worry about right now is their next water bill,” SAWS President and CEO Robert R. Puente said in a news release. “These are very trying times for many, and we want to help ease the burden any way we can.”
sacurrent.comSAWS opens bulk water distribution sites
SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Water System is opening seven water distribution locations at its pump stations on Friday to provide customers with water. As a precaution, the water should be boiled before drinking or used in cooking, mirroring the current boil water notice advisory for the city, officials said. The sites will be open until the water system is back to normal operating conditions. The city of San Antonio and the San Antonio Food Bank will also be setting up separate bottled water distribution sites throughout the city. Check below for the water distribution site closest to you:NACO (drive-thru), 13655 O’Connor RoadSeale, 254 Seale RoadMission, 615 Theo ParkwayMaltsberger (drive-thru), 8910 Jones MaltsbergerUniversity (drive-thru), 7172 Hausman RoadSeaworld, 10349 Military Dr. W.SE Booster (drive-thru), 1208 S Loop 1604 W.Related Stories:
SAWS to provide water bill relief to all customers following winter storms
SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Water System customers can breathe a sigh of relief after officials say bills will be lower than expected for all customers. Residents in San Antonio have had to drip faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and some may have even had a leak due to a busted pipe from the below-freezing temperatures and wintry weather. This may have led to some concerns for residents on a potential spike in their next bill. “This extreme weather event has caused unimaginable hardships, and the last thing our neighbors need to worry about right now is their next water bill,” said SAWS president/CEO Robert R. Puente in a release. If you’re still unable to pay your bill’s full balance, visit SAWS’ website here.
San Antonio Water System will issue a boil order for tap water Wednesday afternoon
click to enlargeSan Antonio Water System will join Texas cities such as Corpus Christi, Arlington and Fort Worth this afternoon by issuing a boil-water notice, CEO Robert Puente said during an emergency city council meeting. "This is a precautionary boil-water notice," Puente said, explaining that state regulators require residents to boil water they consume when water pressure is low. The order will not apply to water used for bathing and other uses. "If you're going to consume water from your tap, boil it," he added.During this week's crippling winter storm, power outages have plagued SAWS's pumping stations, which has led to low pressure or a complete lack of water in some neighborhoods. "When we knew we had a system coming in, we should have had an acting planning session, not waiting to see what happens."
sacurrent.comWelcome center helps prospective students enroll for college
#tbt to a vivid 2011 summer edition of The Ranger. First, professors and students advise each other. Here are the takeaways: Students want interactivity beyond lecturing, while professors want students to — this is awkward — come to class! Think critically and don’t text!
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