SAN ANTONIO – Our exceptional drought is taking its toll on the Edwards Aquifer.
As of Saturday, Oct. 8, the 10-day average streamflow at Comal Springs has dipped below 100 cfs, which has triggered Stage 4 restrictions from the Edwards Aquifer Authority.
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What Does This Mean For You?
This can be a bit confusing. Here’s how it breaks down:
In short, if you are a pumper or a permit holder within the Edwards Aquifer Authority, then Stage 4 restrictions are now in place.
All industrial, municipal, and agricultural permits are reduced by 40% of their authorized amount.
This is in an effort to sustain spring flows in times of drought. All affected permit holders must also report their pumping totals to the EAA on a monthly basis. This includes municipal water utilities like SAWS, Alamo Heights, and New Braunfels.
However, if you are a SAWS customer, then not much changes. Due to the fact that SAWS has diversified its water portfolio, the utility has the supplies to be able to make up for the EAA permit cutbacks. A San Antonio city ordinance allows us to remain in Stage 2 in this situation. A similar scenario occurred back during the drought years of 2013-2014. Stage 3 or greater restrictions were never utilized.
SAWS does want everyone to take Stage 2 restrictions seriously. This calls for once-a-week irrigation watering on your assigned day.
Now that everyone has had time to get used to the rules, enforcement will be escalated. Citations may be issued to those who violate the restrictions.
New Braunfels Utilities are under Stage 3 restrictions at this time.
According to NBU, “In Stage 3, watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system is allowed one day per week every other week based on the last digit of your address and must occur BEFORE 10:00 a.m. and AFTER 8:00 p.m.”