Every Drop Counts – Stage 1 Water Restrictions Begin

By rerockstar • April 10th, 2009

It was just a matter of time.

I think we all knew it was coming, but we secretly hoped there would be enough rain to stave off SAWS calling for water restrictions. Today, the reading at the Edwards Aquifer dipped below 660.0 feet above sea level (down to 659.6 feet above sea level) forcing us into Stage 1 water restrictions. SAWS is expected to make the announcement in a few moments (at 3 PM April 10, 2009).

Despite the call for rain this weekend, once they announce Stage 1 is in effect, it last for 30 days, no matter how much the Aquifer levels rise. So for the next 30 days, here’s the restrictions:

No watering of lawns/plants on weekends.
One day per week watering for all households.
All watering to be done before 10 AM or after 8 PM.
Hand watering with a watering can or hose is still premitted – any day at any time.
Washing of vehicles is allowed at home on your scheduled day/time only. (You can still use the car wash.)
All non-public swimming pools must have 25% of their surface area covered with evaporation screens when not in use.
During those times and based on the schedule for your address (see below) irrigation systems and sprinklers are allowed.
The schedule for watering is based on the last number in your street address:
- 0 or 1 – Monday
- 2 or 3 – Tuesday
- 4 or 5 – Wednesday
- 6 or 7 – Thursday
- 8 or 9 – Friday

When will it end?

San Antonio’s Aquifer Management Plan Ordinance states that the Edwards Aquifer (as measured at the J-17 monitoring well near Ft. Sam Houston) must remain above 660.0 feet above sea level for 30 consecutive days in order for the Stage 1 restriction to be lifted. Stage 2 begins once we dip below 650.0 feet above sea level and includes additional restrictions. For more information on Stage 1 water restricitions, visit the San Antonio Water System Drought Restrictions website.

photo courtesy of Burning Image