SAWS implements stricter enforcement of watering rules

“We’re past the point of issuing warnings,” said Karen Guz, SAWS director of conservation, in a press release. “Anyone caught wasting water or breaking Stage 2 watering rules will receive a citation.”

SAWS said in a press release on Saturday, August 13, the utility has issued more than 1,200 citations, clocking in at $150 for first time offenses. A report by KENS 5 says SAWS had issued only 175 citations by June 26. Enforcement of the rules includes patrolling neighborhoods and gated communities, and is encouraging residents to report rule breakers via an online form.

The watering rules will be lifted 15 days after the Edwards Aquifer, which supplies half of San Antonio’s available drinking water, rises up above the trigger water level. There are eight other sources of potable water that make up the other half of the city’s supply.

“We have been through this before and have not needed to go into Stage 3,” said Robert R. Puente, SAWS president and CEO, in the press release. “We can manage this again together if everyone complies to the watering rules.”

In June, the Edwards Aquifer dipped to levels that would typically prompt Stage 3 rules, but the utility kept the Stage 2 rules in place.

The watering rules dictate that residents can water lawns with irrigation systems or sprinklers one day a week between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Individual watering days are determined by residential addresses.

Below are the days customers are currently allowed to use sprinklers, soaker hoses, or irrigation systems.